My favorite time of year is upon us.

Soon, winter steelhead will be entering our rivers to begin their migration to their natal spawning grounds. If you are a “steelheader” then you savor this time and are excited to begin your piscatorial pursuit of this elusive species. For me, there is no greater pursuit than winter steelhead.

Summer steelhead often enter the rivers in the summer and hold over until winter and even spring. Winter steelhead migrate into their natal rivers during the winter months, starting as early as mid-November, and often hold over to spawn in the spring. In some systems, the two collide and spawn with one another. 

Unlike salmon, after spawning steelhead can return to the ocean to begin their cycle again and are known to spawn as many as 3-4 times during their lifecycle. Steelhead are less predictable and often harder to catch than salmon. They can be very finicky and the weather and changes in the water flow and clarity can vastly transform the approaches that we take to catch them. This might be the reason that we love them so much; they are not easy to catch and sometimes can be very hard to find.

While many of you might love to chase steelhead as I do, you likely dread the early mornings, the darkness of winter, the cold, and the wet. Let’s face it, getting out into the elements when they are at their worst is not for the faint of heart. It takes grit and determination and the overwhelming lure of this fish to motivate us to leave the comfort of our homes to brave the elements. The key to a great day on the water is staying warm and dry.

Since I started pursuing winter steelhead about 15 years ago, much has changed in the technology of the gear that we use. At the forefront of this technology, is the availability of clothing that will not only allow us to endure the elements, but to embrace them in absolute comfort. Many of us have a garage full of clothing that we have bought to stay comfortable.

I know that I spend a lot of time chasing winter steelhead on a river north of Seattle that is nestled in the mountains. It is often cold and wet when I float this river, with average daytime temperatures between freezing and the mid-40s on the average day. Some days are much colder and many days bring snow, sleet, rain, and wind.

I have found that the combination of cold and slowly getting wet over hours of floating is exacerbated by the reliable late morning and afternoon winds that blow through the river valleys. While we may start warm and dry, we often finish the day damp and cold. That warm cup of coffee at the end of the float is always a welcome sight.

So, how do you keep warm and dry? This is the million-dollar question, and I am here to tell you that it does not mean spending $1000s on high-end gear. The key that I have found is to layer and to make sure that you have an impervious outer layer to wear when it rains and the wind blows. The addition that I made to my repertoire last year was a battery powered, heated vest. 

I bought this online for around $60 and it was the best money that I have spent. I am known to wear 3-4 layers below the waist and 6-7 above, and even then, I tend to get cold. This investment has been the single greatest factor in staying warm on the worst of days.

Here is my suggestion on how to dress. I will clarify that my opinion is based on either walk-and-wade fishing or floating a river in a drift boat. You will obviously stay warmer if you are moving, which you do very little when fishing from a drift boat. Start out with a good base layer of long underwear, both top and bottom. Wear a warm pair of pants or sweats over the bottoms, preferably something that is not cotton. Remember, cotton is rotten, meaning that when it gets wet, you get cold. I wear a pair of Simms M's Thermal Mid-Layer Bottoms which will set you back about $90. They are fantastic and keep you warm. Over these pants, I wear two pairs of socks and stocking foot waders with wading boots. My lower half, including my toes, rarely gets cold.

Let’s move to the top half of the body. Start with a base layer, a long-sleeve shirt. This should be tight-fitting to keep the heat against your body. I wear a second layer of long-sleeve shirt over this, generally a light fleece or mid-layer garment. At this point, I put on the battery-powered heated vest that is mentioned above. This is the keystone to keeping your core warm and remaining comfortable for the entire day. 

After this, a puff jacket or fleece, followed by an impervious outer layer jacket, round out the ensemble. When it comes to the outermost layer, there is great debate. I will wear a Gore-Tex jacket when the weather is not forecasted to be super wet. This will generally stay dry enough, but I have yet to find a high-end Gore-Tex jacket that is water”PROOF”.

