Getting started

Hi guys,
(I talked to some of view via PM, thank you for all your replies.
One of suggestions was to introduce myself and ask forum for tips.)

What would be best idea to get started steelhead fishing? I am completely new to it...
So far having hard time to figure out techniques, locations, time of the year etc.

Where and when would you recommend to go try/learn? I am from Mississauga and willing
to drive 2-2.5hrs (I am not huge fun of Credit and Grand)
PM me if it's more confortable for you.

Hope you get lots of advice, seems like a good bunch on here.

I will start with some basics.

The best time of the year to learn steel heading is spring, when their are decent numbers of fish in the system. Make sure you check regulations on areas to fish. All the rivers that flow in GT/ North shore get some sort of run of steelhead, some better than others.

Your basic set up will be a spin reel that you are used to with bass probably. Eventually you might want to try out a centerpin reel which has the majority of us addicted lol. A medium-light weight 11 foot rod is a good intro rod (Assuming you are used to 6-7 foot bass type rods). You might eventually work up to a 13 foot rod which is the most common size, but I would not recommend starting there if you aren't used to long rods.

As for baits, we call this "presentation". You can get really creative, there is no one right or wrong thing (as long as it is legal). Common river north shore baits are beads pegged to your line, spawn sacs (roe bags) which is either real or fake trout eggs tied up in a mesh bag, worms both real and artificial, minnows artificial, a variety of flies being egg flies, egg sucking leeches, wooly buggers, nymph variations, etc..).

Id suggest picking up a few books on steel heading and they will really help you out. You would also get a ton out of a guided trip and there are some folks on here that can help you with that as well.

Basically enjoy the ride. It is an addiction for most of us. You are about to experience some crazy emotions. Losing fish and the frustration, simply not catching fish, but trust us, when we say, its all worth it when you land that first fish buddy.

Well said Fishheads, it's truly an addiction....lol

Theory first.
Than practical.
Read read read

And if you'll be looking for roe for next season, check out fishheads site they have all the equipment and bait.

Many of us from the site use his site for roe and swear by it.
Www.fishheadscanada.net

Check it out.

Was that a paid commercial .
Lol. Just teasing Paul.
Harvesting your own better yet.

Tossing iron. Yea sometimes but when stock runs low and can't get out that often like in my case. fish heads is the way to go.

I know he wouldn't advertise his own site. But the A+ service you can't go wrong and support your local fish shops

@mamona

I started fishing salmon and only the last few years I saw the light and got hooked with steel.. Once you feel the tug you won't go back.

Thank you guys. Could you recommend must read book?
I tried to contact some folks offering guided tours. Not much luck so far because they were either crazy expensive or book for December already.
Any suggestions?

What if I didn't want to wait until spring?

Try the Orvis podcast if you don't want to dish out the $$. I listen to many of them when I drive to work and am stuck in traffic.

Yeah Paul, I am trying to get into it
I wish I knew any experienced angler. None of friends is fishing, feeling like alien between them

I started with my dad 20+ years ago. Time on the water.

I find I'm pretty social on the water and talk with people if they're fishing same pool. chit chat. Learn a lot that's way too

I've read a bunch of steelhead books and if I were to chose just 1 it would be An Experts Guide to Great Lakes Steelhead Fishing : Methods, Tactics and Strategies by Kenneth R. Jaynes.

^ This guy doesn't mess around when it comes to books I would take his advice

Awesome, thank you! Will definately check it out.

It looks like the only place I can get this book is Amazon. If I order 1 book, have to pay for shipping.
Are there any other books, say 'must read' for newbie like me?

I consider steelhead float fishing by Jim Butler a must read aswell
simple to understand and great for a noob or a veteran steelheader.

Btw, first post name is Darrin ive been steelheading for 30yrs, live in the gta but fish all over Ontario aswell in Florida and Costa rican waters.
My favorite species to target are steelhead, walleye and big carp. Ive gathered a lot of fishing knowledge over the years and will try to contribute to the forum when I can.
I post on a few other forums but have always lurked here up until now
anyways glad to be aboard.

Books will be super helpful with theory and knowledge.

Talking to other fishermen on the water is just as useful. They'll be able to give you location-specific advice that a book won't.

Any location recommendations guys? Besides Credit/Bronte?

My advice for a first timer. Know where to fish. Lots of tribs close to you. Safety first. check out the waters you're going to fish.
Go with a simple rig to start. Big waters - longer rods. small rivers - average 8'6" - 10' rods. as a starter you can get an ugly stick for cheap, or a very versatile streamside steelheader rod for $80 (used to be $69.90 and will handle a salmon) reel test minimum 10lb.
Reel spinning / pin as a start would be good.
Float -
Line test:
main line - 10lb - 15lb. (use what you have forget the fancy stuff for now)
leader - 6lb fluorocarbon leader (get what you can afford)
hooks - size 8 - 12
split shots - take what you can handle. (it's not easy to load split shots when you're in the water) some people would suggest a shot line. search a forum about it.
you can use roe, beads, pink worms or fly.
I use roe on spring. bead/fly winter.
Good luck.