Winter is the traditional time to go steelhead fishing. Usually the flows in winter are higher and its easier to drift boat or sled and better for plunking. However I prefer to fish for the summer runs because there is more daylight, its warmer, I have more success, and they taste great. Salmon tends to turn mushy when they get ready to spawn before or after they enter the river. Spring chinook is good tasting, firm, and oily.