Steelhead secrets

[Hookset]

The winter steelhead season is upon us and thought we could share some valuable tips. Many of us understand this as common knowledge but there are still many who are new to this fantastic fishery. Please help out by sharing some of your favorite tips.

1) Use fresh monofilament, leader and line. Never trust the old line sitting on your reel since last season and have some new leaders tied up as well.

2) Check you line often for nicks. Drifting gear along the bottom is tough on knots and leaders, inspect frequently, especially after hanging up.

3) Smooth drags - whatever your reel type, make sure the line pulls smoothly off your reel, replace those worn drag washers.

4) Have at least two of everything. Nothing ruins a trip faster then breaking a rod, dropping your hook file or missing the hot bite since you only have one hot lure and you just broke it off.

5) Speaking of hot lures, have a variety of types and colors to select from to match water height and color. Spin n' glos, corkies, cheaters, plastics, jigs, yarn flys, you name it, have various sizes and colors available.

6) Carry a hook file and use it often. Dull hooks don't catch fish. Sharpen new hooks and check often. I can't overstate this enough. If you foget everything else, don't forget keeping your hooks sticky sharp.

7) Have lures pre-tied and ready to go. A small piece of pipe with insulation will hold several pre-rigged leaders. Another good idea is strips of cork glued together. Or PIP's leader dispensers. The idea is to re-tie with just one knot and have leaders and lures pre-tied in the comfort of your warm home. Afterall, you can't catch a fish with your line out of the water.

8) Did I mention carry a variety of lures? Carry jigs & floats, spinners, spoons, eggs and hard lures as mentioned above (corkies, spin glos etc...).

9) Leave no stone untouched. What does this mean? Get at least one cast in all likely looking holding spots and even some that don't look likely. I can not tell you how many times we hooked fish in unlikely looking spots. Steelhead can become very spooky and find areas where they can rest without being harrassed. If you've watched people below you make cast after cast with no luck and you think there should be fish there, try something different and try from a different angle or side of the river. Steelhead are often overlooked because they were pushed out from the classic looking drift.

10) Learn how to read good holding water. Steelhead prefer moving water in the 5 to 10 foot range to hold up in. Water that's moving at a fair walking pace. Looks for slots below fast water and narrow slots along tailouts. They prefer to hang around structure, like ledges and rocks, along current seams. Learn the holding waters and you'll be able to fish steelhead everywhere.

11) Have confidence by using a lure you trust. If you don't have any faith in what your casting, chances are slim you'll locate a fish. When you have confidence in a lure, your concentration will increase, meaning more hookups.

12) Watch the other fisherman. Where did you see fish caught? Remember these spots, chances are other fish will be caught in these same locations. Hot spots can change between seasons and by remembering where fish are caught will improve your chances.

13) Increase lure size and color in murkier water. When the river is up and the water is stained, use larger brighter lures AND more lead. Fish have a harder time seeing your lure in murky water, make it easy for the fish to locate your lure, like size #6 and #4 corkies, size #4,2 and #0 spin-n-glos. And don't forget to add yarn.

14) Along with larger lures, use hooks that match the lure size. Larger hooks with large lures and smaller hooks with small lures. Just make sure the hook sits back behind the lure and has enough bite to hook a fish.

15) Use a bearing on spinning lures. Simply said, place at least one plastic bead between hook and spinning lure to prevent line twist.

16) Invest in quality hardware and throw away worn out tackle. Hooks and swivels should be in good condition and of good quality.

17) Drift rods, buy the best you can afford, period! With most fishing techniques, sensitivity is nice but not always a requirement, except with fly rods. However, sensitivity in a drift rod is paramount. Detecting a subtle take of a steelhead can be extremely difficult when the fish are finicky, a very sensitive rod helps swing the odds in your favor. Do yourself a favor, save money on your plug rod and spinner rod, just not your drift rod.

18) For boaters, keep that person/s up front fishing inbetween holes. They can rest if needed when your on anchor not between holes. As already mentioned, you can't catch a fish with your line out of the water and some of the best holes are places you won't be able to drop an anchor.

19) Locate less traveled waters. Sure the season is here and sure there is a large crowd catching fish at your favorite river. Except at what price? Some of my best fishing trips are places off the beaten path. Get out and explore some new overlooked areas where fish have a chance to relax. This also applies to boaters too.

20) If your a boater, give bank fisherman room and don't cast in their hole. If your a bankie, understand that sometimes boaters don't understand this rule. Yes it's sad, but this could help you manage your stress level.

