Made it out to a river I know well this weekend to fish by myself dark to dark. Conditions were perfect. Visibility was 3-4', river had been dropping from high from high for days. I was shocked by how few fishermen were out; it was a ghost town unlike I've seen in years.

I fished very hard and with many different presentations in areas I've caught dozens of steelhead, and never got a bite. Never even a mysterious float down or tap on a drift. I've been fishing these areas for 12 years and they have been good to me. I fished known spots because I wanted to up my chances at finally tailing a fish this year of my own but it didn't happen.

I'm starting to worry this is a really down year for steelhead numbers in the PNW. Some fisheries started out hot but have now slowed to a crawl. It may be cold weather making fish lethargic or late too.

What do you guys think? Bad year for returns or typical?

Moisture level: Dry 1/10; snail slow day, scary low numbers for this time of year; depressing.

I think the numbers will be down this year on some systems. Some will be "normal". Just depends on where you fish, what you are fishing for (brats vs wild) and if you can time the freshets, spurts of fish, etc.

I'm proposing a hook ban next year, as that is what is needed to save our steelhead.

I've heard a lot of accounts of slow fishing, but I've talked to a couple people who have done really well. My experience has been very much the former on the few times I've ventured out.

Warmer water should help the fly game, but that's going to be a while longer coming. Also a lot of rain in the 10-day forecast. That may speed the warming, but it won't help the water levels. Hoping late March brings some real spring weather our way. I'm ready for that.

I've been pretty happy with the return on my effort so far.

Is that 0 fish for 0 days?



Just to be clear and biotch out, I haven't fly fished winter steelhead in 3 years and that's one day in almost 5 years (and I got one!). I quit when all my quiet spots were over run with dudes wearing and fishing brand new gear that said they had been fishing there "for years" yet could barely cast. I'm disgusted with fly fishing for steelhead these days. Most of these new fly fishermen don't know what they don't know so it's hard to hear them talk most of the time. I see guys filming who can barely cast.

All moist waders reports are anything but fly fishing unless explicitly stated.

No. Effort has been pretty high considering I work overtime every week.

Fished a dozen+ days since Jan. 1, mostly full day efforts with a few half days thrown in for clam digging and other less fun things. Finding fish most days. Landing a fish about 3/4 of the time and usually having another fish or two on the line each day. Only a couplefew days where I don't think a steelhead so much as looked at my gear.

Fish quality has been quite high, which more than makes up for the slow days. Fished high water and low water. Weather has been about 50/50 clear skies and gray skies. Bitching and moaning about lack of fish, moist waders, fly fisherman or their outfits has been at a constant zero every single day.

lay off the bananas

Baby steps Beezy. You stayed dry and that's a good first baby step in the right direction. We are proud of you!

At least someone is getting out there and wetting a line. I can't remember the last time I fished. It's gotten so bad, my boss asked me today when was the last time I made it out to the river. I told him it was all his fault. He laughed and then gave me more work. Booo....

That sounds good. I clearly need to catch a fish really really bad...

And lose the bananas...

lol

Didn't see this coming.

Oh wait................yes I did.

He's two for two on Twinkies.