I have mixed feelings about the Native Fish Society. While they claim to be directed by the best available science, that has not always been the case, particularly when it comes to the Deschutes River. Regardless, I completely agree with their core position that we need to increase the abundance of wild salmonids and the best way to do that is to focus on suitable habitat for wild fish and to reduce the production of hatchery fish. A recent post on the NFS website outlines the amazing success of this approach with coho salmon in Oregon. The post is worth reading and be sure to watch the 30 minute presentation given last November to members of the Oregon senate. It’s compelling, although some senators on the panel seemed to be less than fully engaged. Locally, we have seen the success of this approach in the Metolius River where trout stocking ended in 1996.