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[Steelhawk]

I know I know. Sorry, Rodney closes the other thread in Fishing Report on a debate on good fishing report.  I wish to start this thread specifically on good steelhead fishing report. Hopefully it is not closed, and it does not get nasty. 

For all we know, steelhead is quite a different baby compared to salmon.  I don't care much about salmon fishing report, because I just know they are there during season in large number. But steelhead are much fewer in number, with fsh return spread out in a much longer season, and there are much more changes in river conditions on a daily basis. Skunked steelhead trips are the norm rather than exception.  So good informative steelhead reports are really helpful.

I don't know about you guys, but I heavily depend on good steelhead reports for my fishing trip, especially those given by Chris, who is ever so generous in describing his steelheading days in great details if not naming pools and runs.  At least he names the river  , & whether lower, mid or upper river, and the general fishing condition. So valuable & useful for us town folks who really cannot scout out the Chilliwack area easily a day before our fishing trip.  Salute to Chris, and keep them coming in due season. 

I did my best last year to produce steelhead fishing reports that are intended to help out the newer fishermen.  So what do you think a good steelhead fishing report should be? Is it one packed with useful information to help others to be more successful, or one to entertain only, or one to brag without much details, or a nasty one full of negatives?  If you are a confident, experienced & skilled fisherman, why so secretive as if revealing one spot or one section of river will drastically reduce your chance of success?  Most seasoned steelheaders do not depend on one spot for success, and no one spot will stay hot every day.  So, if you have a great day and won't fish for another week, what is the big deal to give people an idea where your hot fishing took place?    Comments welcome!

[Big Steel]

Well I will do my best to give whatever info I deem necessary.  But keep in mind, steelhead can be anywhere.  I have caught them more then a few times in water that was only about a foot or so deep.  I have also caught them right out in the middle of the river where there is no reason that they might be there.  You are right though.  Steelhead move around a lot.  So giving an exact spot on where you caught a fish isn't that helpfull anyways.  The best way to catch them is to just get out on the river and pick a section.  Then cover every piece of water in that section.  I will post what section, what I used, and the water conditions.  But that is it.  Any other info would not be worth much anyways.  You should have to work for the fish, not have it handed to you on a silver plater.  For Steelhead, I believe that one has to know how to present their offering correctly and read the water.  Without that, it doesn't matter where a person fishes!!

[Fish Assassin]

In my opinion a good report will include system fished, approximate location (upper, middle, lower), water conditions, lures used, number caught, released, lost, fishing pressure and any other helpful hints for other anglers.

[Rodney]

No problem funfish, it's certainly an issue that is worthy to be discussed. The other ones were closed as we try to keep the fishing report section for fishing reports only, so whenever a thread has turned into a lengthy discussion, we'll either close it or redirect it to here.

There seems to be this perception and fear that a "secret spot"/system would be spoiled if mentioned on this discussion forum. Just to give everyone an idea how "popular" this forum this, it's not as widely read as some may think. The discussion forum does crank up the number of page views on the server, but its number of unique visits (hits from computers) is much lower than what the rest of the website receives. If a thread received 400 views, it does not mean 400 visitors have seen the thread. It means this thread has been clicked on 400 times, by maybe 20 to 40 readers. If you have replied to a thread 5 times, you probably contribute 10 views to that thread. What you should be worried about, is what are being published in our report section or articles. Those parts of the website receive way more visitors than whe discussion forum. The discussion forum is more like a little playground for a group of repeat users. It is a wonderful tool for new guys and gals to get into this activity more easily by finding people who can show them a few tips.

If it truly is a secret spot, don't even mention it here. I have a few, and I don't. They are not mentioned for self interest, because I enjoy spending my fishing time with a few close friends and catching fish without competing with others. This talk about small hatchery supported systems that maybe ¨threatened¨ due to being mentioned is not realistic. They are not mentioned because anyone would enjoy to fish a river with less people and more fish to themselves. If a system is mentioned in the regulation synopsis, it is a viable fishery available for anglers to enjoy. If there are indications that the stocks are unable to match the demand by the sporting sector, then openings would not be granted.

It's a good mystery by leaving people second-guessing without providing the name of a river system, but you may ultimately do more harm to the fishery than good. Newcomers need to be guided, tips are not always enough. Knowing which rivers to fish in is a good start. By not telling where you are fishing and providing a few hints instead, you leave people the impression that the fishing is exceptionally good and worthy to be hidden. That, in my opinion, causes a bigger urge in people to find out where exactly it is. The bragger (let's face it, it's bragging, not that it's a bad thing ) probably gets a kick out of that too, since he feels that he knows more than other people.

So, be prepared to be qúestioned when you post a system-less report. If you choose to make a big deal out of it when people ask, then don't post the report in the first place. At the same time, the moderators are not going to dictate how people report their fishing trips, as I feel that you are all intelligent enough to make wise decisions.

