From mid-October to early November is one of the most thrilling times to fish for Steelhead because winter run steelhead are in full feeding mode.
Fish migrate quickly towards their spawning areas, so anglers often target areas where current is slower, such as channels, pools or behind large rocks and drop offs.
Float Fishing
Most steelhead anglers would agree that float fishing remains one of the most effective techniques when large numbers of steelhead fish are present. Though terminal presentations such as hair jigs, crankbaits, plastic worms and flies can also be effective when steelies bite hard, many anglers still find using the float rig to be the most productive way to hook several trophy fish each year.
A float rig is most effective when fishing walking-speed water with light baits. By placing all shot directly beneath the float and running a micro barrel swivel above its bobber, a float rig can reduce line twist and help avoid snags.
Float fishing works well in both clear and murky water environments. Horizontal approaches may be most efficient during high river levels; otherwise, fishing along slower tailouts is usually more productive. Float fishing works equally well.
Drift Fishing
Steelhead are plentiful throughout the year in Pacific Northwest river systems, but fall and winter are ideal times for targeting them. Summer runs overlap with winter runs in some rivers.
Drift fishing can be an ideal solution when river conditions are too challenging for wading. Anglers simply position their boat slightly downstream of their target spot, and then let their rig drift naturally with the current without fighting against it.
Weighted bait or lures tied below bobbers are placed into the current. Their movements should mimic that of water movement while not becoming trapped in any back eddies or countercurrents. An 8 to 12-pound test monofilament line and bait cast or spinning rod with either spinner reels or baitcasters will work effectively for this technique. Identify any signs of life immediately by striking! The key to successful use is not missing even the faintest sign of bite!
Plunking
As soon as a steelhead river hits high and murky waters, experienced winter fisherman know it’s time to break out the plunking gear. This involves baiting a bobber with natural (not artificial) lures with strong scent, such as single eggs, cured spawn sacs, skeins of minnows or even worms – these provide good chances at landing some steelhead fish!
When plunking, set your rig just below the ideal depth for that river and let it drift with its current. Monitor your bobber; when it dives or wobbles, set your hook!
This technique works best when water levels are slowly declining; otherwise, steelhead won’t bite. It is also an effective way of targeting specific spots on larger rivers that may be difficult to read; in these conditions, fish often seek refuge in deep pools located between rapids or riffles – these pools may even offer the most reliable chance for finding migrating steelhead when river levels are high and dirty.
Casting
Steelhead anglers often choose a float and bobber setup because it allows them to cast farther upstream while keeping their bait nearer the bottom, as well as cover more water without needing to re-rig their rods every 10 minutes.
Your fly reel should be capable of holding at least 7-weight line with an ample arbor for ease of casting and retrieving. Some anglers like to load one spool with fly line and another one with monofilament, giving them flexibility in changing lines depending on conditions.
River levels at their maximum can make finding fish difficult, with flood waters overflowing onto land and making the riverbanks almost impassible to navigation. When searching for steelhead, try searching out areas where the current slows. Steelhead often rest in these slower moving waters below a pool or between downstream rapids – these sections are called tail-outs; additionally these locations tend to be warmer than their surroundings.https://www.youtube.com/embed/n90BihsPnFc