Winter steeheading is such a popular sport for so many people who grew up here. I agree with thaxor about with no winter hatchery fish there isn't a whole lot to do in the winter months for angler. Plus winter steelhead fishing generates money for the economy in quite a few ways. I also agree with Francis that winter steelhead are not the greatest table fare but I smoke the steelhead I catch anyway and they are ok that way. I have caught summer steelhead late in the year (Sept-Oct.) that didn't taste very good cooked either. Thaxor, the Wynooche summer steelie run has not been good the last couple of years, especially two years ago. So, you are not the only one having difficulty finding them. Poor ocean conditions is the explanation.