All this talk of midwest steelheading got me poking around to find out more for those times when I have to go back to Chicago to visit the inlaws. I've been finding pictures of these skamania strain hatchery fish with huge beer bellies. I've seen some bloated chambers creek hatchery fish but nothing like these.



Is that just something about the genetics or does it have to do with their feeding grounds? Or a combination of both. Check out the link below and goto the pictures pages to see what I'm talking about.
http://www.w2access.com/fishon.html

Hawk, is this what you'll be catching all weekend?

Bruce

Bruce,

I think it's a timing thing. I know that the browns that guys catch after the ice-out have the same huge bellies. I've fished Lake Michigan several times for steelhead, and all the fish we caught were of your typical Skammy-strain build. These fish were caught in June and July.

I think hawk is on the road for a fishing trip, but I'd bet he can give us an answer when he gets back. Whaddya say, hawk?

Fish on..........