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Five Keys to Catching Steelhead
Trout
By Brian Milne
Steelhead. Sea-run trout. Call them what you want, these
silver beasts are among the best fighters you'll ever
tussle with in a freshwater stream -- if you can find
them. Steelhead are an elusive species because of the
harsh winter conditions they thrive in along with the
unpredictable cycle of the spawn. Here's a list of five
classic steelhead tips that will help you be more
successful when it comes to fishing for these silver
bullets:
1. Equipment
If you're fishing for big steelhead, a two-handed rod
might be your best bet. But most anglers typically use
single-handed rods, going with something that's 9 feet
or longer with a line weight of 7-9. Two-handed models
can go as long as 12-15 feet. Sinking line is a good
option if you're thinking of swinging a streamer, while
floating lines can be used for nymphing.
2. Fly Patterns
Traditional salmon streamers will usually work for
steelhead, since the fish are closely related to the
salmon. Egg patterns and nymphs will also work. Some of
the most popular steelhead flies include the woolly
bugger, egg-sucking leech and Kaufmanns Stone. The best
option, however, is to stop by a local fly shop for an
update on patterns, stream conditions and where the fish
might be holding. Nobody knows a stream better than a
local guide, and you're bound to get some good tips if
you pick up a handful of flies at the shop in the
process..
3. Fish Upstream
In rivers that run to the ocean, these anadramous fish
will begin to enter the streams after the first few
major storms of the season. Once the sandbars break free
and the fish can access freshwater runs that lead to
spawning grounds, they'll begin to make their journey
upstream. The smart move is to follow the path of the
fish, from the river mouth upstream toward the spawning
grounds and back down toward the ocean once the spawn
has passed. Fish typically face upstream, so if you're
fishing upstream you're less likely to spook fish..
4. Keep Moving
If at first you don't succeed, keep moving. Steelhead
typically stick to a certain area in a pool, so if you
don't get a hit on your first couple casts, and don't
see any signs of fish in a pool or run, keep moving
upstream until you find some. Steelhead usually stack up
in nearby pools, so once you find one steelie, another
could be on the horizon..
5. Catch and Release
Unlike salmon, steelhead often return to the ocean after
spawning. Salmon typically die after the spawn, so while
it may be OK to harvest salmon in some instances, it's
best to release a steelhead immediately and unharmed so
they can carry out the spawning cycle and return next
season. If you do that, you could help ensure solid
steelhead runs for years to come.
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