[marmot]

I dont care what people report...Im just happy to see if other people are having a good time too.  Tell me you had a good time fishing for steelhead and thats all i need to hear.  Its enough to get me amped, and lets me know people are catching.  If you are on the chuck, and you ask at a marina to see how people are doing its the same thing, most of the time you hear what in general people are using, what broad area they fished and if the fish were monsters or not.  Try whining to them about the information youre getting and see what happens...

We live in a culture of laziness, so many people just want all the work done for them and dont see the reward in going out and exploring yourself....Whenever I start fishing a new area, I'll ask some questions to get me going, just so im in the ballpark of something that may or may not work; for example I asked rodney where some fishing access to the fraser was at one time since I hadnt fished it at all.  But beyond that, I got off my my friend and went exploring.  I havent killed a coho this year, but im ok with that because I've learned alot in a short amount of time by going out and doing.

I think when you guys hammer on somebody like Eddie99 for not being completely forthcoming with information, you come across as unmotivated, lazy, and ungrateful for him taking the time to post ANYTHING.  Decide for yourself if you fit into that category.

Oh ya, and I'm a newbie to this area and dont mind being one at all. 

[dnibbles]

Good post, Rod. I don't like the perception that if someone is curious what system a report is from, that they are looking for everything handed to them on a platter. I've done more than my share of hiking up, down, across rivers, down canyons, and over mountains for fishing spots over the years.  I can guarantee that I have a lot more experience than many of the people who give these phantom reports, and the odds are that I have already fished a lot of these spots. Even if I'm reading a report from Alberta, Montana, or wherever, I personally find it much more interesting if I know what system is being discussed. That's just the way I am. I'm not going to rush out the door and go start flossing in this stream, leaving worm containers, and chopping down trees, but I will enjoy the report a little more.   Even those reports that drop hints, if an angler can read between the lines (ie. I fished a stream near Dewdney and landed a hatchery fish, I fished a South Surrey area stream, hooked and lost a spring) they can be just as informative. Over the years I've posted many reports about one of my best "secret" spots, in the Chehalis canyon, and yet maybe once a year will I fish there and see another person. I don't draw a map to it, but I do tell you what system and 'roughly' what area.

Also, the so-called "sensitive" streams that supposedly can't take the pressure, if the poster is reporting on his fishing trip there, but doesn't think it can take the pressure of more anglers, what makes him think it can take the pressure he puts on it? I am in agreement that small, totally wild streams should NOT be discussed, but to think that a hatchery stream cannot take a bit of pressure is misguided. People will ultimately go where the fish are, and if they are successful, they will return. If there are more fish, and therefore if it can withstand the pressure, they are more likely to be successful. It's that simple.

Anyways, in response to the original question, I would get the most out of a steelhead report that refers to the system, the general area, and describes the water conditions seen, the weather, other anglers success, techniques used, with or without success and anything else of note. My two cents, and I'll try to provide some good reports this season, getting the steelhead vest re-organized this weekend and heading out next week hopefully.

[blaydRnr]

We live in a culture of laziness, so many people just want all the work done for them and dont see the reward in going out and exploring yourself....Whenever I start fishing a new area, I'll ask some questions to get me going, just so im in the ballpark of something that may or may not work; for example I asked rodney where some fishing access to the fraser was at one time since I hadnt fished it at all.  But beyond that, I got off my my friend and went exploring.  I havent killed a coho this year, but im ok with that because I've learned alot in a short amount of time by going out and doing.

I think when you guys hammer on somebody like Eddie99 for not being completely forthcoming with information, you come across as unmotivated, lazy, and ungrateful for him taking the time to post ANYTHING.  Decide for yourself if you fit into that category.


Oh ya, and I'm a newbie to this area and dont mind being one at all. 

i think you're missing the point completely.  its not always about people looking for a free ride.
most of the people registered at this site are avid fishermen who love the sport...we tell stories, compare notes and help to encourage one another...for the sake of comradory.
most of us are already familiar with many of the local systems, however, we all live in different areas.

its about communication. so we know what's going on "outside our neck of the woods".

....and its like you said, you asked Rodney once, for information about access to the fraser river......can you imagine if he had your mentality?  he would have accused you of being 'lazy' and 'unmotivated'.
i'm sure too, that when you first started fishing the local flows, you learned the proper line set ups and hardware...either from this forum or from some other person. i highly doubt you were self taught.

oh ya i'm not a newbie to this area. i was born here and i don't mind sharing a report that includes
general area, picture of my catch, when, and how i caught it. (if there's something i can't share with my fellow angler, i won't bother posting).  i have a half dozen secret spots that took me years to find and i never mention them, but at the same time, i would never use that as a leverage to make myself look better than anyone else.

[Steelhawk]

Well said, BlaydRnr. Every one of us has been a newbie before, and any help we can get from generous veteran fishermen is welcome.  It does not mean newbie does not have to pay the price to get to know the river more.  It just helps them avoid lots of unnecessary mistakes.

