So after a few years of decreased steelhead returns to our area (Ringold), I had a good feeling about this year. I went out a couple times in October, had some grabs and landed one fish. Last Friday, I went out, landed one, had three tugs and had what was probably a coho on for a few minutes before the fly came out. Went out today, landed two steelhead, had four other great grabs that for some puzzling reason did not hook up. On the long walk back I stopped to do just ”10 more casts” at a spot I passed earlier and had talked to a gear guy who told me it was a great coho spot. On my second cast I hooked up and landed a coho. It was a great day, sunny but 28 degrees and windy, and my fight leg was soaked from leaky waders. (I guess my repair after last week didn’t work.). But I was in a great mood, casting well at the end despite the wind, thinking I got steelie mojo back. When I got home, I went through my 40 pending emails and got this from WDFW:
Nov. 18, 2022
Hanford Reach steelhead fishery to close
Action: Closes steelhead fishing and retention
Effective date: Nov. 20, 2022, until further notice
Species affected: Steelhead
It says steelhead returns are low. Not my experience for sure. Major bummer.
Nov. 18, 2022
Hanford Reach steelhead fishery to close
Action: Closes steelhead fishing and retention
Effective date: Nov. 20, 2022, until further notice
Species affected: Steelhead
It says steelhead returns are low. Not my experience for sure. Major bummer.