taking a fresh look. While anglers flock to the well-defined runs and pools, the water in between is often neglected. Riffles, pocket water, minor runs or even slow tail outs that hold fish on the move are often overlooked. In fact fishing pressure in the main pools can push the fish into this secondary water. With the rigging and flies available to steelheaders today, there is no limit to the water that can by covered with innovate techniques. The length of the two-handed rod allows for mending and line handling that provides a significant tactical advantage on marginal water.
Time of the year can also factor into finding open water even on some of the region’s most popular rivers. Look at the shoulder periods – both the beginning and end of the run. Many rivers will begin to see a trickle of steelhead in the very late summer.