As the days get shorter and the leaves in the trees turn color my heart starts to race a little bit more. There’s steelhead in the rivers now!! Our quest for the “Chrome-plated Unicorns” is in full swing, pun intended. The steelhead can be an elusive fish, no doubt about that. Here one day and gone the next! Our adventures in the State of Oregon take place in some truly world class waters. There are people who come from all over the United States, and the world for that matter, to have their shot at shaking hands with one.
Steelhead are no pushover they require copious amounts of time and patience for the right opportunity and moment. Finding the runs and water where a steelhead will hold takes vigilance, dedication, and ultimately time. Once knowing where a steelhead may possibly be holding or a choice run, I finally have the opportunity to present my offering!
This year has been a difficult year in the Columbia River tributaries. There has been something around 40% of the ten year average over Bonneville Dam. However, it’s not all about the numbers, it’s about the journey and the ones we are with! During our last float trip on the Deschutes from Trout Creek to Maupin I was reminded just how special my backyard really is. As we put on late in the afternoon and floated through South Junction we were treated with one of the most breathtaking sunsets. Truly a gift from God! One of the things I’ve come to believe is that wild steelhead return to some of the most beautiful areas to complete their life cycles. We have just been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to chase them in their historical drainages.