Anglers are beginning to land a few winter steelhead on the Sandy, and fishing should only get better as the season progresses to prime time in March.

The river is still running low and cold, making fishing conditions challenging. Look for rain events to improve conditions both by increasing flows and warming water temperature. The most popular fishing gear set-up for this fishery is a bobber and jig, although spoons and spinners can also be effective.

USGS hydrological data for Dec. 30 shows Sandy flows receding to 1,120 cfs, a gauge reading of 8.78 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run still running chilly at 41° F.