21) If your fishing in a group, everyone should be using a different lure, at least another color. Steelhead tend to get color specific at times. When you hook some fish on one lure/color type, gradualy start switching over.

22) Always carry quality raingear and clothes that keep you dry and warm, don't forget a good hat. Nobody likes a whinner who gets to cold or wet in the first hour or two. Be prepared for the worst.

23) Always offer to share the expenses when your fishing with someone else and do pay your share and then some, add a new plug or lures along with gas money. If it's their boat or truck, they're always spending more money then just for gas. By helping out, your more likely to recieve a second invite.

24) Pick up your trash and pack it out, no one likes to see garbage while out fishing.

25) Finally, enjoy all your days afield. Even when the weather is wet and cold, everyday fishing, especially for steelhead, is better then just sitting hear dreaming about it.

Hope this helps some people, even if this is just a reminder to most. Please add your tips so that we can all benefit from your experience.

thanks,

Gregg

[ 12-15-2001: Message edited by: Hookset ]</p>

[SandySteel]

Wow, it's hard to top that list. I am impressed. My only tip I think I can add is this: (it's kind of like your last tip but a different tack)

Stop on occasion when you are fishing, look around, enjoy your surroundings, the sound of the water, the sound of the birds, the smell of the river, the weather. Too often we get into fishing and forget to look at what is going on around us. I find the best anglers are the ones who are willing to pay attention to what is happening on the river.

Eric

[verysweepy]

This is what makes this board great, people helping others out, I know for one that the info above will definatly help a newbie to steelhead fishing like me out, my hats off to you hookset! :grin:

[HT Buzzo]

Great post, but someone can definitely get confused by tip #5. I had two big problems when I first started steelhead fishing.

#1 I listened to what other fishermen were telling me fishing other rivers, and failed to focus on what was going on where I was fishing and what had been effective in the past. If you carry everything as a new fisherman you'll be tempted to try everything. This can lead to frustrating days of tackle mismanagement and a general feeling of inablility.
When you first start out, find a couple of tackle options that you have seen work on the particular river you are fishing or feels comfortable to you/has worked in the past. After you become more experienced, you will naturally diversify.
For me it was #4 spinners and frozen prawns everywhere for the first year, and I caught a half dozen fish or more. Also, use at least a 2/0 hook on your bait rigs, keep your hooks sharp, and

Tip #2-- Carry A Net! at least until you figure out how to tail one of these slimy little beasts.

HT

[fishbait]

Wow, Gregg, man you hit the nail on the head. And Eric, very important tip. I might add, make sure you pack your sense of humor. You will encounter tough times, cold weather, frozen hands, lost fish, rookie mistakes, if you can't laugh at yourself and your buddies then it will be less fun. After all, thats what we are doing itn's it, having fun.

OK, a tip or two,

1. Pick a stretch of water ( 1 - 15 miles) on one river and learn it. Learn it well. All water conditions. Diff tackle types. Become proficent fishing this stretch then branch out.

2. IF you find a area that holds fish that has a good tailout, learn how to fish chargers. They are the single most effective steelhead lure in no/low light situtations period. If you become profecient, you will catch and release multiple limits before daylght and before most other fisherman make their first cast. Remember this well "in darkness/very low light Steelhead will rest in water that is 2 - 4 ft deep, places that they will not be found in in daylight". Also, make sure you have a witness for when you start fishing (1 hr (do 55min to be safe) before daylight is the law) as you catch and release, others will become frustrated if they are watching and don't have chargers.

OK, there I shared some valuable tips. Tight lines.

[Snapset]

Hookset knows whereof he speaks, I wouldn't change a word of it. I will add a few of my own, however.
It is common for people to expect to find fish hiding in the current shadow behind a rock. This is all well and good, but it is often difficult to get drift gear to drift into a current shadow. The fish holding there are often more dormant also.

The solution is to fish in front of the rock, at least on the first several casts. There is a pillow of slack water in front of a large rock, and active fish will hold there. Your gear will drift to them in clear view, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how often you will feel the joy of those first few headshakes.

[Peanutbutter & Jellyfish]

Is it important to be on the river at first light (or before) as Fishbait states? I heard steelhead will bite all day, is this not true?

[Snapset]

PBJ,
I have found that only a certain percentage of the fish are in an active mood at any given time. Some of the fishers around are so effective, that I know that if there is an active fish in the hole, they have put a hook in it. However, I believe that some of the fish will switch moods inside of 2 hours. Therefore:
It is good to have the first line in the water. But, It is also good to come to a hole after it has been rested for a few hours, because there will be active fish that were not active previously. If you arrive at a hole late and the fish are not hitting, tyhere are still fish there, and they might bite something other than what everybody else is using.

