In some ways I'm actually glad the Chum population is down. Even with the Interior Steelhead window closure, if the chum numbers are up, the Commercial Fleet E is out in November with their gill nets and yes....they are getting Thompson Steelhead. Don't believe the BS that they aren't. We all know they are. I can remember accidently hooking at least 3 over the years after November 15th when fishing with my trout gear for trout only. Needless to say that my gear was trashed each time.
Gillnet Fleet E also scoops up too many Chehalis Coho in November as well as many of the later wild runs that go into the smaller Fraser Tribs.
As for tradeoffs....I will take lower chum numbers any day of the week if it keeps the commercial fishermen out of the Fraser during the month of November.