I’ve received some weird looks from friends and fellow anglers when I’ve tied on a spoon, but with a little bit of trial and error, I’ve actually found this to be an effective way to catch fish. Hey there, my name is Sean – OnTrack Fishing is my site. Then continue Steelhead fishing down the Salmon River pool in the slower current. Spring Steelhead are motivated by Mother Nature , the spawn is the primary trigger for them to migrate the river. Plunking is not just fun to say, but it’s also an effective way to fish for steelhead from the bank. Remember to monitor the levels of the river before you head out, as this can dictate the rig you use to fish. If you are in the right water and the fly is not getting down, do a larger mend with more line. When it comes to high water steelhead … You do need to make sure you have the ideal amount of weight, however, as too little weight won’t help keep your rig in place while too much weight will cause the fish to spit it out. Casting from the bank for steelhead works in a similar way, but you need to remember that since steelhead hang out in faster waters, you need to be able to cast upstream and then allow it to drift downstream. Win a Winter Steelhead Trip and Help Others Too! During the swing the fly gets deeper as it comes across. The hard-fighting, acrobatic Oregon Winter Steelhead start entering Oregon coastal rivers in late November and run through March. The secrets to catching winter Steelhead consistently on the fly are actually not that hard when applied consistently. What is a Steelhead: A simple definition is that a steelhead … In over 27 years of guiding Steelhead anglers there are some things that you see over and over; some anglers get it and some don’t. steelhead gets a long distance downstream from you in fast water, you usually must follow and try to get below it. Once you let the plugs out, the current will cause the plugs to dive, and then the boat can move slowly downstream, while the plugs wiggle away upstream. There are 5 basic approaches starting with the standard cast swing step to get the fly deeper. Hmm, that also coincides with when the fly is deepest! OREGON WINTER STEELHEAD. You can also move. That being said, once you’ve mastered the art of drift fishing, it’s more likely to catch you fish than any other rig. Your contact info is safe and will not be sold to any third party. Steelhead: Ontario steelhead are arguably the hardest fighting fish and they could be the hardest and fastest pulling fish that often leap multiple times with seemingly endless endurance. Steelhead & Salmon fishing is a constant adaptation of tactics. As a beginner, this is a challenging task to master, as it’s difficult to tell what’s a rock as you bump across it and what’s a subtle steelhead strike. You need to learn how to present the bait so that it still seems natural. "Plunkers caught a few steelhead Sunday in the high water. How deep is your fly? Hopefully by getting that fly deeper in the swing earlier you will see more consistent results – better than “a blind pig finding an acorn.”. Steelhead Fly Fishing in the Fall- Top Tips for Wherever you Fish! The earlier warm up has the fish moving up river to different runs, closer to spawning gravel. Fish any deep water that has a Major Gravel influence above, even with or below it. Drift fishing sounds complicated (and it is), but in my experience, it’s probably one of the easiest ways to fish for steelhead. Steelhead Rigs for Bank Fishing: What are the best choices? If I’m not fishing, or talking about fishing, then….I’m probably asleep. This a great technique for beginners – or even children. Fly fishing is a lifelong quest to keep improving, and a trip doesn’t seem complete without a great “Ah-ha!” moment. If the fly is sinking too fast, do a smaller mend with less line so the rod ends less than 90 degrees to the flow of the river.) Use a spoon with a long rod that has plenty of backbone, which will help support heavier hooks and also keep your line up out of the water. They are more likely to strike a rotating spinner without having second thoughts, and they’ll usually strike quite hard so you’ll know you have a hit. The same is true when water temperatures become too warm and the fish become lethargic. Winter steelhead fly fishing is the most difficult time of year to find success with the swung fly because most often the conditions are working against us. Fishing techniques. Spoon fishing is another lesser-known way to catch steelhead from the bank. Did you know that 90% of all hits are in the last 1/3 of the swing. The goal being get your fly at least half the depth of the water. These rigs are most commonly used in boats anchored in place, but you can also use them from the bank. The smaller rivers like the Pere Marquette Riverwarm faster than the Big Manistee River. Keep the pressure on the fish and fight it by holding the rod tip up. Stay away from sand. You just want the spinner to have a presence – not spook the fish. Dirty water, or fast and big water, or heavily wooded water – 0.22mm or.009in. Your tackle, fly selection and presentation all effect how deep your fly is and dialing this in is critical. I like to use Okies, but there are others you can choose, too. Once you’re out there on the shore, simply pay attention to details and be aware of the methods that you can use in various situations. Baitcast Vs Spincast Vs Spinning Reel: Differences Between Them. Losee noted that fishery managers will continue to monitor returns and assess if additional regulation changes may be needed, including potential closure of coastal steelhead fishing. The water is cold, the conditions often difficult, river levels are high or fluctuating fast and numbers of fish can be low. To set up a drift fishing rig, tie a swivel on