DT,
The west-end fish are definitely different than the Great Lakes steel. Those April days of super-spooky "sight-fishing" and spring-time downsizing don't happen in the PacNW (when pursuing things legally anyways). The other guys are right about how aggressive they are. If a native steelhead is present and in comfortable holding water (and in the mood), they'll eat a shoe.

I grew up fishing the midwest runs, moved to the PacNW for some time and recently moved back to the upper midwest. Both areas have their charms, but the west-end demands a reel with much better drag! Good luck,

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