I did my homework as far as digging techique. however, I didn't expect to spend an hour and a half slogging around in the mud not seeing anything convincing.

Thanks for the replies. I'll just keep trying.
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In the legend of King Arthur, the Fisher King was a renowned angler whose errant ways caused him to be struck dumb in the presence of the sacred chalice. I am no great fisherman, and a steelhead is not the covenant of Christ, but with each of these fish I am rendered speechless.