The Damn counts did not lie this year or any year for that matter...2016 had a huge hole in the form of few "A" run upper Columbia and Snake river/ Tribs Steelhead. If you fish the Clearwater or Salmon or Grande Ronde you will work hard for Steelhead tugs this year. Predictions were made back in June as the lack of one salt Steelhead never crossed the fish counter windows of all Columbia and Snake river damns. Look up the DART web site and keep track and know what your in for by staying current.
So most of the Steelhead GRA landed this year were ass kicking and bigger then normal "B" run fish! Yahoo! We had a client, Treg almost get spooled by a nice fish on our specialty...a skated dry fly! We had several first time anglers get the tug and the grip and grin with some very healthy fish. Over all it was a solid year with minimal damage and happy clients that some caught and some did not...but ALL learned, laughed and became true Steelheaders. Thanks mostly to my wonderful host the Grande Ronde river! Also a big Thanks to Dec Hogan , Gus Julian ( Muddy Puddles) Lori Ann Murphy, Greg Colby and Karla!! |
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