[SandyRiverFisher]

It depends PB&Jfish,

I swear by first light for springers and summers, but thats just me. Often times I get skunked and go home by 8AM only to come back tomarrow and hear about the 30lb springer the guy caught who took my spot when I left. Generally, when I fish tailouts for summers, the first hour and a half is best. Typically I will limit out during this time when they are running good. Maybe they bite later on, but by that time I am home cutting steaks and fillets. As for winters, first light is the rule when its cold and dry, and the water is low and clear. However, if its been raining and wet, the waters up a little or slightly colored, or any of a dozen different factors are in play then you can do good all day long.

I would say you can catch em' any time of the day if your good at it. Its just that when the sun hits the water your going to have to work a lot harder. Of course, there are always "suicide" fish that would probably hit a dirty sock tossed into six inches of water two feet from the bank at 1:00 on a 90degree day. The big secret is just to fish whenever you can and for as long as you can.

[Fish mojo]

My 2 thoughts to add. #1- log all your information in a journal that day when you are done. Weather info, river condition, what worked (or didn't) at what time of day, date, etc. This is some of the best tips you'll ever get (your own history). #2- carry a camera- you kick yourself that day you get that 20pound native and you never see him again. :shocked:

[fishbait]

PBJ,

No it is not necessary. I haven't fished chargers in over 6 years. Too old,fat,lazy now. But it is probably the most effective method I know of for both winters and summers. Summers mean leaving the house around 3AM, way too early for me now.

[Roeboat]

What are chargers? Are you guys talking about glow balling with a flash unit?

Great post Hookset. You really covered a lot that should be great for many people learning the sport. It takes many years.

Winter basic corkie colors for many rivers...
Before dawn glow in the dark corkies (w/spots)
First light before sun comes up fully glow peach
First real light pearl pink/white yarn or glow peach
mid morning to 2 or so.. on Red or orange w/red scale
Fish what works for you!

winter fish love sand shrimp so always have some type of shrimp or shrimp scent with you.

And you definitely do not have to be on the river first light...many times the winter bite is at 10 am and again before dark.

[Salmonator]

Not a secret, but sometimes it is better to leave the bait off the hook. A few days ago on the Alsea I was fishing with a buddy for a few hours before the river blew out. I don't like to fish chem cured eggs for steelhead anyways, but since it was all I had it was what I used for the first two hours without a bump. Changed to corkie alone, no yarn or bait. First cast fish on and lost. Half hour later, fish on the bank on the same setup. Same thing on my last trip of the year on the Siletz last winter. Intermittently switched between corkie/sandshrimp to corkie alone during the day. Hooked and landed 4 fish, three nates and a broodstocker all on the baitless corkie. Now if I have any doubts as to whether or not they like my eggs or if the shrimp is fresh enough, I have confidence in switching to a single corkie and feel like i'm not wasting my time. Also, don't be afraid to try the most obnoxious, sparkly color if the water is even slightly dirty. I've been catching fish on a few colors that for years I thought a steelhead wouldn't come within a mile of.... Joe

[HOGTIDE]

Lots of great tips! Another tip in regard to steelhead is to change your "focus". So often when pursuit of anadromous fish in rivers, we target 'salmon'. When fishing steelhead in the stream...think 'trout'. Yes, steelhead hold in deep pools. But,these fish will also hold in fast water, shallow water near boulders and oxygenated water at the base of, and underneath the tails of rapids.

[smilesforu]

Great post Gregg. Heres one I think is important..
Understand what your trying to do with your tackle in the specific water you fishing. Most water is not fished correctly with out making adjustments. It might be (more lead or less), (bigger size and color) or (smaller and duller) or a (different color and movement) or (less line to the plugs Or a deeper diving plug). This is were paying attention to details will play a key role. This is the tip that helps you figure out what the other guy is using to catch fish and why.

Next tip.. would be to understand how fish travel and which lanes are the most probable to have them. Seen it time and time again, people fishing the wrong travel lane and wonder how you caught fish. If you see fish being caught look at where they are coming from...why? What is different about that spot and does it remind you of a spot you have fished before.

Next tip.. Fish don't like looking into the sun and will seek shade or deep water if it is clear. (no eyelids)

Thats it for now.

[ 12-17-2001: Message edited by: smilesforu ]</p>