For seasoned anglers, we can take care of the skill part, but we still need the latest info on the river condition to plan our trip.  No one wants to waste all that gas & time to show up at the river and find it unfishable.  While sometimes it is unavoidable (like a overnight downpour), however most of the time the unfishable condition was already there the day before, and a simple report about the late afternoon condition the day before can aid many fishermen to make a sound, calculated decision to make the trip or not. This has nothing to do with laziness or lack of motivation. Just a smart move in this information age.

[BwiBwi]

Question... if it's a small wild system without hatchery support, it is mos likely not named in the regulation. And water system not named in regulation (DFO web site) is not allowed to fish for salmon, isn't it?

[marmot]

BR, I share information...I dont know where you get the idea that I dont.....maybe you had a knee jerk reaction to my post...but i didnt say anywhere in there that I was against the sharing of information....what i dont like is people harping on somebody for NOT sharing specific information.  If we were on a job forum, and we were both looking in a "job reports" section or something like that, it would be nice to see general reports , like, "i heard company x is hiring some people in PR"....but you wouldnt expect somebody who was ALSO looking for a job to say "talk to Jim in recruiting, im also vying a position for a job there, but hey, maybe you'll get my job.....ps, he likes complements about his hair".....In a completely stupid and poorly stated sort of way, its kind of the same thing   Im NOT saying "dont share info"!! Im just saying "Dont EXPECT detailed info".  That was my point, which I think you completely missed   Just seemed like people are expecting too much and when its not delivered, going off on whoever didnt post.

The basis of my argument here is only that people shouldnt be afraid to do a little exploring and find some things out for themselves, thats it.  I dont think you'd disagree with that...

 

[Big Steel]

I agree with you as well Marmot, as I will give only the info that I deem necessary.  I to believe that a person should be given a section of river, what was used and what the water was like.  But I will not tell a person how to fish a certain run.   I think that people should realize though, that there has never been a time when going off on someone has ever helped.  Do you think that coming down on Eddie, let alone anyone else for that matter is going to get you the info that you want.  I think not.  The only thing that this may do, is get the person who has been hammered, to give a detailed report with false information. I personally would like to keep the reports board honest.  So please, remember when a person gives a report, 99% of the time, they are trying to help.  To me a person who is trying to help out others, should be thanked, not torn appart!!  So when I finally get a steel, I will give a fair amount of info.  Not a lot, but a fair amount.  I really hope that will be enough for the people in this site.  If not, then keep it to yourself, because slamming me will do you no good at all.  Well, that is assuming that I actually get one anyways!

[Sterling C]

What makes a good steelhead fishing report?

Good fish porn 

[Big Steel]

Biff has a point!!!  With that I think that I'll just post porn this year and that  is it!   Again, assuming that I get any in the first place!!

[Steelhawk]

Chris seldom posted 'fish porn' in his steelhead journals and yet they are still very enjoyable reads. 

I think the best steelhead fishing report should contain these basics - river name, section of river, names of runs/pools you fished  (if they are well known or popular), river level, clarity, crowding condition, # of fish observed, time of the day & duration of your trip, weather condition. This will make it INFORMATIVE.  If you add in the details of your battles with the silver bullets, then it will make it really ENTERTAINING. The best is if you can share some INSIGHTS on your steelhead STRATEGIES which lead you to successful fish hook-ups.  This will make your report EDUCATIONAL to newer steelheaders.

The ultimate piece is like those journals written by Roderick Haig Brown (or even our Chris) who can paint the fishing experience so vividly & poetically that you kind of enter into the dream world of steelhead fantasy.  Of course if you carry a digital camera, your posting of the 'fish porn' will complete the whole experience.  Some of us older guys will need to keep up with the digital world. 

[blaydRnr]

....what i dont like is people harping on somebody for NOT sharing specific information. 

The basis of my argument here is only that people shouldnt be afraid to do a little exploring and find some things out for themselves, thats it.  I dont think you'd disagree with that...

i totally agree that people shouldn't harp on anybody for NOT sharing specific information, but most of the complaints are based on reports that say...

...."went fishing at a local flow today and i managed to hook onto 3 chromers. unfortunately one spat the hook out and the other was supporting an adipose, bummer [sobbing as i'm typing]...oh well, at least i was able to bonk a nice hatchery doe.  sorry no picture posted, as not to give away my honey hole, but no worries my best buddy 'so-and-so' was there to witness and vouch for me".....        NICE.

i don't want anyone to give away spots they worked hard to find and i don't feel anyone has the right to criticize them for not sharing specific information, but COME ON... where do you draw the line?

if there was any danger of giving away "secret" spots by simply providing... a general location, water condition, bait used...etc...etc..  chances are, that location ISN'T so "secret" anyway.