Can you explain why the state wants that endorsement on Mayfield and not Riffe or Merwin on the Lewis? They are all tribs. to the Columbia,not like I want them to, I figure the endorsement on mayfield is bogus enough to keep us from fishing it. Bob R

Bob, I was told by a bait shop owner down near Salkum that Mayfield is a tributary of the Columbia. Believe it or not Merwin is not. I only bought the endorsement because I have really good crappy luck. I happened to catch two silvers on accident 2 years ago while fishing muskies there. (Mayfield) Which I could have kept legally but let go. None-the-less better safe than sorry in my book. Also Riffe flushes its smolt down through Cowlitz into Mayfield and then again down through the Mayfield Dam. Mayfield is stocked with Salmon (Kings) and steelhead (trout). Plus I figure its $8.50 that goes to support the salmon and steelhead. I know Merwin has a great koke fishery but I do not think it has a trout or salmon fishery in it?
Maybe throw the question over to Stacie Kelsey in the freshwater section?

When I read the game laws I see them as saying that if your fishing for slamon or steel head you then need the endorsement. Trout are exempt???

David, not sure what you point is on this. Did you read my repsonse? I do not hink Slamon or steel head care if you have an endorsement.They will hit your lure if they are hungry. If you catch one on accident at least you are covered. Dumb luck can get yourself in trouble. And sometimes I fall into that category..lol And to add if you are out there fishing for slamon or steel head with out one you'd better get one. And the last time i checked steelhead are a trout. And there are rainbows out there too.. Thats all I'm saying..
Later, Todd

According to the dfw you can you do not need the endorsement for trout. if you catch one that is over the 18 inch size limit you just need to release it.