Is it really that poor?

finnman · 01-31-2005, 07:19 AM

I've landed eight steelhead so far this year which is right where I was last year. With about the same effort. This is not a brag just a comparison. Maybe it is relative to the number of fish you are use to catching. Eight is not a lot but I'm happy. The conditions are really different from last year but for fish out put it is about the same. Has there been an over statement of the lack of fish? Maybe it is system specific or just the tough conditions. Just an observation.

Finnman

fishboys · 01-31-2005, 08:46 AM

I have been out 4 times and got 2 fish, not bad for about 8 hours total fishing time. all from the bank. that might not seem that great to some of you but for me thats pretty good.

M'kay13 · 01-31-2005, 09:03 AM

0

Sir Fishalot · 01-31-2005, 09:53 AM

I've got no complaints either. I've hooked 5 fish in 4 trips and managed to land 3 of them in the last week and a half.

This is coming from a guy who has only caught 9 total steelhead in his whole life! I feel as though I'm just starting to come around that learning curve and am finally shedding my amateur status for the intermediate status.

THEJEFF · 01-31-2005, 09:56 AM

Ive been twice and havent got a one. But to me fishing is always good.

finnman · 01-31-2005, 01:09 PM

See, it isn't so bad.

Crayfin · 01-31-2005, 01:12 PM

I gotta say, I think it has been markedly tougher this year than in previous years. I am hoping that the natives fared better than the hatchery fin. Been getting a few fish but nothing like I am used to.

01-31-2005, 01:53 PM

I'm fly fishing this winter so it's tough regardless

Reel Head · 01-31-2005, 01:55 PM

Slow for me. 12 trips 5 in the freezer. Last year had 14 by this time in about the same amount of trips with a couple limit days. Im moving on to Springers.

timinthegorge · 01-31-2005, 02:37 PM

Maybe for those of you to the west, it's been OK, but for those of us up here in the Mid-Columbia, it's been the worst year in many years.

Every time I've gone out, I've talked to others (either on the river, or at the ramp) who've said the same thing.

I keep thinking it's GOT to get better... or not.

Penobscot · 01-31-2005, 04:33 PM

I've had 5 fish in about 15 trips. Not great, but better than some. What bums me out is that I was hoping for 16 winters this year as I had doubled my steelhead every year so far.
1fish-year 1
2-year 2
4-year 3
8-year 4
5-year 5, I've got 11 to go.
Of course I knew it was going to be hard to get 32 next year.

Siwash · 01-31-2005, 08:14 PM

I've tallied but 3 so far this year, compared to 7 (in fewer trips) at the same point last year. :depressed:

MuleyBuck · 01-31-2005, 08:50 PM

If you want to use someone as a guage, use me. I have caught over 200 steelhead at this time by last year, and this year I have gotten about 30. It is a bad year, the fish are not here, just look at the counts from last year till this year. Not the same by a longshot. I'm not bragging on my numbers because I do have access to some water that very few are able to fish, but if you do guage the numbers there is a huge difference.

Bait Bucket · 01-31-2005, 09:01 PM

All I can catch are dark summers. I haven't landed a bright winter steelhead this year.

Ivana Fishalot · 01-31-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

All I can catch are dark summers. I haven't landed a bright winter steelhead this year.

good gawd, thank you sir. I thought I was the only one.

nuke · 01-31-2005, 10:33 PM

I agree that it is definitely slower. I had essentially 2x the fish for the same number of trips last year, and everyone I talk to on the river is saying the same thing. Just one of those years, I guess.... :depressed:

ssteelheadsteve · 01-31-2005, 11:00 PM

No

Half fast Toyn · 02-01-2005, 12:39 PM

Ill tell ya the Alsea stinks!!! But im not a fish hatchery hole hog either...... so.....