WDFW publishes Steelhead catch rates for the Walla Walla at

wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel.../index.htm

For the period Oct 24-30, the catch rate was 5.5 hrs of effort per Steelhead
caught. High catch rates are typically reported.

Places I fish, 9 mile up to Lowden road (Gardena Road), I never see a fish checker. Don't think the catch rate is nearly that high either.

Anybody know what part of the river the fish checkers are checking?

I fished the area you're talking about last year with some luck, and last year, the checker did survey that section of the river. I think you have to have to take the creel surveys for what they are, which is a really hit and miss operation. I've also had decent luck upstream of Lowden and all the way to the state line. I have an OR license too, but I've never caught anything on the Oregon side.

I have been checked many times at the Old Railroad trestle. Take the WDFW road off of Highway 12 east of the junction. Drive down the road to the WDFW gate. Look for the old concrete trestle.