Banking for Steelhead

Cutter · 12-30-2001, 08:33 AM

Morning all, I am new to steelheading and was wondering what are some of the different ways to fish for steelhead from the bank? And which do you prefer?

I have been looking into drift fishing. I'm leaning towards the Abu 5501 for the reel but have not nailed down a rod for it yet.

What is the best set up for jig fishing?

Thanks for your advice.

Ryan Pultz · 12-30-2001, 09:40 AM

well i drift fish a lot and a bobber and jig are nice also i am looking to start plunking this year have seen a lot of people have good luck doing it so now i have to give it a try.

dampainter · 12-30-2001, 09:50 AM

New at this myself , have yet to get fish consistently....I can tell you there is lots info in the archives here at ifish I also bought this book called "color guide to steelhead drift fishing" by bill herzog , good book lots of pics of different setups and info. Can say also that even the best wind up with "bird nests" with the level wind reels so if I am throwing light stuff I just use spinning reels. My experience for steelhead has been at the deschutes river tossing #4 blue fox spinners of blue color and also the green , also wiggle warts of different colors. Then there is "the bench" at the mouth of the white salmon river using custom made spinners for salmon, people here sit butt to elbow (really not to my liking, but if I can learn and catch fish I'll do it)someday here shortly I am gonna get a drift boat,they seem to be able to do it all.My rod is a berkley IM-7 med.heavy 8 1/2 footer with a Abu 6500 C-3.Wish I were closer to the sandy the clackamas the lewis and the wind rivers, seems they get mentioned alot so fishing must be good.Maybe someday I'll have techniques down enuff so I'll be able to go there and produce something other than wear and tear on my rig. good luck, theres lots of people to help you here at ifish and also in the archives

BigSpinner · 12-30-2001, 10:33 AM

Steelhead fishing is a lot of fun, I love it. What I do is walk the river,I try to hit water that others dont. I spinner fish about 40% of the time and drift the other 60%. I think a big key to bank fishing is moving if you dont get anything in one spot move. Well I dont know if I helped at all but that is what I do and I hook fish so good luck to you.

Be safe, drive slow

Bubzilla · 12-30-2001, 01:08 PM

Cutter,

There are lots of options for bank-bound steelheading: drift fishing; float fishing, plunking, spoons, even fly fishing. Of these, drift fishing is far-and-away the most popular--mostly because of tradition, but also because it is VERY effective. Each method has it's advocates, however.

If you're just starting out, it helps to go with someone who knows a little about what they're doing. If that's not practical, there are other options. For example, there are several books and magazines that are generally very helpful to beginners. Some of them are great to have even if you can fish with someone who knows their stuff.

For drift fishing, I'd recommend getting a copy of Bill Herzog's "Color Guide to Steelhead Drift Fishing." Very good book with tons of useful information. It really will reduce your learning curve by years.

For float fishing, Dave Vedder has a couple books available through Amato Publishing. Can't remember their titles off-hand, but they're both pretty good for learning the basics. One covers float fishing in general, while the other focuses on Jig fishing. Good techniques to know.

Of course there are books on spoon fishing (one by Herzog that's very good), and TONS of stuff on fly fishing for steelhead. Just beginning with drift fishing would probably be a good way to get into your first fish, though.

There is also lots of information to be found in various magazines and periodicals. Salmon Trout Steelheader magazine can be great for how-to's, and Hunting & Fishing News is good for learning new places--particularly if you're totally unfamiliar with where and when to go.

You're probably going to get lots of advice on rods and reels. If I were you, I'd check out the various offerings in your area, and try not to break the bank getting your first rig. If I was only going to have one steelhead rod--shaking my head in horror at the very thought--I'd get an 8'6" medium action rod rated for 8 to 12 pound test, or even 8 to 17 if you want something a little heavier. Either spinning or casting would be OK--depending on your preference. I personally prefer casting, but I do have spinning rods too. As for reels, if you're going to go with a casting rod, the Garcia 5501 is a good choice. Load it up with some premium mono--I like Maxima in ten or twelve pound test for mainline--and your ready to go.

Good luck

Thumper · 12-30-2001, 02:04 PM

Only a few years ago less than 10% of the local anglers over here were float (bobber) fishing. Now more than 70% are using that technique. I think that drift fishing is a dying technique. Most good drift-fishing water can be bobbered with deadly results. And you rarely lose gear and cover far more water. And that equals more fish. Learn how to bobber fish with jigs and bait and you are set for life....and it ain't hard to learn.

Cutter · 12-30-2001, 02:55 PM

Thanks for all the great advice, I'm really stoked.

I was actually looking at herzogs drift fishing for steelheads yesturday. Looks like a great book.

Thanks a lot everyone.

Perfect Drift · 12-30-2001, 03:23 PM

Needed to say thank you for the posts and help on Friday with the North Fork Lewis.
Went to Day Break Park on the East Fork Lewis on Sat. Saw several steelhead caught on bobbers. Seems most guys are now using bobbers, I have nailed fish over the years with them, use what works. Bobbers do.

Thumper · 12-30-2001, 04:54 PM

Kaus:

Must have missed you on Saturday. Next time say "hi". I'm usually back in the tailout fishing next to the big tree.

Hookset · 12-30-2001, 11:13 PM

Cutter,

You'll find lots of differing opinions concerning the prefered method and tackle needed while bank fishing. Like dampainter suggested, serching the archieves will provide lots of info.

For starters, I prefer spinning reels and rods for bank fishing, I leave the level winds to boat fishing. I find spinning tackle works better to hit pocket water, areas with small pools and drops that harbor fish. The spinning tackle works well for drift fishing, casting spinners and float & jig, virtualy all types of fishing. The above 3 methods is also how I prefer to bank fish. I let the water help decide the technique I try first. A defined slot, over 5 feet deep, I'll drift first. Boulder strewn water with ledges and various water depths, ideal for spinners as well as tailouts and fast riffly water. For slots and long medium paced water that extends down stream, the jigs are applied to reach steelhead I otherwise couldn't reach.

The problem you'll encounter is popular areas limit the water you'll have access to fish. You won't always be able to use each and every technique. Often you'll be confined to using one or just two methods. This is dictated by the people your fishing next to. At that point, everyone should fish the same technique unless you actually have room.

The key for me is looking for open water less traveled. I don't like bank fishing in a crowd. There are times that's unavoidable, like when fishing is hot on a particular area. Still, my most memorable trips are places I had to explore to find. Where fish are hooked in unlikely looking areas.

Buy yourself a good quality rod and reel, bring enough tackle to fish various methods and explore your local rivers. Pay attention to where and what other fisherman are doing. Find some open undisturbed water then have some fun.

best of luck,

Gregg