Thanks for the feedback.

It wasn't a cutthroat for sure. I was able to look under the jaw before he put the hooks into my hand!!

It was dark on top and silver on the sides. Looked like your basic small steelhead. And fought like hell. I have heard of steelhead that head up the creek there, but the 'fishery' is not allowed. Either way - it was sure fun.

As for the long trip to get to the lake - that's nothing compared to what the fish that get up to the snake, grand ronde, clearwater, etc have to go through. And you can find fairly bright steelhead in those rivers...

Thanks again!