Tell me about fishing summer run steelhead in Washington

[Parasite]

So tell me about the summer run steelhead fishing here in Washington.

We didn't have much in the way of summer run steelhead back in Michigan. A few in the Big Manistee river was all I ever saw. There were some in the tribs to lower Lake Michigan but I never fished there.

I want to try fishing for them once to see if I like it. I went after wild steelhead this winter on the peninsula and loved it. I'll definitely be doing more of that.

[opdinkslayer]

Calawah at daylight will produce fish

[JimmyHoffa]

usually have to use real light gear, leaders, tackle since water tends to be low and clear.  Wear camo and fish from shadows.

[7mmfan]

Theres plenty of opportunity. Puget Sound is limited to the Skykomish pretty much, but the coast and the Columbia tribs have decent fishing. Small, low water, often small presentations. Fun fishing. If you think the winter fish you caught were hot, wait until you get a fresh summer run.

[Parasite]

A few questions:

1) Are the summer runs naturally reproducing wild fish? hatchery fish? or both? If both, what percentage?

2) What techniques to target them?

3) Will the fish die due to overheating while fighting them?

[7mmfan]

A few questions:

1) Are the summer runs naturally reproducing wild fish? hatchery fish? or both? If both, what percentage?
     - Both, but highly dependent on the system that you're fishing. You'll encounter more wild fish in the Columbia and tribs than most of the coastal or Puget Sound streams. Rivers like the Cowlitz are almost exclusively hatchery.

2) What techniques to target them?
     - Similar techniques to winter runs, but scaled down. Guys side drift bait, float and jig/yarn/bait/bead/worm/etc... More guys toss hardware like spinners for them. The techniques will change as the water drops and clears throughout the summer.

3) Will the fish die due to overheating while fighting them?
     - They can if the water you are fishing is warm enough. Use your discretion.

[dvolmer]

3) Will the fish die due to overheating while fighting them?


Answer:  All of mine died!  I've never seen one survive the Treager yet!

[Parasite]

Anyone recommend a good guide? Or alternatively, does anyone have an open seat?

[trophyelk6x6]

My buddy Mike Zavadlov runs Mike Z's guide service.  I would recommend the HOH river up near forks.  Unbelievable beauty! and has some type of run in it year round.  Summer runs are awesome!

[Parasite]

Thanks. I'll call him and go from there. If you PM me your name, I'll mention you recommended him.

[WSU]

Mike z is awesome

[Bullkllr]

Summer runs...I'd look for a good guide on the Columbia.

[Taco280AI]

In this state, good luck. Not what it used to be at all.

[Crunchy]

The best places even guides wont take you.  If you are after toads and do get in touch with a guide, ask about catch and release only places. 

[Bullkllr]

I dunno guys. Winter, I'd highly recommend a trip on the peninsula with Mike Z. Summer options there are just so limited. A good day on the Hoh would be maybe actually hooking a remnant wild fish.

For consistent numbers, the Columbia and tribs is where it's at.

For reference, Mike Z's gallery contains zero pictures of summer runs. Clancy Holt's gallery contains pictures of hundreds.
Guess it depends on what you want.

http://mikezsguideservice.com/gallery/
https://clancysfishing.com/about/fishing-photo-gallery/

[Rimrock hunter]

I would  definitely  recommend  Mike Z  guide  service for steelhead as well  as salmon fishing. He will put you on fish all the time, at least he has for me. I go every year with him. Last year we floated the hoh and we went down river in the dark three miles until we hit a hole he wanted us to fish, and it paid off. He will go the extra mile for you.I