Hey, another Eastsider!

We're coming into primo summer steelhead season (I know, it's winter, but they smoke up fine). Boat fishing them is easier, but here's some bank advice.

Go above Ice Harbor. Fish anywhere on the road on the east side or off the point at Charbonneau. On the west side, fish off the rocks nest to the lock at the dam. Use a bobber and shrimp or bobber and bucktail jig with a shrimp. Start with your bait set 6ft down and play with depth.

Or, go up to Ringold. You can bobber, drift fish, or throw spinners. I like it there first thing in the morning from shore. The fish will be closer before getting spooked off. There's also some boulders just off shore that will hold a fish or two for whoever gets them first. Yarnies work as well as bait up there.

If you're willing to do a guided trip, look up TJ Hester. He did really well last year fishing steelhead in the Reach and McNary.

If you can get yourself into any kind of floating device (boat, canoe, kayak, pontoon), head above McNary. Pick your day and plan accordingly for cold water and cold weather. Set a bobber to 6ft-18ft and slow troll around. You'll catch fish, but the chances of keeping one are very low. For my boat last year, about 1 in twelve got bonked.