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Winter steelhead fishing

86K views 326 replies 92 participants last post by  Stlhdlver  
#1 ·
I live in Washington state, but friends keep telling me. That winter steelhead fishing in Oregon is way better. Because of a different political environment. When it comes to how their fisheries is ran. Is the grass really that much greener. On the other side?
 
#4 ·
Washington (where I live) has some good opportunities. Plus, your chance at a true 20lb. fish is better in a certain region of our State.
However, on average, Oregon has more and better opportunities. Due in large part to two circumstances. Hatcheries and gill nets.
First is the political will to allow hatcheries, particularly wild brood stocks programs. Let's just say Oregon has the foresight to support them.
Second is the treaty of 1855 and the Bolt decision with regard to gill nets.
Oregon is not part of this treaty, except for portions of the Columbia. This is not bash or a rant against the tribes. They have a legal right to the practice. If weren't for the tribes, Washington would fewer hatchery fish than they do. Tribal hatcheries produce a significant portion of the state's hatchery fish.
The point is, nets kill fish in the rivers. Even with a 50/50 allocation, a lot more fish were killed, particularly during the 70's 80's and 90's. and the runs never recovered.
 
#9 ·
Pretty early in the season for winter steelhead ive had the oportunity to fish all over washington and oregon the fishing is no better in oregon as my washington brothers seem to get into as many steelys as i do the fact that your not catching fish while fishing is what i would focus on maybe your timing and technique could use some work rather than switching rivers are you a fairweather fisherman etc good luck
 
#12 ·
There are rivers I like in both states. I recommend getting to know a few rivers near you very well. Local tackle shops are a good place to start. In my observation, Puget Sound rivers seem to have really declined before others in the region. Now, numbers are down region-wide, from southern Oregon to northern BC. I think the ocean is sick, probably climate/food chain-related. Just my opinion.
 
#17 ·
One good way to shorten the learning curve is to go out with a guide once or twice and pay attention.
He'll put you on some fish and give you good advice on how, where, and when.
I have been with a guide on my local river, it's no different. Than watching a how to video & idk if there are guides. That fish the 3 rivers I want to learn.
 
#21 ·
I only fish for steelhead in OR and last year was great ..for me. A lil low catch than usual but there were days in riw where I hooked them consistently. 4 days 8
in a row from bank. One day doubler. I already released a beautiful 'snowbelly' about 2 weeks or mebbe a lil over now.
Back in the days ..about 17/18 yrs back...fishing in WA at Hoh was a blast...
 
#24 ·
Winter Steelhead fishing is about reading the water, learning travel and holding water. In high water, they may travel in a foot and a half of water. Low water it's about bottom structure. Don't wait for "perfect" water to go fishing. After a high water event, most are caught long before the water gets to perfect. It's also never too low to catch fish.
 
#28 ·
If you live on the lewis, learn to fish the lewis. The 3 hours of windshield time could be used to learn a spot right on your doorstep. More casts = more fish at this stage. Try not to get into chasing hot reports, because that hot bite is already over and you'll just add more frustration. Try and get out for an hour before or after work on a regular basis to learn what the river is doing during various weather patterns and how if fishes at different stages (height). Once you get used to knowing what the river is doing, you will get a feel for when you need to be there, and when you should be banking hours on honey-do's for the good days.
 
#31 ·
I'm not married, have a Lot of free time & my 2 goals this year. Are to catch a steelhead on the east fork & salmon creek. In memory of my best friend who had a heartattack. And passed away at Lucia falls in 2014.

* I have never never had a problem catching summer steelhead.
 
#36 ·
Something else about Steelhead. They like certain areas and cover on rivers. I’ll put it to you this way. I’m 71 years old and still catch fish in the EXACT same spot as I did 50 years ago. Not always but quite often. They are creatures of habit. If I throw my gear through a spot half a dozen times and don’t get bit I move. Lastly like Dogzilla said you need to learn to “read” the water. You’ll be way ahead if you do. After high water events some holes will change or move as I call it. That’s when the reading the water helps. Time on the water is the best teacher.(y):)🇺🇸
 
#46 ·
This post is right on the money…. Those fish you hook behind that special rock, will be replaced by other fish using the same place to rest a bit before heading up stream. Year after year that spot will hold fish in the same exact spot….. Different water conditions dictate which spots these fish hold or travel though heading upstream.

It’s no different boat fishing…. You learn the travel lanes and where the fish hold, and what depth to fish. Higher water…. Fish closer to shore and fish the shelves. Change your tactics, and bounce bait instead of trolling flashy gear. Fish naked!
 
#39 ·
Dog,

Understood, I get it. If both are on the same page then it doesn't mater who's pulling. It's a hair puller to be up front and know the line I want to be on but have the oarsman miss it. OUCH it hurts. The friends I fish with except that one of us may bark out "OVER THERE". There is work to be done in both places. Imo more work up front, I'd rather row anyway
 
#42 · (Edited)
Are we gonna keep talking or we gonna smoke this banana..🤣
And so I did...😁
She was about 10 lbs...best part was 'keeper'. Everybody on the bank got piece of it today. Gorgeous fin clipped hen..full of eggs. My first one of the season on my home cured 'magic' prawns. Does that stuff work or does it work 😁.if you use it right way. Anyhoo.. this is a decent size portable grill and the fillet was long ...and thick. Peri peri seasoning did tge rest...of course with butter. Friend took this pic. Interesting part was ..I stopped to grab cure....wanted to try orange color...and Dave who works there at FMO congratulated me ....he already got the word....word travels fast.
 

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