Unfortunately, some things are only learned through time. Using the USGS streamflow info only helps if you know what rivers and holes fish best at certain levels. It doesn't tell you what color the water is either. Optimum flow but chocolate color is not good. OK. You already knew that. You can probably get some info from fly and tackle shops but I can't recommend one since I really don't frequent any. I know some tackle shop employee's are List members and we should probably require them to report on a daily basis to maintain their membership:) One of the things that helped me when I first started steelhead fishing was to get the smolt release info from the WDFW office. This report also showed how many steelhead were caught(reported/punched) in each river each month. Also if they were wild or hatchery.I remember catching some steelhead out of a small creek when all other rivers were blown because I had that report with me on a trip. Having said that, if I was to go fishing tomorrow I would hit the upper Skagit for some early chums.Don't know if there in yet but there is one way to find out.
Good luck!
