General Steelhead Fishing Information
One of the most important things a steelhead angler needs to learn is the run timing of the rivers they fish. Some good ways to do this is watching for other anglers, contacting local hatcheries for return information. You can also read fishing articles, and check several Websites for updated information on Steelhead returns. In addition, successful steelhead angling depends primarily on river levels or flow rates. This usually affects water clarity, and the water temperature. Which play a major part in the steelheads activities. You can find this information on the USGS website for almost all rivers and this information is kept current as to flows and anticipated flows. If you head out after a heavy rain, with a few exceptions you will be wasting your time. Steelhead can be caught in muddy water but the fishing is going to be tough. Clear water is good, green or slightly colored water is even better, so call someone if you can and find out how the rivers and fishing are. Most of your locale tackle shops will be able to provide you some information.
Over the years I have learned that line size, hook size and weight affect the drift angle and your presentation of the bait. This plays a big role in increasing the percentage of strikes. You could write a book about each one of these items. A general rule to remember is to decrease the size of each of the above-mentioned items. If you use this rule, you will be on the right tract. I have learned that when drift fishing from a boat, different styles of boats react differently in the current. This too has a direct affect on the way the angler is able to drift the bait along the bottom.
Small spinners, drifted yarn flies, and float-fished roe bags, or shrimp are deadly on most steelhead rivers, so are black or brown nymph imitations. Sometimes under the right conditions, steelhead will go crazy for medium-sized spoons and/or spinners. (I wish I could tell you what these conditions are but I never know when they prefer these.) You cast them quartering upstream, let them sink to the bottom and drift with the current. It is important to note here the key is having the right amount of weight. You want your bait or lure to hit bottom then float and drift a few feet before hitting bottom again. You should feel a tap, tap on your rod tip as it hits bottom and then floats. Once it nears the end of the drift start, a slow retrieve back in.
During the early and late steelhead season, fly-fishing anglers that are skilled at nymph fishing can do very well in many of the runs. You can fly fish for steelhead with less knowledge about bugs and hatches as it is more about presentation. Small jigs and egg patterns are typically used for steelhead, which means less worry about what fly you should be using. You should be ready for cold-water fishing as the water temperatures can be in the mid 40-degree range. For those who enjoy this type of fishing it can be extremely satisfying. For early season steelhead, try swinging streamers made of rabbit or marabou. If a steelhead is out there they should produce a strike and for whatever reason they seem to hit this type of fly hard. For the late season steelhead, any of the egg patterns available should provide you with some action.
