Chasing that WA 20+lber (dub-club) Steelhead

[Kyle C]

Who here has got a true 20lb or bigger steelhead. The 40"×20"+ or my personal favorite the football shaped ones 38"×22"+. Lived in WA since 2015, and while I have hooked a few, and watched them head back to the salt laughing the entire way that 20 still alludes me. Despite multiple friends finding a couple each every year.

With some regulations loosening up a bit this year, and being able to fish from a floating device on some of my favorite rivers I'm hoping this is the year. I'll usually spend 25-35 days chasing these magnificent fish on coastal streems each winter/spring. While catching minnows is my go too, and one thing I'm good at I can't get enough of chasing those giant ones.

 

[Pharmseller]

I’ve never been close. An honest 12lb winter fish is my best.





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[GSPHUNTER]

Only in my dreams. Great fish.

 

[Alder_]

Same here.
Have only broke the 10-11lb mark.

 

[TripleJ]

My personal best was a 37” buck that had to be released without weighing it. Definitely under 20. I have only hooked 1 in my life that looked to be over 20#, but the hook pulled out after about 10 minutes. My buddy and I have both caught a lot of fish and got a really good look at that one, we both felt pretty confident it was 20+. It was a big wild winter run on a small coastal stream.

 

[Kyle C]

My personal best was a 37” buck that had to be released without weighing it. Definitely under 20. I have only hooked 1 in my life that looked to be over 20#, but the hook pulled out after about 10 minutes. My buddy and I have both caught a lot of fish and got a really good look at that one, we both felt pretty confident it was 20+. It was a big wild winter run on a small coastal stream.

Those big coastal fish are something else. I've noticed hooking them is one thing (especially first boat down), but landing them and keeping a hook anchored is a hole different story.

 

[Kyle C]

Only in my dreams. Great fish.

They're out there. Especially coastal streams. Having a raft or drift boat greatly increases the odds unless your in my boat....