I'm sure most of you already know the spring Winni Derby has been cancelled.

Apparently they have been too many hook wounded fish being netted by the biologists.

There was also a major reduction from 400-500 fish at the site to 70.

Actually I think it's the signs of the times... with the economy in shambles, the Winni Derby may sense a disappointing turnout and might be the right time to bow out .

Well it was disappointing to see the derby cancelled but it was clearly going the wrong direction on Winni and the presure needs to decrease. That being said, the answer I believe is much more complex than just canceling the derby. NH's program stocks many small salmon and focuses more on managing the smelt population. Its much more expensive to hold the salmon for a longer time allowing for maturity but it would help salmon survive hook injury. Other fisheries are doing well Maine, Vermont ect... I wonder if anything can be learned about there programs. Lowering the population of competing fish? like what Moosehead Lake is doing with Lakers. who knows maybe I will go back to bassing.