Any advice from steelhead masters???

steelheadhopefull · 08-07-2001, 12:32 AM

Last winter I began steelheading for the first time. I used a maribou jig under a float and had small success. Now that it is summer, I have heard of many different techniques. Lately I have been using a small corkie with yarn and pencil lead as a weight, and have had no luck. I have heard of a similar rig with a fly used instead of the corkie, but have not seen anyone do this before. I have also heard of different legnths of leader (up to 10 ft.). Alltogether I am quite confused. If anyone could offer some advice as to a good way to rig for summer steelies I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

First Bite · 08-07-2001, 02:57 AM

steeliehopeful
Welcome to the board. Right now with the low water conditions a small jig tipped with a thumbnail size bait will work for summer steelies. The hard part is finding a willing biter. Agressive steelhead will be holding in water that has lots of cover to it, so you should target fast water that leads into a drift. Early morning will probably be your best bet as the fish will not be as spooked. Also use 6-8# mainline and lighten up on your drag. A lot of local rivers have fish present so pick your favorite one and give it a try. Good luck.
Mark

Crusin · 08-07-2001, 03:34 AM

I'm far from a master..but I have been having some luck flipping spinners down here, I haven't really got the hang of using a jig yet but i keep trying to find out more about the tech for using them. My partner is a firm beliver in bouncing roe through a run.

fiishawk · 08-07-2001, 04:04 AM

Useing a small bait of eggs or sandshrip with a little color ,,Yarn or small orange corky has always worked for me on summeruns .. And look for faster moving slots with cover.

David Johnson · 08-07-2001, 10:13 AM

I don't know were you are fishing but stay away from the clear/low flow streams and hit the places were there are huge numbers of fish like the Columbia and Deschutes. In these you don't have to use such stealth tactics.

thedude · 08-07-2001, 12:16 PM

Hi Steelheader,
I just caught my first summer steelie. The advice that worked for me was. Use a vibrax spinner w/ a black blade. I couldn't find one so I used a magic marker and colored it myself. I left the back silver. I have only seen fished pulled out in morning and in the fast water. I cast into a riffle. Be sure to check your regs. some of the rivers don't allow live bait at this time.
The dude

Big Willie · 08-07-2001, 12:16 PM

Being on the river very early is key. When the sun hits the water its all over...usually. I use 6lb leaders for bobber and jigs, and 6-8lb main line with #3 Vibrax spinners and drift gear (corkies and yarn, smaller the better). Where I fish you can't use bait right now, some rivers you can, check the regs. Get up early and go get'em.

steelheadhopefull · 08-07-2001, 11:10 PM

Thanks a bunch to all. I'll be heading out early Friday morning and will hopefully have more luck then in the past. Any word as to a good length of leader?? I've heard that I should use about 20-25" when using a corkie. Also, does anyone know of any good spots around the Eugene area?