Steelhead fishing

[smk819]

I am going steelhead fishing for the first time. We will be going on the Columbia River, somewhere east of the Cascades. Any advice or pointers would be greatly appriciated. We are going with some friends who live near to where will be fishing. I think we will be using a drift Boat. Wish me luck, I understand Steelhead are a difficult fish, I think that means that the fish is smarter then I am.

[b0rderman]

I used to fish steelhead on the Klamath in northern CA when I was in 4th and 5th grade...I don't remember much about it, I was drunk and high most of the time.

If you can use the trip as an excuse to learn how to spey cast I'd definitely go for that, I've always wanted to learn.

Anyway, hopefully someone has a clue below me.

Please post some pics when you get back!

[SamuraiJack]

Steelhead are finicky, fight like mad, and hide in holes.

So use lower pound test line, clear line, let them run, tire them out (don't try to haul em in), and fish deep.

Around these parts you can't beat salmon eggs in bright orange netting on a small treble hook, letting it drift along the bottom. If you need to weigh it down, put those split shots FAR away from the bait (2-3 feet). Those fish see everything and are suspicious of everything.

[Ken Gargett]

I used to fish steelhead on the Klamath in northern CA when I was in 4th and 5th grade...I don't remember much about it, I was drunk and high most of the time.

just to clarify, in australia, 4th grade would make you about 8, may be 9. same there?

i really led a sheltered life.

[mailman]

awesome fishing, get ready for a show!

[Colt45]

No advice or pointers, but I surely wish you good luck - have a great time!

[FlyFishingDude]

And take some pictures

[fryguy]

Steelhead are very elusive...one wrong move by you (or anyone around you) and they're gone! As was mentioned earlier, use a light test, clear, high quality line. Pair that with the longest lightweight rod that you can find, that will help to absorb the srtesses that the lighter weight line won't handle. I am used to fishing Lake Erie steelhead and can attest that they are indeed fighters, but I understand the fish on the west coast are monsters compared to the ones we fish here. Fresh egg sacks work the best here for me, although I'm sure everyone has their own little secrets. Another useful point of advice, when these things are first hooked they really explode so HOLD ON to your rod, I've seen many rods get ripped right out of peoples hands and take off into the deep waters of Lake Erie never to be seen again. Also, if your wading, be sure of your footing and your underwater surroundings. When you hook one and are in the heat of the battle you can take one step forward or to the side and next thing you know your soaking wet from head to toe! ( not proud to admit that I know this from personal experience.....tripped over a large underwater rock in about 4 1/2 feet of water) ARGGGHHH! Anyways, now that you have my 2 cents.... good luck, have a great time, and take plenty of cigars!

Mike