I hear you guys/gals talking about "caught 2 winters and 1 summer run Steelie last weekend". Should I be lucky enough to actually catch a Steelhead, I'm not sure I'll know it from a Salmon! How can you tell, by looking, if it's a winter or summer run fish?

A good question, but one that has many local variables...depending on run timing in diferent waters. If you're referring to the fish caught on the Kalama, chances are most of the summer runs have been squirting around in the river for some time now, and have developed red sides and gill plates and a greener appearance, while fresh winter fish will be oil black on top and pearly white below. Since both runs generally spawn at the same time, the summer run's longer presence in the river morphs it more, and by this time of year each run looks quite distinct--just as many winter hatchery fish look reddish and tired when fresh nates arrive in Feb./March...

You may be able to tell something by studying the dead fish review in STS, or try looking at the pics at Dickson's site: http://www.flyfishsteelhead.com/gallery.htm
(at least an undead fish review...)