Archive for the ‘Steelhead Fishing’ Category

Have you ever gone steelhead fishing with some one and had them catch fish all day long and you very seldom even get a hit? Do not feel alone if this has happened as I think that we all have been there at some point. I do have some simple tips that will help you turn the tide as to how often this happens though.

I remember years ago now when I first started to steelhead fish how frustrated I would become when my fishing partners were reeling in steelhead and all I could do was watch. I would be fishing right next to them, using the same bait, same lure, and casting to the same spot. The only thing I would hook was an occasional rock. Does this sound familiar, been there done that type of deal. I started to believe that they had some sort of secret bait and they were not telling me. They would even go as far as to set up my lure and bait just like theirs and still nothing.

Then one day while steelhead fishing with a good friend who has since past I decided to sit and watch to see just what the difference was. I watch for quite awhile and I still could not figure out what he was doing different then what I was doing. He would cast up stream just a little ahead of where he was standing, let the line hit bottom, reel in the slack line, and let his bait drift through the hole. I had done the same thing hundreds of times but could not get a hit. I guess I should mention that I did get a few but just not on a regular basis as he was doing.

I continued to watch for a little longer determined to figure this out. Then I noticed that the tip of his rod would bounce when his line hit a rock in the bottom of the river, and then be still for a little while before hitting another rock, which would make his rod tip bounce again. Suddenly the lights came on!! I was using more weight, my bait was actually dragging the bottom, and his was bouncing off the bottom. I was always told to keep your bait or lure on the bottom if you wanted to catch a steelhead. I took that to mean you actually had to stay on the bottom all the time.

Once I saw what was happening and experimenting with different weights and line weights. I got to where I would feel my line bounce of the bottom float a little ways and then bounce again; I too started to catch those elusive steelheads on a regular basis.

Seven Steelhead Fishing Tips

If you too are having trouble hooking into steelhead on a regular basis here are seven tips:

1. Try reducing the amount of weight you use.
2. Use as light of line as you are comfortable with.
3. Try adjusting the length of your leader making it longer or shorter to get the right drift.
4. In heavy currents try to use a smaller bait or lure.
5. Keep your line tight so you feel the bottom it should feel like bounce pause, bounce pause. Not bounces, bounce, bounce! Do not cast upstream to far you will only snagged more often.
6. If you are not hitting bottom in a drift add a little weight at a time until you get the right drift.
7. If you just cannot seem to find the right, combinations for a good drift try drifting your lure from a slip bobber. You can adjust them so your lure or bait floats right in the strike zone.

Scenic Clearwater River A Steelhead Fishing Paradise 

The Clearwater River in North Central Idaho is home to some of the largest Steelhead in the continental United States. It is well renowned

for its Steelhead Runs along with a very Good Salmon and Cutthroat trout fishery. The Clearwater River is one of those spots that most fly fisherman only dreams of experiencing. And yet it is one of America most easily accessible rivers with Idaho State Highway 12 following it across the state.

 Take highway 12 as you leave south of Lewiston and you will follow one of the most pristine rivers in the state as it works its way east. There is a number of public access points along the way many have boat launches picnic and camping areas. As you dive along this beautiful river you will be able to see an abundance of wild life turkeys, deer, and elk abound along the entire stretch of the river. 

My Main passion for this river however remain with its exceptional fishery Steelhead can be found and caught from September through April, in April you start to see some of the first Chinook as they make their way upstream and they usually have fishing for these great fish until the end of June as well. From June to September you can enjoy some of the best Cutthroat Trout fishing imaginable any where in the United States.

If you want to have the Fishing experience of a lifetime while enjoying some spectacular scenery you should really consider a trip along the beautiful Clearwater River here in Idaho.

By: RR Smith