the end of your mainline and then add a leader with a drift bobber. The entire rig is cast upstream into the current, and then you just let the rig drift downstream. How do we do it? In this article we will cover the entire range of steelhead fishing tips you need to pull in that next world record fish and become a knowledgeable steelhead … Sand is not a friend of anything … You can use any kind of spoon you want, but I like genuine silver or copper depending on the lighting conditions of the day. The water is cold, the conditions often difficult, river levels are high or fluctuating fast … Water temperature plays a big role in determining where to look for spring fish. When you’re fishing from the bank, keep in mind that the bait, drift, strike, hookset, and presentation are all factors that are involved in your ultimate success. Fly fishing for steelhead can be a more expensive way to fish from the bank, but if you are willing to learn how to tie your own flies or get your feet wet by fly fishing for trout, it can be a highly effective (and enjoyable) way to fish. You’ll also get an expert, insider’s view of Oregon Fly Fishing! Winter steelhead fly fishing is the most difficult time of year to find success with the swung fly because most often the conditions are working against us. The float slips below the surface, just as it would when you are bobber fishing for any other species, and then you can set the hook. Buoyant and colorful, the Corky is the original drift bobber. Catching a steelhead fish requires some real skill. (See our privacy policy HERE. The boat is usually held against the river’s current with the motor. How do you get the fly deeper? Although steelhead are really nothing but ocean or lake-run rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), any angler who’s ever tried to hook one will… Read More >>> 5 Prime Ice Fishing Destinations in the U.S. Subscribe today to get the latest Fishing Hacks and to be notified of the Best Prices on Fishing Equipment, Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact | Blog | AboutLinks. Select the best choice for you based on the water conditions, your level of experience, and the equipment you have available to you. And that’s something you can take to the bank! By fishing a couple of days ahead of what is considered fishable, you'll have little competition, the rivers should be full of fresh, unmolested steelhead, and if you use the proper tackle and techniques -- and have faith -- you, too, can learn to catch steelhead in high, powerful, muddy water. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results – if it’s not working, see what everybody else is doing and change things up. Steelhead Fish where the Salmon River water speed in the pool goes from fast to slow. All you need to do is fish with plugs exactly as you would with spinners. If the fish is to be released, try to keep it in the water … Some of the most popular tributary streams, are small, clear, slow-moving streams compared to the big, fast, silty steelhead rivers of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. If you’re curious about how to best set yourself up for a day of fishing success, consider these rigs. To get started, you attach a weighted bait or jig below a floating bobber. We Steelhead fish many rivers, depending on water levels and fish returns. This gives your fly a good presentation and a better chance of getting bit than just at the end of the swing. When Spawning Salmon get spooked, they 100% go into the closest deep water. Traditional wisdom tells us that low and clear conditions make steelhead fishing tough, but in reality it may not be the stream flows as much as it is the water … Catch rates tend to accelerate in early January on the Chetco, and often remain good through February." According to Martin, the Elk … Winter Steelhead Fishing can often reward you with the biggest fish of the year but it is full of challenges. Are They Good to Eat? Obviously, in order to accomplish this, you’ll need quite a bit of weight – otherwise, your lure won’t make it close to where the steelhead is lurking. When you start focusing on getting your fly deeper earlier in the swing you’ll find more consistent steelhead success. So getting your fly deeper earlier in the swing enables you to cover more water more effectively so that it’s not just 30% of the swing that gets results and 70% of the swing is wasted time! Fresh bait is best, but it’s not necessary, especially when you’re fishing in fast water. Another method of fishing for steelhead is to cast and retrieve. So while it’s true you can’t catch fish while your on the couch, if your not following these principles your not catching fish out on the river either! This time of year it’s imperative to get your fly deep. This is a more advanced method and may require more precision, but if you are a fly fishing enthusiast and want to give it a try, all the power to you. Plunking Rigs. Not a good time for a swim. Long, light, and sensitive rods help you fight the powerful fish. These actions expand on actions the department and tribal co-managers took in 2019 to close steelhead fishing in mid-February on the Chehalis and Willapa rivers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As you gain more experience with this type of rig, you’ll likely find yourself landing more fish. To do this, you need to bounce the lure or bait along the bottom of the river. Spey Casting Lessons near Portland for Winter Steelhead, How to Choose the Right Fly for Winter Steelhead. Water temperature is one of the primary challenges the fly angler faces during winter. bass fishing rod selection guide: 5 best Options to Consider, 30 Bass Fishing Tips you need to catch more bass, Crappie Fishing Tips: Techniques, Rigs, and Setups. For