Advice for Steelhead Fishing

[hamiltonangler94]

Hey guys. Im just trying to get some advice on steelhead fishing as I have fished for bass, pike, walleye, panfish etc. all my life but never really fished for steelhead specifically. I have some knowledge on steelhead fishing but not alot. I just got a steelhead rod at sail for a really good price the other day, and have been fishing at the caledonia dam using spoons, mepps spinners etc. and float fishing with a fake egg underneath, with no luck. Just wondering if u guys could give me some advice on what techniques and baits to use. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

 

[AaronKrick]

Hey guys. Im just trying to get some advice on steelhead fishing as I have fished for bass, pike, walleye, panfish etc. all my life but never really fished for steelhead specifically. I have some knowledge on steelhead fishing but not alot. I just got a steelhead rod at sail for a really good price the other day, and have been fishing at the caledonia dam using spoons, mepps spinners etc. and float fishing with a fake egg underneath, with no luck. Just wondering if u guys could give me some advice on what techniques and baits to use. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

Caledonia bait and tackle is a great shop that has the gear for float fishing and it's on the other side of the road from the dam. Use a spawn sack underneath your float. Use a very small hook(i prefer ravens) which caledonia b & t has. Put 4-8 tiny split shots under your float. Cast in different spots and cover water.

Hope this helps!

If you need any other help, shoot me a pm as i am a regular there :grin:

Catfish

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Thanks for the advice Catfish! I'm probably heading out in the next couple of days so I'll try using a spawn sack then. Thanks again!

 

[goodentight]

never underestimate the power of worms. Anyone that has ever fished with me... knows I always carry that large-always-in-the-way white styrofoam box of worms with me when Im out.

 

[AaronKrick]

never underestimate the power of worms. Anyone that has ever fished with me... knows I always carry that large-always-in-the-way white styrofoam box of worms with me when Im out.

x2....... WORM POWER, AWAY!!!!!!!!

 

[apz245]

I just learned to fish steelhead this year, and basically had the exact same setup catfish pointed out. I went 5 times before I got my first one, but it finally paid off, with a 9.5 lb male.

one thing to point out, Trout are finicky, they're easily spooked, and being used to fishing for pike/bass, this took a little bit to get used to; I read some good material on keeping yourself out of their line of sight, just basically be sneaky and don't make too many vibrations/noise in the water especially if you're wading.

all the success I've and seen people have has been on overcast days.

good luck.

 

[AaronKrick]

I just learned to fish steelhead this year, and basically had the exact same setup catfish pointed out. I went 5 times before I got my first one, but it finally paid off, with a 9.5 lb male.

one thing to point out, Trout are finicky, they're easily spooked, and being used to fishing for pike/bass, this took a little bit to get used to; I read some good material on keeping yourself out of their line of sight, just basically be sneaky and don't make too many vibrations/noise in the water especially if you're wading.

all the success I've and seen people have has been on overcast days.

good luck.

x2 They spook super easy, and once they hear you barreling through to the creek, they won't usually take your offering.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Thanks for the info guys. What size hooks do u prefer for steelhead? I was using a number 8

 

[rocheleauc]

Thanks for the info guys. What size hooks do u prefer for steelhead? I was using a number 8

Varies. East ditches I'll use size 10-14s. Big water, 4-8's.

 

[Knuguy]

Try posting this in the steelhead section of the forum if you want more responses---or maybe the mods can move this thread.

 

[staffman]

Berkley pink worms and trout beads are excellent as well as the spawn and natural worms already mentioned. Both are likely available at the tackle store mentioned.

 

[weemalky]

never underestimate the power of worms. Anyone that has ever fished with me... knows I always carry that large-always-in-the-way white styrofoam box of worms with me when Im out.

Good ole' standby, I've been badly outfished by my daughter in rod to rod combat, her- worms me -fly. Worms catch every kind of fish. Bonus- fun for kids to catch before fishing

 

[ChrisK]

One thing I've noticed about new steelheaders is they tend to over think everything. Keeping it basic and simple is the key to catching steel. I find they are the most highly driven fall fish when entering into the river systems and will hit just about any offering. Understanding these fish and how they operate is another key to success. They are more active in warmer temps and will chase baits readily like spoons,spinners,body baits and so on. In colder water they are more lethargic and for the most part take baits only offered up in close quarters thus the best bait of choice would be spawn, worms or any other natural bait offered up under a float. You can use artificial baits in cold water but your chances increase greatly when using natural.

Cheer !

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Thanks for all the help guys!!

 

[jlisk]

From what I have learned these past few months the most important part of steelheading is getting out to the water as much as you can. You'll learn how to prefect your presentation, learn the bends and depths of the river, and finally learn how to turn a driving steelie away from branches and logs.

Best of luck out there!