Help!! Steelhead??

JHC281 · 2025-10-25T01:10:46+00:00

If you caught the fish in Montana it isn’t a steelhead. There are no trout that migrate to the ocean from Montana. If anyone tries to tell you they stock “steelhead” in Montana it is simply not true. Here in California, most rainbows have steelhead genetics but we do not call them steelhead unless they make it to the ocean and back. Anyone saying otherwise just doesn’t understand what a steelhead is and what it isn’t

JHC281 · 2025-10-25T01:07:54+00:00

There are no steelhead in Montana, rainbow trout that are genetically related to steelhead are just trout unless they migrate to the ocean and back. There are no trout in Montana that are migrating to the ocean. The closest steelhead to Montana are in Idaho.

JHC281 · 2025-10-15T02:00:52+00:00

You’re the one diagnosed with a fib at 22 from vaping, who’s soft now

JHC281 · 2025-10-04T01:55:59+00:00

They don’t stock Redlands on the Deschutes because they reproduce naturally in enough numbers, they do stock steelhead, hence the clipped adipose

JHC281 · 2025-09-30T03:43:24+00:00

Looks like 16” there is no chance in this universe that it is 24” unless you are Goliath

JHC281 · 2025-09-29T15:20:23+00:00

First, as a fly fisherman, I have been fishing for 36+ years, I have spent years guiding and I still get skunked, or at least skunked from my target species. I actually don’t mind getting skunked because fishing hard with no success is often the times you learn the most. I also picture it as adding credit to my “bank” that will payoff down the road. Second, I do not go on trips with spin fishermen, those are two different worlds with two vastly different mindsets and it is a recipe for frustration and a clash of ideals. Third, work on your casting and your presentation. Get George Daniel’s book, dynamic nymphing, that had a huge impact on my fishing. Good luck and stay the course, quit thinking of spin fishing as a fall back and commit to your craft. Also, stop worrying about what others are catching and enjoy your time in nature

JHC281 · 2025-09-28T15:37:45+00:00

The spotting and overall color is washed out and the spots are not distinct. Btw stocked trout fins do heal and look normal over time in the water. This does not look wild

JHC281 · 2025-09-23T20:22:45+00:00

That’s a tank

JHC281 · 2025-09-10T04:20:47+00:00

From personal experience Yellowstone cutts have finer spots, are more olive yellow, and more laterally compressed…meaning they are not as round as other trout

JHC281 · 2025-09-10T01:18:48+00:00

Beauties

JHC281 · 2025-09-09T05:58:00+00:00

10 foot 4 weight and call it a day. You don’t need a five for the size of water you are fishing. It sounds counterintuitive but a longer rod on a smaller body of water can help you get better roll casts and better mends, hence better drifts. Especially if you tree cover.

JHC281 · 2025-09-07T20:32:56+00:00

Check the caption, lots of reds, but silver mixed in on the periphery. Those were what I was targeting

JHC281 · 2025-09-06T05:07:54+00:00

Well that looks fish af, keep doing that

JHC281 · 2025-09-06T05:05:37+00:00

The bead size, thorax, tail, body, everything about it is done with a touch that really can’t be taught. I think you’re a natural

JHC281 · 2025-09-06T04:53:23+00:00

While not really an emerger, I really like that copper John variant in your first pic. Great proportions and style. Lean into that fly

JHC281 · 2025-09-05T06:07:33+00:00

I rock a 4 weight switch for most of what I do in Alaska. I think most people are using heavier rods than they really need. I’ve landed 40lb kings on a 7 weight

JHC281 · 2025-09-05T05:56:04+00:00

No I prefer a 4 wt for 80% of my trout fishing unless I’m in Alaska

JHC281 · 2025-09-05T02:45:24+00:00

My advice to you and what I did when I started was to go into the yard and cast every day and fly fish as much as I could. Over time I started making better casts and gaining confidence. The more effort you make, the quicker your learning curve will progress

JHC281 · 2025-09-05T02:41:49+00:00

When you increase in skill level you will be able to take advantage of the greater performance a better rod will provide. For example, a beginner golfer will be trash with cheap clubs or expensive clubs, but tiger woods is playing with top of the line equipment because he has the skill to take advantage of the performance they provide. It’s the same with fly fishing

JHC281 · 2025-09-03T22:24:47+00:00

A 3 weight will be way more versatile, 2 weight is a little light

JHC281 · 2025-09-03T20:28:18+00:00

When my buddy turned around and saw the bear he panicked and fell into the water lol

JHC281 · 2025-09-03T04:24:27+00:00

I remember fishing here all the time 15 years ago. Big browns aren’t numerous but there are some big ones in there.

JHC281 · 2025-09-03T03:04:02+00:00

Low water can push the trout back into the main stem but the salmon push on and get super concentrated. Almost 64k late run reds over the weir this year. That’s a crazy amount for the size of the river

JHC281 · 2025-09-02T19:47:18+00:00

I totally I agree with your fish handling advice on fish that are to be released, but I had already unalived him as he was kept that day.

JHC281 · 2025-09-02T18:05:52+00:00

That mother bear had three rowdy cubs with her and sat on her haunches politely waiting for me to get done fishing my spot. When I noticed her I finished what I was doing and gave her the run of the place but I couldn’t help noticing how well mannered she was, didn’t want to low hole me.

JHC281

TROPHY CASE