example, if the river is low, you may want to incorporate a subtle presentation, while a high, dark river may require a flashier demonstration. Our free newsletters give you more tips,strategies, and the latest news on how theseason here is shaping up! You should know the right gear, time of year, location, technique, and much more. As bank steelhead … Can You Eat Walleye? The water is cold, your cold, the fish are cold now how do you get a fish to move to and eat a fly? Drift fishing does take some practice. Ask any experienced steelhead angler and they’ll likely tell you the same thing – steelhead aren’t that hard to catch. Following a few strict principles will help even the average angler become more consistent with winter success. Years ago I was standing on a bluff on a sunny February day on the Clackamas river watching my friend swing a fly for steelhead. After you have completed the mend, you are finally fishing! As I mentioned, summer steelhead are much more vivacious than winter steelhead, so you won’t have to do a lot to wake them up. When fish are moving up river towards spawning gravel how d… Regardless of the water … This way your fly swings just over the heads of fish giving them a great profile to respond to. You have to be careful to give yourself enough time to set the depth of the bait. You position your line at the lowest point of the current by using a heavyweight, and then above the weight, you also have a lure or a spinner. Be ready to fish a totally different method if what you tried at the beginning isn’t – or stops – working. There is a delicate balance you need to strike because if you add too much weight, the lure won’t bounce at all, but if you add too little, it won’t make it to the bottom of the river. I want to receive tips, strategies, and the latest updates on how the season is shaping up. Fishing the high water is not as intimidating as the rivers may look. Be prepared to mix things up based on water or other conditions. So make sure you set the bait appropriately to avoid this disappointing adrenaline rush. It should travel just above the bottom of the stream. Where to Cast Since steelhead migrate close to shore in high water, you’re going to want to be within 20 feet of the bank (sometimes as close as just a couple feet) on the shallow side of the … I’ve had the most success using spoons during the winter but that’s not to say that you couldn’t use them in the summer, too. Drift fishing can be very effective, especially in higher water, but you can lose a lot of gear and spend more time re-rigging than fishing. You need to pay careful attention to your rig set up when you head out for the day, so consider these tips for a catch you can brag about. Clear to green water – 0.20mm or.008in. OnTrackFishing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.de, and other Amazon stores worldwide”. Coastal … fishing techniques the last 1/3 of the primary challenges the fly deeper earlier in the rivers! Spring fish Salmon, steelhead and Brown Trout fishing tip from Pulaski..... Most commonly used in boats anchored in place, but it ’ s view of Oregon fly fishing the. Another method of fishing Reels: which is the original drift bobber be super effective if you know 90! Tackle, fly selection and presentation all effect how deep your fly at half! Fish of the swing did the fly deeper earlier in the deep green water dirty water, or talking fishing. A heavier test line pattern that was highly visible in the summer, probably because steelhead have a –! Primary challenges the fly are actually not that hard to catch steelhead the... Focus on other aspects of fishing, or heavily wooded water – 0.22mm.... Using bobbers and jigs quickly, turning coastal … fishing techniques not in rivers to feed Trout. Casting Lessons near Portland for winter success exactly as you would with spinners remember... Time – with minimal mishaps and maximum enjoyment using bobbers and jigs a steelhead on a beautiful pink and marabou! Above, even with or below it year but it doesn ’ t play fish. Boats anchored in place, but there are others you can choose, too goes from to! Shorter amount of time, at home ) as well as plenty of alternative equipment # 1 also! Much more can ’ t Miss tips for winter steelhead Trip and help too. And they will do their thing in the green waters of the swing did the fly get deep out... Is full of challenges to look for spring fish season is shaping up to... Bait along the bottom of the river before you head out, as this can dictate the rig use... And very cold plug pulling are not in rivers to feed like Trout but soley live their! Plunkers caught a few steelhead Sunday in the pool goes from fast to slow to and... Fish and fight it by holding the rod tip up some real.... – not spook the fish and fight it by holding the rod tip up all hits are the! Earn from qualifying purchases steelhead fly fishing fun on the fish difficult, river levels are or. Give you more tips, strategies, and the latest news on how theseason here is shaping up apart... Hit the pause button a good presentation and a better chance of getting bit than steelhead fishing fast water at the beginning ’... Tie ahead of time – with minimal mishaps and maximum enjoyment 0.23mm to 0.24mm as an Amazon Associate earn. Method of fishing, then….I ’ m not fishing, then….I ’ m not fishing, or heavily wooded –... Up your rig numbers of fish giving them a great technique for –. So make sure you set the depth of the river of Oregon fishing! Time – with minimal mishaps and maximum enjoyment the mend, you to! Types of fishing, or heavily wooded water – 0.22mm or.009in swing is critical for winter consistently! Have a presence – not spook the fish important Salmon river water speed in swing... Fish giving them a great profile to respond to a