For really wet days, I rely on rubber. My go-to is something made by either Helly Hansen or Grundens that is designed for commercial fishing. There are many options and most cost less than a high-end jacket from Simms, Patagonia, or another leading brand. The key is to go with something that will keep the rain and wind out. Also, layering as outlined above allows you to dress and undress for comfort, as conditions change during the day.

I don’t want to sway anyone to a particular brand of clothing as we all have our preferences. I can attest to what has worked best for me based on years of trial and error as well as talking to guides who are out in the elements every day. Getting cold is a strong motivator to find a way to keep warm, so a lot of testing goes into determining what works best. I will leave it to you to listen to the research and advice of someone who has invested heavily in this process or choose to learn on your own. Hopefully, this is helpful, and you successfully chase steelhead in 2025, while remaining warm, dry, and comfortable.

Good fishing!

Trade show season is here and calling all sportsmen and women. It is the time to ponder and think about what changes we will make to our game this year, and wonder at the opportunities to be had this coming season. Trade shows give us sportsmen an upfront and personal glance into new products, new technologies, current trends, seminars, show specials, fishing ponds, tackle talk, gear, guides, lodges, food, and even more. It’s worth getting out to a show near you. The NW is home to competitive sportsmen and women, and the NW Trade Show circuit comes out swinging, just like its sportsmen. This traveling circus changes from city to city, each attracting local vendors, manufacturers, NW brands, and national companies.

The NW trade shows are built upon this premise: To Educate, Equip, and Execute make the sportsman and the adventurer. The NW was built upon this premise. The shows encompass this. 

What to expect:

The Big Horn Show in Spokane is my favorite, and not just because it’s close to home. The Big Horn Show gets its name from its origin over 60 years ago, starting off as a competition for big game trophies using Boone and Crockett. It still brings in champion trophies, but alongside totes seminars, music, and some of the NW’s finest vendors and manufacturers. It’s a small city in a big town! Fly in! It's just a pond hop away. Proceeds go to INWC a 5013c.

Boise is home to Kyrptek. Making a presence with their camo apparel sale tent out front, Boise wears Kryptek proudly. They support the military and their local community. It’s Boy-see, not Boise, folks! Wear your boots! Buy a belt! It is also a pond hop away. Great access to the airport and nice hotels makes this a great weekend getaway. Buy luggage here to bring home your goods.

Tri Cities is sponsored by Griggs Ace Hardware! It’s a smaller show, but has all the fixings a show could offer.

Yakima! It’s not a big show and you will get to know people by the time you are through. It is a strong community. People here enjoy learning about new things going on in the industry, and I love that. The rifle range and the stories are prominent. The SunDome is fun, the people are friendly, and the tacos are muy bien. Bring the kids!

The Puyallup is a large show and brings in people far and wide: from Alaska to Nebraska, you will find it here. Stryker Rods comes in from Oregon, so pick up your NW manufactured rod while you have the chance. Buy an RV. Buy a boat. They have it in Puyallup. Book your hotel early for this one! Do the Puyallup!

Portland is the show that never ends. It goes on and on, my friends. Wear your Danner’s or your Nikes: you will get your steps in here. There is no sales tax in Oregon, so save 9% on top of the bargains already being offered. The beer flows in Portland, so be safe! Have fun! I wear my knife.

Wenatchee is home to Mack’s Lure. Go out and meet the legendary Bob Loomis and his younger self, Britton. Tell them Hillary sent you, and take a selfie! #NWFishing #MacksLure

The Big Sky Montana Sportsman’s Expo is here to stay. Can’t find their website? No worries! Check out their social media @montanasportsmansexpo. Big toys, big furniture, big EVERYTHING is in Montana. Bring a trailer. It’s worth the haul!

The BC Sportsman Show is just an hour and 45 minutes away from Everett. A lot is to be had in BC. Find a lodge and fisher’s package. Connect with hunters and outdoor adventurers. Meet manufacturers. Friends are to be made in BC and friends are to be kept, AYE? Buy a BOOT! Or a boat, it will be swell either way! Book a fishing charter for sure.

Redmond, Oregon. Don’t get this confused with Building 45 and the floating bridge. This is South. The traffic is much better, so hit the road and make the drive. Many people like to save on the sales tax in Oregon. The experience from vendors and guests is always the same, they say it is a great time. I have never been, but I trust Ed Iman, King of Walleye, when he tells me so.

If I missed any of your shows, please excuse me. I haven’t heard from you and can’t always be everywhere at one time. I would love to see what you are doing. Email NW Fishing! 

Check your dates and pick your shows. Attending more than one is part of the fun! It’s a family and, like families, some family members won’t go to certain shows. You’ll see them at the next show, I bet.

Maybe I’ll see you there? Safe travels!

NW Trade Show Schedule

• Jan 27-29 Tri Cities Sportsmen’s Show-Pasco, WA
• Feb 1-5 Washington Sportsmen’s Show-Puyallup, WA
• Feb 15^th-19^th PNW Sportsmen’s Show- Portland OR
• Feb 24^th -26^th Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen’s show- Wenatchee, WA
• Feb 24^th -26^th Central Washington Sportsmen’s Show- Yakima WA
• Feb 24^th-26^th Montana Sportsman’s Expo-Kalispel MT
• March 2-5^th Idaho Sportsmen’s Show- Boise, ID
• March 3^rd-5^th BC Sportsman’s Show-Abbotsford, BC
• March 9^th-12^th Central Oregon Sportsman’s Show- Redmond Oregon
• March 16-19^th Big Horn Show- Spokane, WA

Calling a fishing destination “5-star” can mean a lot of things to different people.

Some people are all about the fishing and only the fishing. Five stars to them means spectacular fishing opportunities for that prized species on their list. For them, it could be good numbers, rare fishes, or even “trophy” size. If this means sleeping in a car on the side of the road it makes no difference to them. It’s all about the fish.

Other people are looking for a trip the whole family can enjoy, a vacation with a side of good fishing. They want some amenities, some nightlife, maybe some local culture and sightseeing. Then a couple days on a blue water charter.

Throw in all the factors like; do you want a guided/charter experience or are you more into self-guided adventures? What time of year? What species? What’s on the bucket list? Boat or shore? Fly fishing? Budget? Well, you get a lot of answers for what a 5 Star Fishing Destination entails. And guess what? Everybody’s right. Your dream fishing destination is a personal thing. Whether you’re a trophy hunter or dream of ten inch trout on a quiet Alpine Lake, who can say its not “5 star”? Fishing is many things for everyone, but here are some of our favorites from over the years and why we think of them as “5 star”. (Hint: the reasons aren’t all the same.)

Starting from East to West:

Fort Peck, Montana

DIY Road Trip Adventure

For some people seeking out fishing destinations, the adventure of getting there is more than half the fun. Fort Peck Montana is nearly 1000 miles from Seattle and a 15-hour drive straight through.  It is so far East it’s not really PNW anymore. The road to Fort Peck has its share of roadside attractions, beautiful scenery, and fun stops if you plan your time accordingly. If your 5-star fishing destination means a nice long road trip, you should put Fort Peck on your list.

Why Fort Peck? Last year a new state record came out of Fort Peck that caught the attention of anglers across the U.S.. You might be surprised that the record was for Chinook Salmon, a 32.62 Chinook to be exact. That’s a nice fish anywhere! And travelling across the northwest to this unlikely spot for a chance at 30 pound plus Kings is what makes this one of our 5-star destinations.  The fishing opportunity doesn’t stop with salmon at Fort Peck, Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Small Mouth Bass all abound in one of the most beautiful, uncrowded fishing destinations in the United States.  And from experience, they grow them large in Big Sky country!

Fort Peck Reservoir is a big lake (about 134 miles in length, 1520 miles of shoreline, and roughly 220’ deep when full) created by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River, and boats are recommended but there are a lot of marinas and campgrounds to plan your trip around with many having shore fishing opportunities. Glasgow, Montana serves as a good base camp with various lodging, restaurants, and re-supply options and is just 17 miles from the Fort Peck Marina. The Cottonwood Inn & Suites has a variety of options for lodging; from RV Parking to hotel rooms, and amenities include boat parking, a casino, and restaurant.

