reading water

[high_arc]

Any tips on reading holding water? I thought I read about it in the past, did a search, and couldn't find it. I am going to try bobber and jig and would like some info on what to look for. Thanks

[Flatfish]

What kind of fish are we looking for?

It depends on the quarry.

Mark and the dog.

[high_arc]

I knew I would forget something. I am looking for steelhead, bobber and jig. Just got my FirstCast jigs and want to give them a try.

[Flatfish]

3-10' deep. About as fast as you can walk.

Look for something to break up the current- Big rocks, logs, whatever. They like to snuggle up to something and sit there. Ledges, channel edges, you name it.

If the water is clear, they will move to the head of the hols, using the riffles on the surface for cover.

They like tailouts( where the hole starts to shallow up all the way til it drops into the next riffle)but they are overrated by many. Tails get fished real hard. Unless it is a low pressure day( angling pressure) I spend no more time on tailouts than any other water. If I am the only guy on the river, that plan changes.

A lot of fish strike as they are pushed to the tailout, but have been backing down from a presentation for a long time. This is very pronounces in plug fishing. But I would bet that jigs will walk 'em back under the right conditions.

Steelies like to follow the bank. Especially in high water conditions. But they will follow it as long as the feel safe( cover from predators).

A good rule is when the water is high, fish close to the bank. As the rivers drop, fish towards the center of the runs.

Do not feel you have to cast into the next county to catch one. Start short, and cast longer with each cast. Cover the run, and move on.

Keep an eye on water temps and tides. They play a hugely overlooked role in steelhead fishing.

Steelies are a fairly predictable animal. You just have to see things from a fishes point of view. Turbidity and temp are the big 2.

Good Luck.

Mark and the dog.

[First Bite]

Yea...what Flatfish said.

I like to cover as much water as possible when fishing jigs so if I have a drift to myself I'll start at the head of the drift and fish it all the way to the tailout constantly varying the depth of the jig according to the depth of the water. Current flow that is around walking speed or slower is ideal.

Once you get a take, make a mental note of exactly where you hooked the fish. Where there is one fish, there could be more. My last trip out I found four steelies...all in the tailout of one drift. The river was just dropping into shape.

Mark