Jack returns are used to help predict the following years returns for salmon. They probably help predict steelhead returns. Last year was the first time for me to catch jack steelhead. WDFW'S last creel report for southwest washington did show jack returns for a couple rivers. Check it out. http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/fish/regions/reg5/reg5-2.htm
Hopefully fishing continues to be as good as it has been.