Dear Dana, Tyler, Rick, Rob, Poul, etc..
I heard of the King fishers resolution wednesday evening while enjoying a beer with several of your members at the Log Cabin Pub. I have very mixed emotions about the Thompson closure, as this season was exceptionally memorable, as all seasons on the Thompson are. My first fish of the season was landed simultaneously with one landed by Harry Lemire in one of your favorite runs of water, a beautiful hen of about 18 pounds. I was also extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to share the Thompson with fishers from several countries. I am extremely saddened about the closures impact on the small community of Spences Bridge...I fear for the impact it will have on the Rivers Edge restaurant, the Log Cabin Pub, and other small Spences Bridge businesses. The scenery and local community members are magnificant. I landed 6 beautiful Thompson river fish this year that I will never forget, and while I don't entirely agree with the satistics that lead to the closure of the Thompson, I fully agree that her fish need protection, they are like no other steelhead on earth! I bought a fishing shack in Spences Bridge last year to enjoy the scenery, local community members, and like the Thompson fish, I wanted to enjoy the company of the truly hard core steelheaders that persue them. It was a pleasure to have spent time with many of the members of the Kingfishers and debated the issues with Rick, Rob, etc, with respect to the Thompson closure, and while I don't entirely agree with all practices of the group, I fully respect Its' decision and support it to support the Thompson river fish that we all respect! My buddies and I decided to also respect the Kingfishers and ended our season wednesday evening as many of your members did. The lure of Thompson steelhead, the pleasure of experiencing her fish with a friend, the warmth of a late morning breakfast at Vickies, a cold beer with great steelhead buddies talking flies, lies, gear and fish are memories I wont soon forget, and am not willing to give up!
I respect the Kingfishers decision and please count me in, in any capacity to help support Spences Bridge, the Thompson and her fish!
steve