Bait-Fishing
It's hard to beat the jig-and-bobber approach on the Grande Ronde. This is a very easy and inexpensive way to fish. Plus, you'll cut down on frustration because you won't snag up as much compared with drift-fishing.

A small fixed bobber, a couple of split shot and a jig fished on a long rod are all that's needed on this smaller river, though scaled-down versions of slip-float rigs will work great as well.

You can use tandem baits also. In deeper holes it pays to fish multiple levels in the water column.

Your starting depth should be just below the middle of the water column. Cover the hole methodically. Cast across the water in increments of a couple of feet. Make sure to pay extra attention to likely spots, such as seams, eddies and tailouts.

Then adjust your bait a few feet lower and fish closer to the bottom.

This method for covering a hole helps to rule out unproductive water and snags less.

Hooking Up
To hook these fish, stay focused and poised. Set the hook aggressively. And as everyone knows, hooking a steelhead is only half the battle. You still need to get the fish in the net and safely landed.

This is where a silky smooth drag comes into play. Also, use a knotless net so you don't damage any natives that may be hooked. Release the natives right away. You might also hook into bull trout, which should also be released immediately.

MIND MANNERS
Use good ethics and etiquette on the Grande Ronde. There will be crowding this time of year.

It's popular for two reasons.

First, the fishing really is that good!

Second, the fish are concentrated in one particular stretch of water this time of year. The water starting at Boggan's Oasis and heading upstream a few miles toward Oregon's line is always the most productive water this time of year.

Hedding calls this a "terminal fishery," meaning these hatchery fish end their journey on or near this segment of river. That's why there are so many.

Bankers and float-anglers alike find this stretch of water very hospitable. There are numerous pullouts and good boat launches. Again, good etiquette is a must because the Grande Ronde's narrow confines make manners and boat control a necessity.

HOLDING WATER
Any of the classic water types will house steelhead on this river. The main concern is always to cover water methodically to find where fish are staging. Like most far-inland fisheries, pay attention to tailouts above water that is hard to navigate, such as bigger, longer, hard-to-skirt rapids and stretches of faster water.

Perhaps the best way to accelerate the learning curve for the newcomer is to hire one of the area's very knowledgeable guides. Their experience on this river and expertise is well worth the price. You'll understand this river better and hone your steelheading skills in general.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
You'll find many camping options on the river, as well as lodging options. There is also a beautiful Washington state park with showers just off the road at the top of Rattlesnake Grade, a winding and treacherous stretch of Highway 129 on the way to the Grande Ronde from Asotin.

By the way, this road is not for the squeamish. There are no trees to hide the very long and steep descent into the canyonlands that house this portion of the Grande Ronde. Drive safe and try to enjoy the breathtaking views this road provides.

The next closest lodging is in the town of Clarkston, Wash., which has numerous places to stay. It's about a 45-minute drive south on Highway 129, a perfect amount of time for coffee and donuts.

Just across the river is the town of Lewiston, Idaho, home to the nearest airport with regular flights to Seattle and Portland. Lewiston is an angler's last chance to stock up on any gear before heading up to the Ronde.

Conservation is always an important concern on the Grande Ronde. Check the Washington regulations at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/2009/2009sportregs.pdf. Special concerns and rules apply to this river.