The Steelhead Angler

One of the most important things a steelhead angler needs to learn is the run timing of the rivers they fish. Some good ways to do this is watching for concentrations of other anglers, contacting local hatcheries for return information, reading fishing articles, and check several Websites for updated information on Steelhead returns. Also, successful steelhead angling depends primarily on river levels or flow rates, and water clarity water temperature does play a part also however I do not believe this is as important as water color. You can find this information on the USGS website for almost all rivers and this information is kept current as to flows and anticipated flows.If you head out after a heavy rain, with a few exceptions you will be wasting your time. Clear water is good, green or slightly colored water is even better, so call someone if you can and find out how the rivers and fishing are; most of your locale tackle shops will be able to provide you some information.

Over the years I have learned that line size, hook size and weight affect the drift angle and your presentation of the bait which plays a big role in increasing the percentage of strikes. You could write a book about each one of these items but if you remember to decrease the size of each of the above mentioned items you will be on the right tract. I have learned that when drift fishing from a boat, different styles of boats react differently in the current, this has a direct affect on the way the angler is able to drift the bait along the bottom.

Small spinners, drifted yarn flies, and float-fished roe bags, or shrimp are deadly on most steelhead rivers, so are black or brown nymph imitations. Sometimes under the right conditions (I wish I could tell you what these conditions are but I never know when they prefer these) steelhead will go crazy for medium-sized spoons and/or spinners. You cast them quartering upstream, let them sink almost to the bottom, and start a slow retrieve when the current starts to swings it towards the bank.

During the later steelhead season fly fishers that are skilled at nymph fishing can do very well in many of the runs. You can fly fish with less knowledge about bugs as it is more about presentation with the steelhead the which fly you should be using. You should be ready for cold water fishing as the water temps can be in the mid 30 degree range but for those who enjoy this type of fishing it can be extremely satisfying. Try swinging streamers made of rabbit or marabou if a steelhead is out there they should produce a strike and for what ever reason they seem to hit this type of fly pretty hard.

By: RR Smith
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Ok get your rods and head out the Steelhead are on the move! My good friend and fishing partner for the last forty years gave me a great report yesterday. He fished from Rapid River up to Boulder Creek yesterday and said he had a great time. Landed 8 fish and lost at least that many.

He said the steelheads were still hitting very soft and it took him awhile to figure this out I had the same problem on Monday. Steelheads are notorious for hitting your lure and giving you the slightest indication that they have taken it. Right now for what ever reason this is even more so it should change soon as the become more aggressive the closer the get to spawning but if you feel something not quite right now and for the next couple of days I suggest that you set the hook.The report that he gave was there seemed to be more fish on the lower stretch of the river but he was able to hook fish up and down from Rapid River to Boulder Creek. The river was still way below its normal flows for this time of year but he too noticed the river rising through out the day.

With the weather report for the week say that temperatures will be rising so will the river and thing should really start picking up. Get your gear and get on the River this week end if you have a chance as I believe that this week end is going to be some of the best steelhead fishing we have seen all season.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Well according to the state wide fishing report I’m not the only one who was having trouble hooking into a steelhead over the weekend. The numbers were down state wide and I really did not expect anything different with the weather being the way it has been. When I left New Meadows Saturday morning it was -10 degrees and I fought ice in my guides for most of the morning.

I did go back down yesterday (Monday 3/31/2008) and was able to hook four fish on the Little Salmon I was fishing the lower end though near Rapid River. The fish were hitting so light that it was almost impossible to feel the strike. Once I realized what was going on I stated to hook into some fish. I’m still wondering just how many hits I missed yesterday but then that is pretty common as you all know the these fish will some times take your lure with out you ever knowing and then there are time when they nearly rip the pole from your hands.

I will not be making another trip for a few days as when I was fishing yesterday I slipped on a rock and I can hardly move this morning hope this heals up fast because I think that this week is the one we have been waiting for.

I have a good fishing partner who will be on the River today and he will be checking in so I’ll let you know how he does I’m thinking that he will hook into quite a few fish as the river was rising yesterday. I’ll try to keep you updated.

By: RR Smith

Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com