BrianL,

I don't often look to the traveling lanes as a place to fish unless I think the weather and water conditions make it an odds on probability that steelhead are actually traveling. I don't think most steelhead do much traveling under low, clear, and cold water conditions because their metabolism is reduced quite a bit under those conditions. Of course, there are always exceptions, and I cannot forget a banner day on the NF Stilly years ago with 36 deg. F water. One hatchery cookie cutter after another moved the several feet necessary to intercept my fly. I just stood there in awe and reeled them in.

One of my favorite spots on the Skagit, aka Secret Spot, is both a holding and traveling lane about 3 or 4' deep, but covered with enough riffled surface to make fish feel secure. It's been productive when the river is low, clear, and cold, and up to medium high and colored. And the interesting thing is that I've never hooked a fish further out in the "steelhead looking" water that appears to be the right speed and depth.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.