My first 10 minutes of fishing on the Thompson River BC in 1994 produced a hefty 42" slab. Got a great photo in shallow water and away it went. Estimated 27 lbs.

In 1995 I saw a guy with a 23 lb hatchery Summer Run on the NF Lewis, beauty of a chromer.
I lucked out on the NF Lewis river in 1996 and dogged up a 40" 20 lb hatchery Summer Run. 6 lb leader and 10lb mainline, it was a great battle, last fish of a great weekend. It is hard to beat those June, July Summer runs on the Lewis when it is on. Not a huge fish but a great memory.

I wish every steelheader a chance to battle a hot 20lb+ steelhead, memories for a lifetime.