It's amazing how perspectives differ from here and rivers near the more populated areas. The locals are really grumbling about how crowded the Clearwater is, but it's nothing compared to what you'd see on the Wind, below Bonneville or some weekends on the Hoh.

QwikSticks, give yourself a star for being observant: most people around here fish for chinook EXACTLY like they do steelhead. Same water, same gear. That's probably why Idaho Fish and Game's creel survey showed the weekend average at 25 hours per fish.

So far as the shape of the fish, there is no such thing as a chromer around here. While female steelhead generally don't get too colored, the males are quite red from December on. From what I hear the chinook are in fine shape -- not dime bright like you see on the lower Columbia, but not black as a tire either.

My information is second hand, though. Haven't been out yet -- waiting for the crowds to subside.