It is either a slow year or that the steelheaders are getting very efficient at catching and landing every hatchery fish since December. LOL.
Yes, a very slow year for hatchery steelhead, but was earlier predicted to be so. The juveniles released for this years return were undersized and possibly had some disease issues.
Speaking to a few locals who fish the upper river (above Tamihi Creek) ... all wild fish, virtually no hatcheries.
In the next few weeks what hatchery steelhead made it through the gauntlet of anglers will be arriving at the hatchery overflow; I predict not many will show.
From what I hear the juvies now rearing are up to optimum size (for this time of year) so if ocean conditions are favorable expect better returns in 2-3 years.