There is a empty feeling in my stomach and also a sigh of relief and renewal. For me, my winter steelhead season has come to an end.

Exciting, taxing, heart-stopping, scary at times, humbling and most of all rewarding are just a few words to describe the past few months.

"Proof, the sun does shine on a dogs ass now and again", Rick Knapp with a 41' x 21' buck.

I'd just got done telling Rick what I wanted, a big hen, 14 or 16lbs would be nice. Next cast, the skagit dives, "there's one" he says, not a hen but, hardly a disappointment.

Kelsey and her first steelhead, not a bad grip with hot pink polish.

Kelsey and Dean worked hard through the high water we suffered, 3 days for one lost fish. The fourth day was just about perfect, 3 for 3 ain't so bad.

Heart-warming steelhead, Dean Mades with a stunning sea-liced 33' hen,....perfect

We saw many different water conditions this year, as always. But we saw a lot more low and clear on the coast than usual, which made for tough fishing at times. Even in near perfect conditions we saw some tough fishing, that's winter steelheading, nothing good comes easy, nor it should anyways.

Pete Laskier with a clear-finned hen, 1 of 2 landed outta 3 hooked in 1 run, "The Dude Abides".

Jed Fiebelkorn admiring a handsome buck, keep an eye out this fall on the Sportsman Channel for Trout Unlimited's "On The Rise" program.

It has been a hell of a ride and I'm already looking forward to next year and what it'll bring, hopefully more of the same.

Thanks to all who came fishing with me this winter.

Rich