Best Steelhead river for Wading?

[itsbenlong]

I have been wanting to ask this question for awhile. I am looking for a river with a great steelhead run that is accessible by vehicle but a bit off the beaten path. I am not asking for rivers with huge fish although if it has them I'm not complaining. I am just looking for something with lots of fish, including a strong half pounder run. I want to be able to drive to the river and even better, have a little hike through the woods to get to it. The areas I am interested in are: California, Oregon, Washington, B.C. on the west coast including around Vancouver Island. Any info is good info! : )

My plan is to hire a guide for the first day or two and then spend a week or so learning the river so I can return to it every year or so.

By the way, I prefer swinging overall but on occasion will give the old indicator a go... : )

[Mike R]

Hmmm....I'll take a stab. You're asking for a lot. Lots of fish, easy to get to, easy to wade? You probably don't want any crowds either. There aren't too many places that get a half pounder run, so for the sake of argument lets let that one go.

First, what's "lots of fish"? Should an experienced angler expect 2-3 grabs a day or 8-10? For the most part, steelheading is not a numbers game. If I was on a river that I knew and there were fish around, I would consider 3-4 grabs per day to be lots of fish. Many times I have been hoping for one grab a day. If you want to get 10-15 grabs and don't care about quality of fish, head over to the Klamath around mid-september. If you want fewer grabs but more quality, there are many options.

Second, summer or winter? Makes a substantial difference. For the most reliable fishing, go for the summer/fall fish. But, the OP is really cool in the winter and spring.

There are lots of choices but if you wanted a river to go to and return, I'd probably be looking at the Trin, the Rogue, GR, and a few other Columbia tribs in E Wash.

Just pick a river and go fish it.

Mike

[itsbenlong]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the post.....I know I am asking for a lot. May as well start big and work from there......

After reading your post I realize now I should mention a few things you mentioned. lol

Yes.....Summer/Fall is my preference! When I say lots of fish, I only mean that the river has a strong run. Tossing half pounders is fine.....I get enough of that on the Klamath! I was just trying to say that I am not looking to find the biggest fish so I can get a photo with it. I actually love to catch Steelies in the 3 - 10 lb range more than anything. However, we don't need to be that specific. I just want a good Summer run river that I can fish without a boat.

Also, like you mentioned in you message, Mike......an area with a couple or more rivers I can jump around on would be very cool.

I have been very interested in the HOH river and a few around Vancouver. I understand that timing is everything an many of our Steelhead rivers and locations on the river can be just as good as any if you are there on the right day, at the right time.

Mainly, I am just wanting to hear from others what they would recommend!

Hope that helps! Thanks again Mike!