there's a stretch of water where I can see the steelies in direct sunlight. I have tried spinners and jigs on early mornings well before the sun comes out. The only success I have had has been directly after it rained when they were "stirred up" a little. Does anyone have any secret remedies that they would be willing to divulge. Is it possible to get a steely to move when it seemingly "isn't biting." Is the "bite Phenomenon" that strict?

Try a size 8 or smaller wolly worm or bugger on a long leader. Dark natural colors! Rig it just like you would normally drift fish. 6lb too. Good luck.

Yup, the Aug/Sept Reiter beater. I've had particular success on a size 8 olive whooly worm and green cary special; also have seen success with the prince nymph. These are all dark green patterns and I've seen green insects rising off of the water at Reiter during this period; the steelhead may be snapping at these guys (although probably not feeding).

Black, brown, dark green, small, and buggy looking seems to be the ticket. Also pays to use a rod that has enough forgiveness to keep a size 8 hook from straightening out or a 6 lb leader from snapping.

Good Luck

1/32nd ounce jig in a dark color as suggested above and tipped with a periwinkle.

Sometimes (and only somethimes, but worth a try), shock offerings are a good bet ... worked well on stacked coastal salmon for me in low water as well as some of the Reiter fish mentioned. Shock offering??? The biggest, brighest, noisest thing you can find in your vest ... don't laugh, you'll be pleasently surprised from time to time

After trying the less disrupting woolys, try using a long 6 lb. leader for working a small size 50 Hot Shot, tuned to dive straight, in dark green metallic &/or one painted flat black with a small piece of green lure tape by the tail. Use proper stealth by appraoching from way above the holding water and working the plug very slowly against the current down thru the hole, hovering it some. If the current gets too weak then slowly reel it up thru holding water. Try putting a very small piece of shrimp tail on the hook for a variant. -- Hey Bob, the biggest brightest thing I carry in my tackle vest is an oversize candy bar in a red wrapper. Might work? . - RT