mcfly

I should not say I am totally new because i have been steelheading 4 times with 0 success 

I have fished 4 times in just this week and I'm probably still considered new so don't worry about it!  Not sure about the particular rapids you have to deal with, but I usually start with a standard float rig with a decently long leader.  Fresh roe bags with a bead (colour depends on water clarity).  I use the bead for attracting the fish to the roe bag.  I then do some drifts and adjust my float until it starts to lean to the side (basically lets me know my split shots are rubbing against the bottom of the river).  Then I adjust the float so it's as close to the bottom as possible but allows the float to stay vertical (split shots right under the float also help it to balance in fast flows).  Then it's all a matter of covering the most amount of water.  Casting from the far shore and bringing it closer and closer and repeating the process until you have covered every drift possible in your spot.  If no takers, than move on.  Eventually you might get a fish and remember the drift you used to get it, that might indicate underwater cover or an area where more trout might be holding.  Drift that spot until your arm gets tired, if there aren't any more fish you can move on!

Those would be my tips to help you get into some fish.  So far this week, this technique has given me at least 12/25 landed/hooked trout

I remember almost passing out half way up some time.. then saw like a 10 year old girl with her family easily scaling those stairs.  I felt pretty embarrassed lol but it truly is hard when you're as out of shape as me  but it's worth it.  I've caught and seen others catch species I've only ever seen there.  

If it's shoulder to shoulder type combat fishing I just make sure I know the guy (or girl) to my left and to my right.  We take turns, and I wait for them to reel in before I cast.  Person down the river casts first then the order goes up.  Space between us depends on space available, if we can hold down the top of the river so be it.  

As for who's right of way it is, I'd say it's first come first serve.  If you don't know the people fishing there and want to get in on the action it is a MUST to talk to them and ask them if it is ok.  It is NOT ok to just slip into a group and start casting without talking first.  Very rude.

As for pier spots and other shore spots, it's also first come first serve, if the fisherman is tying a knot or having a drink of coffee, as long as they are within a few feet of the spot, it's still theirs.  Please do not just step in and start casting (unless they are your friend).  I saw some fights almost start on some dangerous piers last week because of disrespectful old guys trying to steal the young people's spots.  A reasonable distance to fish from a stranger is at least a rod length or more.  No one needs hooks in the face while some idiot is casting.  Got a super long rod?  Then take more room between the next fishermen.  

When I'm with a group and we yell at other fishermen "HEY!  There's no room here, don't cast!" we are not trying to bully you.  It's a simple fact that we were there first and we all need room to fish so we don't get snagged on each other.  

BIGGEST RULE of fishing amongst other people is, when somebody yells "Fish on!" please reel up your line if you are in any way preventing the fishermen from fighting the fish or landing it.  On a trib usually that means everybody on the side the fish is being fought.  I've seen plenty of fish lost because some idiot is drifting their rig right into somebody's catch.  

But generally, you can always go somewhere else and fish if you are bothered by people.  I tend to stay away from confrontation as I am there to have fun and enjoy fishing.  If I wanted to fight or have problems then I would have stayed home in my own neighbourhood.  

My legs feel sore just thinking of that walk back up   and it's even worse if you're bringing home a sizeable fish

I have a simple rule.  if you drive me, i will go fishing with you.     And if I am fishing, I am trying to catch fish!  If I am driving, we will leave in the afternoon HAHAHAHAHA