Winter steelheading tips

[rayray519]

Some good tips here (article meant for BC fishing but I'm pretty sure could also be applied to SWO tribs)

http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/tips-for-winter-steelhead-fishing

 

[fisgfreek]

Very nice read , but I thought the Muskie was the fish of 1000 casts.

 

[michaelPhillips]

Very nice read , but I thought the Muskie was the fish of 1000 casts.

I heard it was "10 000 casts" lol

 

[ChromeAddict]

Great read. IMO steelhead are harder to catch than muskies. Maybe because I haven't caught one yet this fall.

 

[rich_ace_G]

Those who claim muskies are hard to catch are fishing the wrong spots...
Steels are harder & Browns even more.

But some guys who are hardcore steelheaders make it look easy. I went on an outing awhile back when I wasn't into it yet and was learning the art of pinning...guys I was with were averaging 3-5 every pool...then they move. All in beads...Nobody quite explained to me why they move but they do. These are friends of a friend and I just tagged along.

 

[rich_ace_G]

this is good...
"The drift and the action of the float are indicators of what’s going on at the terminal end. Watch closely for any change in the rate of the drift, or for the float to dip into the water, submerge completely or rise unnaturally. Any of these indicators could signal a strike—or a snag. If your running line is straight to the float, it’s simply a matter of raising the rod tip slightly to find out. But if the running line is slack, you’ll miss an awful lot of fish—and that’s definitely not worth freezing for."

 

[bigugly]

DILLIGAF?! how does one determine slack or no slack under float. I'm using a spinning real as of right now and it's pretty hard to keep from having surface slack of some kind but I'm struggling on how to determine if you have slack under float other than trial and error. IE catching bottom all the time, raise float till you don't. Never touching bottom, lower float till you do?

 

[tossing iron]

DILLIGAF?! how does one determine slack or no slack under float. I'm using a spinning real as of right now and it's pretty hard to keep from having surface slack of some kind but I'm struggling on how to determine if you have slack under float other than trial and error. IE catching bottom all the time, raise float till you don't. Never touching bottom, lower float till you do?

Basically for your float that's a start. Lots of variables though also. I.E shot pattern, weight, size of float your running ect. Key is when you cast out to start your drift . Hold float back for couple seconds to ensure bait is running ahead of the float.

 

[rich_ace_G]

DILLIGAF?! how does one determine slack or no slack under float. I'm using a spinning real as of right now and it's pretty hard to keep from having surface slack of some kind but I'm struggling on how to determine if you have slack under float other than trial and error. IE catching bottom all the time, raise float till you don't. Never touching bottom, lower float till you do?

if you don't put enough split shots then it would slack underneath and your bait won't be able to reach strike zone fast. remember that trout can be anywhere in the pool but i've seen that most of the strikes are at the end or at the beginning. your float should be upright, if it's facing upstream then your bait is dragging bottom.

 

[bigugly]

Thanks for the input guys. I've always tried to keep my float straight up and down just seemed right. Now if only there was fish in any of the tribs I've been fish, there are some but man they are tight lipped. I've thrown roe, pink worms, beads, flies, worms all with no luck except for shakers but reality very few fish.

 

[rich_ace_G]

Thanks for the input guys. I've always tried to keep my float straight up and down just seemed right. Now if only there was fish in any of the tribs I've been fish, there are some but man they are tight lipped. I've thrown roe, pink worms, beads, flies, worms all with no luck except for shakers but reality very few fish.

my advice for looking spots is avoid crowds...when you see a good potential spot...spot it for a good 10-15 minutes...trout usually hold some spots but they tend to move around or chase another trout...make sure to have polarized glasses - very useful. slow your movements and be sneaky. when they get spooked, they usually comeback don't be discouraged...

 

[tossing iron]

KEY. Stay out of the water.
They hear and can see everything.
The bank is your best friend.
I haven't seen a steel this fall.
Only when I've hooked up and they dart off at what seems like 100 KM. Luv it .

 

[bigugly]

keep the tips coming, this is great. It's nice to see videos from B.C. real nice to have tips from locals. very much appreciated.

 

[tossing iron]

I've picked up a bit in the 40 yrs I've been walking water. But I feel except for a couple members I'm not really welcome. Lol. That's fine though. If I can I'll be happy to answer any of your questions.
You and the boys seem to be off to a great start.

 

[bigugly]

I've fished my whole life and my boys have since they could hold a rod. Grew up fishing and hunting and I truly believe in a few things. Some aspects carry over into any outdoor sport, you can always learn especially if you listen, some places just look fishy(hard to explain) you have to put in the work to reap rewards. The fish will tell you what they want you just have to keep throwing stuff at them. Thinking out of the box sometimes pays off. Watch what successful outdoorsman do, you might not need or can afford the fancy gear but you can mimic their actions with what you have. I will always stand by the number one rule, leave only footprints, and maybe take more home with you than what you came with!!

 

[tossing iron]

Great values.
Just in my time on the water the fishing has become a lot more competitive.
The introduction of the float, has alone made the rivers 90% easier for beginners.
Fall. A total different ball game.

 

[fishermandan420]

Those who claim muskies are hard to catch are fishing the wrong spots...
Steels are harder & Browns even more.

But some guys who are hardcore steelheaders make it look easy. I went on an outing awhile back when I wasn't into it yet and was learning the art of pinning...guys I was with were averaging 3-5 every pool...then they move. All in beads...Nobody quite explained to me why they move but they do. These are friends of a friend and I just tagged along.

Muskies are way harder to catch. I've never hooked 30 skis in a day

 

[FisherGirl]

Muskies are way harder to catch. I've never hooked 30 skis in a day

You might if they were all stacked in a hole

 

[tossing iron]

Muskies are way harder to catch. I've never hooked 30 skis in a day

lol

 

[Aqua]

I've heard steelhead referred to as the fish of a thousand dollars... Imo worth it !