Archive for the ‘Steelhead Fishing’ Category

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 concentrations of other anglers, contacting local hatcheries for return information, reading fishing articles, and check several Websites for updated information on Steelhead returns. Also, successful steelhead angling depends primarily on river levels or flow rates, and water clarity water temperature does play a part also however I do not believe this is as important as water color. 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. 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 which plays a big role in increasing the percentage of strikes. You could write a book about each one of these items but if you remember to decrease the size of each of the above mentioned items 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 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 (I wish I could tell you what these conditions are but I never know when they prefer these) steelhead will go crazy for medium-sized spoons and/or spinners. You cast them quartering upstream, let them sink almost to the bottom, and start a slow retrieve when the current starts to swings it towards the bank.

During the later steelhead season fly anglers that are skilled at nymph fishing can do very well in many of the runs. You can fly fish with less knowledge about bugs as it is more about presentation with the steelhead the which fly you should be using. You should be ready for cold water fishing as the water temps can be in the mid 30 degree range but for those who enjoy this type of fishing it can be extremely satisfying. Try swinging streamers made of rabbit or marabou if a steelhead is out there they should produce a strike and for what ever reason they seem to hit this type of fly pretty hard.

Steelhead anglers will find themselfs dealing with cold weather soon. I have noticed while out on the river that some anglers will still try using their same Steelhead fishing tactics. This made me think that it may be a good time to write an article about cold weather fishing. This time of year can be quite productive if you change your tactics just a little. This article is for those of us that enjoy being out on our favorite river even though the weather has turned cold. One of the reasons I enjoy this time of year is that most of the time you can have the river or stream to yourself, its not hard to find a nice secluded spot to enjoy the river or stream.

The main thing to remember when fishing in cold weather is to dress appropriately you can not enjoy your self if you are cold! You should also be aware of the unique challenges that cold weather presents. You guides on your pole will freeze waxing you guides helps put there is know way to completely stop this from happening. Walking along the bank of the river can be treacherous, when ever possible I will kick some sand or gravel out onto the bank giving just a little more traction to the frozen bank.

Cold weather steelhead fishing is going to be tougher than when you were fishing in late October the water temperature has cooled down and so has the fishing. However with a few simple changes to your fishing tactics you will still be able to catch some nice fish. Remember to us smaller baits, lures, and jigs. The water this time of year is normally crystal clear and cold making the steelhead just that much harder to entice into taking your hook. The smaller baits and lures are less likely to spook the steelhead and they are also more likely to hit smaller baits this time of year. I prefer to use the paler colors this time of year however I think this is more a matter of personal preference than anything else. Use slow presentations due to the fact that the fish will be less active, move a little further up into the hole the steelhead hold hear now because it takes less energy for them to hold in the current. Fish some of the deeper holes that you know the steelhead now are in a holding pattern and are looking for places that offer the some security and where they do not need to spend much energy to stay in the holes. Use lighters lines and just enough wait so that you feel the bottom every once in a while the steelhead are even more likely to be right on the bottom this time of year.

You can further your success by paying close attention to the weather and moon phases as mentioned in a previous article the weather and phases of the moon. as these two factors have a major impact on the way fish react and their activity during the day. Most of all be patent the steelhead have slowed down and it takes just that much more time to provoke a response from them. Don’t expect to be able to hook into one with every cast you may have to drift buy them a dozen or more times before they decide to strike.

So stay warm enjoy the experience and may you have a great time on the River!