FISHING — The stats are compiled: Indeed, Ringold-area steelhead fishing was slow in January, but the fishing on that stretchof the Columbia should pick up in February, biologists say.

I did not bring foul weather gear. Skies were clearing when I left home. I park where Ringold Creek feeds into the Columbia River and get out of my truck. Gulls loiter nervously at the water’s edge.

Ringold bank fishing restriction to start for steelheaders Mon., March 31, 2014 A 34-inch steelhead weighing 14 pounds (top) dwarfs the normal size steelhead caught in the Grande Ronde River.

Pasco’s Road 68 is not my favorite byway, but it’s the main route north to Ringold Springs and bank fishing for salmon and steelhead. Once past the clutter of gas stations, fast food joints ...