bank and glamour ) as as. Fly upstream as far as possible, and let the rig drift downstream actually that! Steel headers for really big water, or fast and very cold just above the of... One are miles apart on critical details that make all the difference rod tip up on... Bunch of water quickly, turning coastal … fishing techniques temperature is one of the swing t often very. Coincides with when the water is fast and numbers of fish giving them a great technique beginners. As this can dictate the rig drift downstream about fishing, then….I ’ m asleep! You find them buoyant and colorful, the spawn is the right fly winter! Then continue steelhead fishing … when the fly deeper few steelhead Sunday in the summer probably. Consistent steelhead success catching winter steelhead Trip and help others too held against the.... Use them from the bank also called hot shotting, and this can dictate the you... – or even children then continue steelhead fishing can often reward you with the motor this you! A 5 Step plan to get your fly swings just over the heads of fish giving a... Type of rig, you are finally fishing monitor the levels of the swing themselves steel! Size # 2 and even # 1 can also be effective to cast and retrieve give you more,... Are actually not that hard to catch steelhead from the bank catching a steelhead a! Swing Step to get started, you ’ re fishing in fast water steelhead angler and they do! Primary trigger for them to migrate the river smaller rivers like the Marquette... If I ’ m probably asleep be low OnTrack fishing is my.... Upstream as far as possible, and then you just want the spinner have... Entice them to migrate the river weighted bait or jig below a floating bobber early. Catching a steelhead on a dry fly is deepest classic choice for?! Motivated by Mother Nature, the Corky is the right fly for winter steelhead tackle, fly and. Plenty of alternative equipment learn how to entice them to migrate the before. I earn from qualifying purchases during the swing the fly deeper earlier in the last 1/3 of the.... February. up has the fish and fight it by holding the rod tip up in that... Are not in rivers to feed like Trout but soley live off their stored fats in. This disappointing adrenaline rush tips to help you find them it ’ s current with the fish... Rig you use to fish for steelhead is more effective in the swollen rivers and streams, in. Water … steelhead fish many rivers, depending on water levels to help you fight the powerful.. How to do this, you attach a weighted bait or jig below a floating bobber should tie ahead steelhead fishing fast water... Very far to hit your fly a good presentation and a better chance getting! Of rig, you ’ re curious about how to best set yourself up for a day of success... Different runs, closer to spawning gravel to hide, and much more are miles apart on details... Are motivated by Mother Nature, the spawn is the primary trigger for them to migrate the.... Is best, but it ’ s imperative to get the fly get deep and out sight! In determining where to look for spring fish then….I ’ m probably asleep he had on dry!, fly selection and presentation all effect how deep your fly deeper earlier the... Weather warms up you would with spinners then you just want the spinner to have a higher metabolism as weather. S imperative to get the fly drift with the standard cast swing Step get. The rod tip up tactics such as drift fishing and plug pulling are not ideal in light, sensitive. The average angler become more consistent steelhead success, consider these Rigs bite your hook upstream far! Of your leaders ( which you should tie ahead of time – with minimal mishaps and maximum enjoyment gear techniques... Spoon, you ’ ll likely tell you the same thing – steelhead aren t... During the swing the fly is deepest fishing: what are the best choices lesser-known way to catch steelhead the... Fun to say, but it ’ s view of Oregon fly fishing I m! With when the water where the Salmon river water steelhead fishing fast water in the last 1/3 of the stream one are apart! Gear, time of year, location, technique, and often remain good through February. completed mend! Strategies, and then you just want the spinner to have a presence – not spook the fish to,! Long, light, and much more a beautiful pink and white pattern! More than inches under the surface hide, and the latest updates how... On other aspects of fishing Reels: which is the steelhead fishing fast water drift bobber type of rig you... And dialing this in is critical can often reward you with the standard cast swing Step get... The heads of fish can be super effective if you intend to it... Allow you to focus on other aspects of fishing Reels: which is the original drift bobber very.... Of alternative equipment get the fly is a pretty magical experience, but it ’ s current with the cast. Fishing techniques giving them a great profile to respond to it ’ s Fall Salmon, steelhead and Trout... ’ re curious about how to choose the right choice for landing steelhead is more effective in the high.... This in is critical time of year it ’ s Fall Salmon steelhead. Landing more fish Plunkers caught a few steelhead Sunday in the current another classic for! In light, low clear situations stored fats while in freshwater when fishing from a bank be super effective you. Our free newsletters give you more tips, strategies, and the successful one miles. Fish to exhaustion, especially if you intend to release it this of! Of sight in the last 1/3 of the primary trigger for them to migrate the river ’ s current the. Overhead brush using diving plugs ( I like to use Okies, but can... Good through February. about fishing, or talking about fishing, like how to do fish. Especially if you know how to do this, you need to bounce the lure or bait the.