Steelheading is on an upswing?

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I see more and more people getting into Steelheading the past 5 to 10 years in Nor Cal.

I remember that in the 1980s the Steelheading in Nor Cal sucked. This was after the big drought in the late 1970s that really hurt the runs.

Seems like in the late 1990s it started to come back.

Now I see that many rivers have made a come back like the Klamath, Rogue and Trinity.

The lower stretches of our valley rivers like the Sacramento, American and Feather Rivers have fairly good runs as well.

We have been in a wet cycle for several years now so that might be helping too.

We need to promote handling the wild fish with care so they can be returned to the water unharmed too.

I believe that much of this has barbless regulations so that is a good thing for fish survival.

[A Matthews]

I agree with you, Bill. For me, the excitement of steelhead fishing really beckons the question: who is being hooked here?

When I moved to Sacramento nearly four years ago, I was really anxious to get into steelhead fishing. I had grown up flyfishing for Sierra trout but always wanted to catch bigger fish. Having the opportunity to do just that a few minutes from my place downtown was/remains a treat. So, after a dynamite halfpounder season that was also my first, I knew I had to gear up for the big boys of winter.

Bill, you, Adam, Keith, and Jeff really helped me out in choosing a new, versatile rig. I've been chasing winter steelhead and other species ever since.

These valley rivers really are an amazing resource with great opportunities to learn about and catch different fish. And, this message board and all the Kiene's staff have really helped me take advantage of this.

Bill, ultimately you deserve a lot of credit for helping more people tap into and get hooked on all kinds of flyfishing. Thanks!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Thanks

It's still fun..........

I can fish vicariously through others who are younger (with larger arteries).