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Getting Started with Steelhead
Fishing
by Rick Dane
 Before
heading out to the river to start fishing for steelhead
it is important to think about what you are going to use
for bait and how you are going to set up your equipment.
While there are many methods of steelhead fishing, drift
fishing is the most common. This method produces bites
for anglers on a regular basis and requires only a
weight, sink and a hook. Despite the fact that the
steelhead is a large, aggressive fish, it can still be
hard for the anglers to detect when one bites the line
so it is important to pay constant attention.
For someone who is new to steelhead fishing, the drift
method may not be the best method to start out with. Jig
fishing, may be a better method. The jig fishing method
is similar to traditional fishing in that it uses a
bobber which shows when a bite has taken place by
bobbing up and down. Plunking, on the other hand, is a
passive method of steelhead fishing where a raft is set
up on a river and left while you wait to see if fish
come up to take the bait.
The plunking method of steelhead fishing only produces
fish during part of the year, however, that the jig
method can be relied on year-round. While fly fishing is
popular with some people, it is often not the best
method to use for steelhead fishing. However, since it
is useful for catching other types of fish, you may want
to try it for steelhead fishing in order to learn the
technique. Additional gear is required for fly fishing,
including trousers that helps to keep you dry while you
wade in the river. Often people want to go with an
experienced fly fisherman for at least one or two
lessons before trying fly fishing on their own. You can
usually rent equipment at your local fly fisherman
store.
Oftentimes the most enjoyable method of steelhead
fishing is that which is done from a boat. This method,
known as trolling, allows you to move around a large
area on a river or lake to find spots where the fish are
congregating. In my experience, fishing from a boat is
the most enjoyable and allows you to make a day out of
your fishing excursion, since you do not get bored from
staying in one spot too long.
Whenever possible, it is best to go in a group while
steelhead fishing because the fish are strong and can
put up a good fight. While it may be tempting to relax
and not pay attention, it is important that you are
ready at all times in case one of these powerful fish
bites your line. As you gain experience with the
steelhead fishing, you may want to invest in new
equipment. Don't think, however, that you need to buy
expensive equipment to try out this great sport. It is
advisable that you check your local newspaper or stop by
your local fishing supplies store to get the scoop on
which areas have fish that are biting and plan to visit
the spot where the fish are biting.
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