Steelhead

Baitin’ up with roe

by JD on January 26, 2009

Okay, you asked for it…here’s the basic way to bait up with roe for steelhead fishing:

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The best water temps for steelhead?

by JD on January 4, 2009

One of the biggest keys to catching steelhead is knowing your water temperature and how it affects the fish. Since steelies are cold-blooded beasts, their metabolism slows down in colder water and increases as the temps go up (until they got too hot).

In general, when water temps are low, you’ll find the fish in the softer water along the edges of the river and in slower, deeper runs, pools and flats. They seek out these spots to avoid fighting the current. Conversely, the warmer the temps, the faster, choppier water you’re going to find them in.

The really interesting thing is — and I have yet to ever hear anybody talk about this — that water temps affect fish differently depending on where you are fishing. Again, they’re going to be governed by their cold-bloodedness but steelhead also react to what they’re used to.
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Glide Your Way to More Steelhead

by JD on January 3, 2009

Looking for a new technique to help you put more steelhead in the boat — especially in clear, snaggy rivers? Give side gliding a try! A modified form of side-drifting, side gliding allows baits to be presented to steelhead quickly and naturally with minimal bottom contact by keeping the lines slightly downstream of the boat. Here’s a mini lesson:
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Replace those old oar blades!

by JD on December 31, 2008

You think maybe it's time for some new blades??

You think maybe it's time for some new blades??

If you’ve got old, damaged blades on your drift boat oars, it’s time to change them out since winter steelhead season is now kicking into high gear. Don’t put it off! It’s quick and easy and will greatly improve your boat’s performance (and safety). Here’s how: [click to continue…]

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It’s no secret that steelhead love pink plastic! Here’s a quick and easy way to rig up…

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Side-Drifting for Steelhead

by JD on August 25, 2008

There are few techniques more deadly on steelhead than side-drifting. With summer and fall steelheading cranking up, it’s time to learn how!

Okay, shameless plug time…everything you need to know is in here:

Side-Drifting for Steelhead

Get your copy @ www.amatobooks.com

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Tie the Pimped Out Egg Loop!

by JD on June 24, 2008

The Pimped Out Egg Loop is handy for back-bounce rigs, Cowlitz-style steelie side-drift rigs, mooching rigs…and just impressing your friends!

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The Best Bait for Spring Steelhead

by JD on March 24, 2008

If I could use only one bait for spring steelhead, it would be, without question, a big, juicy nightcrawler.

‘Crawlers are the perfect choice this time of year. Think about it – the high flows of spring often wash a good smorgasboard of goodies (including worms) into the water, which steelhead, of course, key in on. Rivers also run pretty cold in the spring, so the fish will be more lethargic and a big meaty hunk of garden hackle is often the only thing that will get them excited. In addition, nightcrawlers also give you a nice “changeup” bait to use on streams that receive lots of angling pressure.

Spring steelhead
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