OK, all my worries about rain were unneccesary. The river was in great shape, very fishable and perfect color. It was crisp to start the day (24 degrees) but warmed up as soon as the sun got above the hills. In short, the perfect day for a boat ride. Too bad the fishing sucked.
Nate and I threw everything at just about every good looking piece of water we saw. Jigs, bait, yarn balls, spinners, spoons, nothing worked, and no one else we talked had much luck. Except...
You know how when you go to the casino and play and slot machine and changed to another one, then someone sits down and hits it big at the one you were playing? It can be that way steelheading. We pulled over to shore fish a nice drift and within a minute another drift boat came by and hooked/caught a 3-4 pound bright SH right at the top of the drift. We had missed that one spot while pulling over to land. That's the way it goes.
On a happy note, I've used my pontoon more this year than I have in many years and it's been a blast!