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All Aboard The Steelhead Train
By Bill Schneider

Fishing Land for Sale
Mike Marcus with one of his beauties. Photo by Kevin Wright, Travel Oregon.
Among anglers, steelheaders are among the most avid. Twice each year, their necks swell and the little-known pisces gland releases powerful hormones and they become uncontrollable. They go great lengths to hook into these sea-run rainbows on steroids, traveling hundreds of miles, buying the latest gear, rolling our before daybreak on a fishing day so they can fishing from first to last light.

And now, in Eastern Oregon, thanks to an unusual private-private partnership, steelhead aficionados have their own train, The Steelhead Train.
Fishing Land for Sale
Author and Steelheader Chris Santella
boarding the Steelhead Train. Photo by Bill Schneider.
Starting this year, in February and March, The Steelhead Train leaves every Saturday and Sunday morning from the Minam Motel & Market (about halfway between La Grande and Enterprise, Oregon on Oregon Route 82) and makes three back and forth trips, up the Wild and Scenic Wallowa River Canyon, stopping at every fishing hole to drop off or pick up anglers. Non-steelheaders (i.e. normal people) ride along just for the "excursion," as it's called by local tourism folks, to enjoy the scenery and train ride. It costs $50 for the full day, $30 for a half day, including lunch.

Why February and March? Steelheaders already know the answer, but for the majority of the population, that timeframe coincides with the winter steelhead run. The silvery torpedoes also have a summer run in July and August.

The Steelhead Train is a partnership between the Wallowa Union Railroad and the Minam Motel & Market. Agencies are involved and supportive... Read Full Article.

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