Salmo's post does a great job of describing what steelhead angling is all about in today's terms: It's about the places it takes us, plus the promise of meeting a specimen of a rare, magnificent species of fish if we get lucky.

In other words, it's mostly about the opportunity. Steelhead fishing is very nearly as rewarding as steelhead catching from my perspective, and I don't think I'm aone in that sentiment. There aren't enough wild steelhead around to justify harvest fisheries, but as long as there's one left swimming, there will always be enough to support today's tourism demand, which is essentially the CHANCE at hooking (and releasing) a wild unicorn.