Sup Buddy,
Can I fish for them all season? I know Winter Steelhead is popular what is the time frame on this?
You can pretty much catch a steelhead any day of the year here in Oregon. Winter peak times are Dec-Feb/March. Some systems get early ones in November and often times the big native ones arrive in rivers later in the season. Feb- beginning of April are my favorite times for the big guys. Though you can get one any day of the season.
Summers will start to trickle in systems in March/April and peak anywhere from there to June/July. Though right now you could still encounter a chrome one ( Especially in the lower Clack ) Even the ones that come in earlier in the season can still be caught. Unlike the winters who come in and spawn ( or head back out to ocean ) summers don't spawn 'til the following year. I've ran into summers during a day of catching winters in December.
What are a few good spots that are not crowded?
Now, that's a tough question...lol
Of coarse, I will admit I would love a photo with a nice fish If I catch it. How can I handle the fish properly to ensure it stays healthy after release?
If you are planning on releasing the fish try to keep it out of the water for the briefest time possible. If you hold it above the water make sure you aren't holding it near the gills yet by the tail and under the belly. I will hold them a foot or two above the water in case they freak out. Then they just land in the water. Put fish back in water and move forward and back by the tail until the specimen swims out of your hands.
Native Steelhead still have Adipose Fin- Others are clipped?
Truth
I hear folks keep them to eat- what is legal? Do I really need to whack it on the head?
Hatchery fish are legal to keep. The more chrome the fish the better the meat will be typically. No matter what though, bucks will cut better than hens. I've had semi chrome hens cut not so good against a colored up buck that has cut orange. Steelhead are great smoker fish in my opinion. Freshly caught can be quite the barbecue feast though...:thumb: