Report: Fished hard and put in 3 long days with two other experienced Steelheaders from Pineville Bridge to the Trestle Pool. Water level went from 335 to 750 the day before we arrived, but it was pretty clear. Weather was spring-like. We had 3 hookups total. The river was full of fishermen and lots & lots of driftboats- many with clients who had long faces. We saw little action wherever we ventured with the exception of Altmar- which was an absolute circus atmosphere. Anglers lined both sides of the river from the Flyzone down to the Wire Hole. Early Sunday morning we counted 29 anglers from the Altmar bridge upstream to the bend (signifying the beginning of the Flyzone). Below the bridge, at the bend, were 5 driftboats parked with their clients. They drifted 50 yards from the boat launch and parked along the bank. I think that's pathetic and unethical.Hours later they were still monopolizing that spot. We watched as people cast lines across and over each other, but did see 4 hookups in probably 15 minutes time. Shoehorning my way into a piece of steelhead water surrounded by gawkers & onlookers and various yahoos is not my idea of a quality fishing experience. Surely there are fish to be caught in the midriver and lower but the reports from several people in the lodge we were at were of pretty slow fishing all week- (except for Altmar). A 19lb steelie was caught at the 81 Hole on Wednesday, tho. We also heard of an good number of browns being caught, yet we only heard about 1 brown caught. Last week was a very good week on the river up in both flyzones and in Altmar. I have watched this fishery become the Altmar Steelhead Run as probably 60% of those up in Pulaski area cram into every run and pool and riffle upriver in Altmar where there is a large concentration of fish.Funny, most fishermen now seem to be willing and resigned to fish side-by-side-by-side and cope with the extreme tight quarters. I won't.
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