Much anticipated rain has returned to the coast putting water in all our rivers and bringing the first wave of those big chrome missiles that haunt our sleepless nights. While there are still a few stray salmon floating around the majority of the run has pushed through and the focus has turned to winter steelhead. After a couple tough seasons on the Smith it looks like it's off to a more normal start with good numbers riding in on the last rain. It should continue strong for the next couple months. The picture is of a 8 pound Smith hatchery fish I actually got to catch while having a fun day with buddy and guide Curt Wilson. It's not very often these days that I find myself on the end of a bent rod so it's a rare treat. Thanks Curt.