Swinging for Steelhead | 2024

Overview

The spring steelhead run this year on the Situk River was unlike most years. Low water levels and bright sunny days dominated the first few weeks of the run in April and we were told prior to our arrival it was t-shirt weather. Well, that all changed when the ladies of Women’s Flyfishing arrived!

We were greeted with cooler temps and five straight days of rain in the forecast. This was not my first rodeo on the Situk, and I was so excited for the rain! The theory being high water levels equals less spooking the fish and perhaps a little bit murkier water conditions might fool them into biting versus the usual gin clear conditions. Any advantage we could get, I was all for it and eager to prepare the ladies.

On the first day of fishing we arrived at Nine Mile Bridge to launch. The drizzle of rain had turned into snowflakes. Not joking. But that didn’t stop these tough gals, who were prepared for long chilly days. Once you put in at Nine Mile, the only take-out is 13 miles downriver at the mouth. We all came wearing our thermal FisheWear neck buffs! Off we went in the boats silently drifting until I heard a scream. Fish on!!! Only minutes from the launch. This was going to be a great trip!

Later that evening back at Glacier Bear Lodge, our group had dinner together and shared the day’s adventures. Everyone landed at least one steelhead and many Dolly Varden trout were caught and released. Wild steelhead on the Situk average 30” in length, however, the ladies caught some up to 34”.

Each of the remaining days of fishing we met up for breakfast and then divided into our fishing teams of two. Everyday was full of rainy cold weather made warm by the burning desire to chase hot chrome fish fresh from the ocean.

Overall I was so impressed by the women who came and conquered steelheading on the Situk. It wasn’t easy in the conditions we were dealt, but each gal through their own determination and grit, were able to shake hands with these much sought after anadromous trout.