Steelheading, or snow job?

That was the question Mark had after spending the day on the Methow with Uncle Rob.  Lots of snow--day started by passing an overturned car on the shoulder just as we approached Pateros.  Mark learned, and Rob remembered, that toe warmers work best if you let them warm up for a few minutes before putting them on your feet and into your boots.  Otherwise, they don't get enough oxygen to start the reaction and it doesn't happen until you take them out at the end of the day.

It was a nice day for a float--no wind, some sunshine, crystal clear water.  Flows were up a bit from normal and that made it hard to get the flies to tease through the holes.  Water temp was 36 degrees in the morning and warmed up to 38 degrees by the afternoon, but that is still bone-chilling and the fish may have been in a catatonic state.  In their thoughtless stupor they ignored our offerings.

Rob caught a bull trout.  That was pretty much it for the day.  With steelhead you have to put in your time.  I tried to reassure Mark that even Uncle Tom and Uncle Rick don't catch steelhead every time they go out (though admittedly they do far better than the average angler!)

I have to put my vote for steelheading, not snow job.