RE:Pacific Steelhead - The Last Hurrah?
In the scope of things, that encounter I enjoyed with a bright Skagit fish now means even more than it did that day. At first it was a much-wanted photo op. I savored the thought as it's nickel bright flanks flashed in the pool. Then as I continued to hang on as it ran around the pool, I felt a deep feeling of continuity in that I have yet to return to the PNW without at least hooking a steelhead. On some fall trips I landed several. Then, like the notion of plentiful native runs, it was gone; an indellible icon of the mystery and defiance of the species in my memory forever.
Although I am honored to have had the encounter under such circumstances, it would be much better to have been skunked when the runs are in good health.
Who is monitoring the returns? What means of measurement do they use (redd counts, etc?) Any information on-line?