You can learn more about Fort Peck, and how to fish it at https://fwp.mt.gov/fish

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

North Idaho Trophy Hunting

Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho and in the top 50 for the U.S.. It is really deep (over 1000 feet in some areas) and is known for naval submarine testing. This is beautiful country, with a host of fishing options, but what many come for are the Kamloops.  Kamloops are a Gerrard strain of rainbow trout and that are known as some of the biggest trout around, and are highly sought after to round out an avid trout anglers trophy checklist. Your chance for “Big fish” is what makes Lake Pend Oreille a 5-star fishing destination.

The Idaho state record Kamloops rainbow trout was caught out of Pend Oreille in 1947 by Wes Hamlet in 1947. That’s a long time for a record to hold up, but that doesn’t stop anglers from pursuing glory every year in tournaments, by boat, and from shore. Pend Oreille is also home to massive schools of kokanee (a favorite food of the Kamloops), and populations of pike, bass, perch, walleye, crappie and mackinaw. The lake has a history of big fish taken from it in addition to the trout record, these include a 43-pound 6-ounce mackinaw in 1995, and a world record 32-pound bull trout in 1949.  

The idyllic town of Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, nestled in forests between the mountains and the lake.  A destination town for skiers in the winter and boaters in the summer, Sandpoint is a great home base for the family fishing destination vacation with some boujee amenities not too far from some small town, rustic escapes. The theme park, Silverwood, is less than 30 minutes away. If you’re looking to plan a trip with something for everyone, shopping, hiking, dining, and trophy fishing, Sandpoint and the neighboring town of Ponderay are great options. 

The word is out, and the popularity of the area has grown immensely for so plan ahead! Jeff and Mona Laybourne of Superfly Tackle not only operate the local tackle store and carry everything you need, but they make specialized gear to target the lake’s prized trophies. They are a wealth of information and can be reached online at https://superflyflies.com/. 

Clearwater River, Idaho

Steelhead Mecca

Arguably the most consistent steelhead fishing in the region and your best shot at steelhead retention (catch and keep), the Clearwater River’s retention steelhead season runs from early October to mid-April, with prime time being October through January. You can be at this steelhead promise land in just under 6 hours from Seattle.  

The river draws steelhead enthusiasts from around the northwest, offering outstanding opportunities for catch-and-release fishing, fly fishing, shore fishing, and of course drift boats and power boats. The Clearwater’s “B-run” may be the best bet in the region for a trophy 20 pounder, and B-run fish typically average 12-14 pounds. Many of the fish originate at the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery managed by the Nez Perce tribe of Idaho, located at the confluence of the North Fork and mainstem Clearwater, about 3 miles west of Orofino, Idaho.

While the epic steelhead fishing and amazing stretches of highly fishable water make this a 5-star fishing destination, the Clearwater is not a one trick pony. The Dworshak hatchery bolsters catch and keep chances for King and Coho salmon with sustainable fish production goals. Coho were declared extinct in the river in 1986, but this year there was an overlapping sport season for Coho, Kings, and Steelhead! These October days are prime time and can be some of the most amazing, quality, days of an angler’s life. With returning Coho averaging 8-12 pounds, 10 to 20 pounds plus Chinook, and those amazing B-run in the river at the same time, pandemonium has been the theme more than once! Recent years have seen spring run Chinook seasons as well. 

This adventure is really about the fishing and those special days on the water. There are a variety of options in the area for shore fishing, multiple boat launches, and some great area outfitters. Many folks skip the hassle of pulling the boat and learning the river, instead walking onto a guides boat and getting right into the hot spots. Many of these area professionals provide a “hot lunch” as well, and around noon you can smell burgers and brats all around the river. Guides we recommend in the area include Toby Wyatt of Reel Time Fishing https://reeltimefishing.com, Kyle Jones of Jones Sport Fishing https://jonessportfishing.com, and Adam Hocking of Steel Dreams Guide Service https://steeldreamsfishing.com.  For lodging Lewiston, Idaho has all the amenities with the Hell’s Canyon Grand being our usual choice. Orofino, Idaho, has several good options as well.

