Water Temp

rpnsteelheadlps · 12-30-2003, 01:36 PM

After being on the river for 2+ hours this morning I remembered I had a thermometer and found the water temp to be 36deg. I should have checked it when we arrived and gone home still warm.

What are your prefered temp's for winter Steelhead fishing ?

greenbuttskunk · 12-30-2003, 02:35 PM

temp is not as important as a cold water temp fluctuation. I've caught plenty in really cold water, but it's best when the fish have had a little time to adjust to it. 36 is pretty cold, 39 I'd say is good temp for them if it's holding at that.
GBS

Jellyhead · 01-02-2004, 08:43 AM

I have caught winter fish while ice was building up in my guides. In my opinion, temp. is not that critical for winter fishing, I think time of day has more to do with it. If you can get first crack through a good run at first light, you have a better chance of hooking up, because the fish will lie in the softer water that is better for fly fishing. Even if it is really cold.

As they get pushed out of the softer, shallower holding water, they are harder to get a good presentation too. Even if the temp is up and they are more active, it is going to be harder to get a fly down to them.

Aaron