So I've done a couple floats on the lower sky over the last few weeks chasing coho. As bycatch I've hooked 4 of what I believe to be wild Steelhead smolt. Two were hooked on eggs under a float, one was hooked on a sand shrimp under a float and the other was on a dick nite. Now I know there are resident trout in the river but down this low? I figured the general population of em would be up above the falls? I'm not sure how long wild steelhead smolt hang out in the river before heading to the salt. If they are steelhead smolt I'd assume they are from last year's winter run. Oh, and they are for sure not Cutthroat.

Here's one from today that took a big glob of eggs under a float...Sorry the pic is washed out. Notice there are only a few spots on the fins.:


And one more for good measure:


Fish was released. If these are wild steelhead smolt that I've been hooking I'd say that's a good sign for a healthy river system. Please let me know what you think they may be.

Thanks,

Drew