12-21-2017, 06:23 AM
Wow, that seems extreme...and morbid. I don’t think the goal here is to eliminate the macs as in Yellowstone. I know some theories will disagree, but with macs I think you need to conserve the large fish. They are so long lived and growth rates are so slow, removing them to make “room” for other fish to fill their spot does not seem viable. I understand that theory with stunted bass or really any short lived fish, but not lake trout. The crowning jewel of the Gorge is the trophy Mac. We shouldn’t mess with that. It seems more reasonable to at least try to target the specific problem size, which appears less than 28”, rather than the entire specie. I realize that manage by angling may not work, but why not try. I know if I catch a 26” Mac next year while trolling for kokes, it will get turned loose unharmed, unless the wanton waste law is lifted. If I can legally pop the air bladder and sink it, I will. One less breeder and one less mouth to feed. Can’t hurt- seems like a no brainer decision by the DWR.
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