Winter Steelhead Predictions

Pete · 11-19-2001, 08:59 PM

It's been an unbelievable year for salmon. Does anyone have a reliable forecast for the winter steelhead runs? It seems like the ocean conditions that supported the salmon should also provide good numbers of steelhead. It seems like the rivers should be full as we head into a wet winter. There will certainly be some timing issues. Several years ago we had a wet winter that kept the rivers above floatable levels more days than not and it was tough to find good fishing days. But I haven't seen any official predictions of run size. So what have others heard?

Spot · 11-20-2001, 03:57 PM

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fisheromen · 11-25-2001, 05:37 PM

I'm curious too! Last year was pretty pathetic.

Jennie@ifish · 11-25-2001, 06:01 PM

Seemed like every place was not very good last year, except the Nestucca.
Better be better than last year!
Jen

[ 11-25-2001: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]</p>

David Johnson · 11-25-2001, 09:50 PM

I had the best year ever last year.

Each year is different and you have to change locations and techniques.

Catch 22 · 11-25-2001, 10:15 PM

I think David's hit the nail on the head here. This year instead of waiting for the rivers to get to where I like them for my style of fishing, I plan to work on adapting to different water conditions that I might normally not fish. I'm working on my bag of tricks all the time!

First Bite · 11-25-2001, 10:56 PM

I agree with David above. The last two years have been the best yet...for Native Steelhead. The coastal hatchery run was way down compared to previous years but that's okay. I'd rather have a healthy native run any day.

I ran into a guy the other day who only fishes for bottom fish off the jetty. He told me that this last year the fish he's been catching have been the biggest yet. We've also seen huge Coho return this fall and I think the Winter steelhead should also be bigger then average. This could possibly be a year where some of us catch our first 20# steelhead. That's what keeps me coming back.

Mark

Jennie@ifish · 11-26-2001, 04:42 AM

Then again, I had the poorest salmon season on The Columbia too, so who am I to say? :smile:
We just hit the rivers on the wrong days I guess.
Jen

dogfishboy · 11-26-2001, 10:31 AM

I too would agree with David and Catch 22. This technique - or mindset - worked very well for springers, steelhead, and fall chinook on the Columbia this year for me. This also seemed to be true in Tillamook this year. Old locations that have not produced in awhile seemed to be productive this year. The adjustments are often subtle.

David

Fish Hunter · 11-26-2001, 10:33 AM

The Guide shop thinks so...

"November 26, 2001...Saturday night forecasted showers were heavier than expected keeping the Wilson at 6+ with green color. Yesterday, the guys stayed on the Kilchis and reports of fish were taken. The Wilson River today is at 6' with grey green color. We should see some fish both chinook and steelhead. Early signs of steelhead usually indicate a very good season ahead of us. Well, lets hope so. Good luck to all of you, Marilyn "

Also the PP board has a thread that would signal some good early returns.

Seems to me if you have to wait for a run of winter steelhead that's "a little late" it's going to be small. Early fish mean a bigger run. Let the games begin!!!!

blackdog · 11-26-2001, 12:30 PM

I wouldn't put a lot of stock in what The Guide Shop has to say. One of my good fishing buddies just finished a day drifting the Wilson not long ago without touching a fish or seeing one caught by others. He stopped by the shop on the way home for a pop and some chips and while he waited to pay he overheard the gal tell somebody on the phone that the river was in great shape and almost all the boats were getting into fish. He asked her why she has just lied to the person, and didn't get much of an answer other than a shrug of the shoulders. So, in the future, take what The Guide Shop says with a grain of salt. Better yet, read the water levels, go and find out for yourself, and post your news here!

Tanner · 11-26-2001, 12:38 PM

Sorry folks, I have to agree with BlackDog. I won't even spend my money there any more. Very unreliable info for the soul purpose of drumming up business.

Fish Hunter · 11-26-2001, 01:24 PM

Ok, thats fair. I have noticed over the years that the fishing is never bad when you have any flyshop, tackle shop, etc. on the phone. But Keith and his wife, forgot her name, that ran the Guide Shop the last few years were pretty straight with me when I called the store. The Wilson has been my main winter haunt for a while now.
It's always better to make some news than to find out too late and share it. Gotta get that line wet. :grin:

Tanner · 11-26-2001, 01:35 PM

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Ok, thats fair. I have noticed over the years that the fishing is never bad when you have any flyshop, tackle shop, etc. on the phone. <hr></blockquote> Call Nestucca Valley Sporting Goods. If the the fishing is slow they will tell you it is slow. They realize that an honest report will bring them more repeat business.