I think a lot of guys here have caught some less desirable steelhead. Float goes down in January, set the hook... and you've got an old summer-run. Spinner stops in June, set the hook... and you've got an old winter-run, etc.
But, boy, I have been on quite a streak this summer. I've hooked everything from an explosively strong big downstream buck to an undersized (19.5"), semi-dark hatchery fish with a smolt in his throat.
Today truly took the cake.
As far as I can tell, this was at one time a 4-5 lb. native winter hen--look at the size of the anal fin. As of today, August 31, she was probably 2 lbs (if you block out the fins, this fish would pass as a snake). She had brightened back up, clearly, but her tail torn like she had just spawned.
I've never heard of a winter native in August, but, as far as I can tell, I just caught one.
I probably wouldn't be so fascinated if I were catching the right kind of steelhead more regularly right about now. At least I'm on the right species, I guess.
Andrew