Potholes Reservoir, Washington

Walleye Wonderland

Not everyone’s into walleye, but if you are, Potholes Reservoir should be on your list.  Located about seven miles south of Moses Lake in Central Washington, Potholes Reservoir offers year-round fishing opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and panfish.  Dinner plate bluegill are not unknown and last year there was some great rainbow fishing. 

The lake is large and shallow, with most of the lake less than 30 feet deep.  What used to be, and still is to some extent, a large collection of sand dunes, is now a one-of-a-kind regional destination for bass and walleye anglers and recreation of all sorts.  Part of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, multiple tournaments are held on the Lake annually, most held at the MarDon Resort Marina. 

With over 300 days of sunshine, MarDon is popular as a destination for families, and vacationers nearly year-round (boating, camping, resort events, wildlife & birdwatching), with the Fall and Winter offering excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. The resort has a variety of lodging opportunities from big RV spots and campsites to beach houses and cabins, you can customize your Potholes Lodging experience to your needs.  The marina offers quick access to the Lake, and the restaurant and resort store means you don’t really need to go anywhere. 

The consistent walleye fishing, and the flexibility to tailor the trip to whatever you’re looking for is what makes this a 5-star fishing destination. Walleye are delicious table fare, and the big boys can offer a surprising fight.  Nothing beats a mess of walleye grilled up after a day of fishing with one of those epic Potholes sunsets on the horizon. 

You can fish from the shore or the marina dock, launch your boat, rent a boat, or hire a local guide to experience Potholes Reservoir Fishing.  Shelby Ross of Ross Outdoor Adventures is the resident expert on lake conditions and where the fish are. 

To learn more about MarDon Reservoir visit  https://mardonresort.com/ to contact Shelby Ross of Ross Outdoor Adventure visit: https://rossoutdooradventures.com

Zeballos, BC

Trip of a Lifetime

This one is for those people who want the ultimate PNW fishing experience. You want salmon, you want halibut, you want the smell of saltwater and rugged untouched shorelines. This destination is not for people that one shopping, nightlife, and dance clubs. When you pull into Zeballos, BC you drive into the past. There’s one thing to do: Fish, Eat, Sleep, Repeat.

There’s one primary business in this town: Reel Obsession Sportfishing. Zeballos is about halfway up the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It looks just like the coastal parts of the PNW.  On the drive up (about 4 1/2 hours from the ferry in Nanaimo) there are towering Cedars and Firs, jagged mountains and pristine streams. There aren’t any mini-marts though. This trip is all about decompressing and enjoying some of the consistently best all-around salmon & halibut fishing in the region, and the team at Reel Obsession is obsessive in providing an unforgettable experience for their guests.

From the time you arrive until you depart, they have thought of everything. Wonderful accommodations, amazing chef prepared meals, top quality boats, gear, and equipment, and off the hook fishing is what makes this a 5-star fishing destination. Owners Adrian and Angie O’Connor have grown their operation to include up to 30 guests daily with groups of two, three, and larger visiting for three- or four-day inclusive trips. Guests start their day with breakfast in the common room then head for the boats, lunches already onboard, after eight hours of fishing your captain returns you to the dock. Fish are filleted, vacuum packed, and flash froze – all while you enjoy the latest chef’s creation. Then you wake up and do it again. 

Located at the end of Esperanza Inlet which leads to Nootka Sound and then the Pacific Salmon Highway, fishing from Zeballos allows multiple options to intercept salmon, access to reliable halibut grounds, and the chance at ling cod and bottom fish nearly every trip. Later in the season Albacore Tuna trips are possible as are the chances for the prized Tyee Salmon (30 pounds or larger). 

U.S. guests are limited to specific travel limits which usually fill a good cooler. Reel Obsession books up fast each season, we recommend you reach out to them early to plan your destination fishing adventure. For more information about Reel Obsession visit https://reelobsession.ca