This yr has been tough. I been Steelheading 30+ plus yrs and have caught a few thousand steelhead in my lifetime so far. This yr? 20 times out fishing 4-6 hrs per day, covering a lot of water every time. I have not yet put a fish on the beach this season and have only hooked and lost 3 so far. Last yr I was into double digits this time last yr. Lol.
Has it really been that tough this year here as well? Island is dead, but I've had a few buddies who have been hammering them here, especially in the last 2 weeks.
I am back for the week... fished twice since I've been back. First day buddy and I landed a big bull and a steel (wild buck around 6 pounds) in a 4 hour trip. Yesterday I went out 2 hours and got 3 steel (2 to the beach) and a nice bow. Probably giving it one last try tomorrow as well before it blows out. Vedder has been better to me than the island this season (fish/hrs of effort), which I never thought I'd get a chance to say
lol.
I will say they are holding in odd water in the Vedder. The biggest tip from me would be to watch what the guys ahead of you are fishing and where. 2 of the 4 fish we've caught have been directly behind guys, specifically targeting the water we've watched them walk past. Deep/foamy/undercut runs or choppy pockets have been best with the low/clear water and sunny days. It's going to change quick here with the rain though.