Even though spring is 28 days away there is a feeling that it’s already here, at least for steelhead fishermen. Steelhead Alley has had a tough couple of months. There’s been enough snow, brutal cold and iced up rivers to last three winters. But, it looks like a big break in the weather pattern has taken place, and it has steelheaders at the starting blocks, ready to hit the rivers.
A warming trend, lasting longer than just one day, has melted the ice and brought spring rains, filling the rivers with fresh chrome. But, steelheaders are an impatient lot. Get a melt that blows out the rivers and social media fishing groups light up with questions as to when will the rivers be fishable. Sick days and vacation time are taken. Nobody wants to be late to the party. With some luck this party should last for about two months.
Fishermen will be chasing steelhead up and down the rivers for the next two months.
(Click on image for larger view.)
I’m going out on a short limb and forecast no more ice outs on the rivers this winter. March is right around the corner, and while it could be a cruel month weatherwise, I believe the trend is for slightly warmer temperatures. If we can string some dry days together, the rivers will be in prime shape.
Let’s get ready to hit the water.
Did someone say party?
Go out and fool a fish!
