Steelhead Fishing Spices Up a Winter Day

Did you ever wonder what leads people to be out on the river in freezing weather, their line freezing to the guides of the rod, unable to get warm while standing in a cold boat or wading the shallows, and not getting a bite for hours?

Neither have I. Let’s go steelhead fishing! Visualize a scene reminiscent of a painting by the famous artist, Michael Ringer. Anglers stand along the snow- covered banks of the river casting or drifting their lures or bait while trying to stay warm. Suddenly there is the cry of “fish on” and a silver torpedo erupts from the water downstream. Soon the angler is racing along the slippery rocks along the rivers’ edge, his rod held high as a powerful fish strips line from the reel at an alarming speed.

The subtle presentation, the excitement of a strike, and the thrill of battling an acrobatic and powerful fish on light tackle are all part of the excitement of steelhead trout fishing. All along the Salmon River from now until late April anglers will pur

sue these powerful migratory rainbow trout that can reach as long as your arm. It is world class fishing right here in our own backyard and it is equal or better than any you will find in the upper Great Lakes or the Pacific Northwest.

All winter long steelhead will be ascending the Salmon River and other streams and waiting for the water temperature to warm in March or early April before they spawn and return to the lake. Typically some of the biggest steelhead make their runs in December or early January..

Stable weather patterns usually produce the best action. Whether it is cold or milder weather, if we have several days of steady weather and consistent water flows, the fishing is usually much better.

The usual method of fishing for steelhead includes drifting egg sacks using spinning rods and reels, or fly fishing with small stoneflies nymphs, Wooly Buggers, imitation egg flies, or beads. Baits and flies ( size 8 – 12) that you will use are remarkably small considering the huge size of the fish involved. As my friend Ted Dobs always says, “remember that elephants eat peanuts.” Many people also like to use beads, which we will discuss in a future column.

Steelhead put on a series of powerful runs that are punctuated by acrobatic leaps clear of the water. Long, light, and sensitive rods help you fight the powerful fish. Many anglers use 8 or 9 weight rods in 10 foot length. They are also an advantage in casting or keeping the line off the water while drifting your lure into a likely holding area.

Leaders of two to four lb. test fluorocarbon are best attached to the main line with a swivel. Many anglers leave a tag end to clip on a split shot or two so the bait bounces along over the bottom in a natural movement with the current.

When fishing for steelhead you should remember that they are still rainbow trout so drift your bait or fly into likely holding areas such as breaks in the current or behind obstructions. If you are wading in over your ankles you are probably standing where the fish are. If you are new to the sport you should fish some of the areas off gravel bars where you can get solid footing and make short casts to likely holding water.

Korkers, hand warmers, waterproof gloves or mittens, insulated boots or waders, and a good deal of patience are essential for steelhead fishing. Even in shallow areas the bottom of the Salmon River is covered with slippery rocks and the current is strong. You can also opt for smaller streams although the fishing there is better later in the season.

Drift your fly or egg sack so that it drifts naturally along, lightly tapping the bottom. It takes skill to detect the gentle pickup so your best bet is to watch your line and raise the rod tip whenever it stops. However, there is nothing gentle about their run once you have hooked a fish. Let it run and only apply pressure when the fish slows or allows it. It takes stamina, a large net, and a strong heart to land a big steelhead.

Of course the best way to learn a lot about steelhead fishing as well as increase your odds of action is to hire a guide. I can personally tell you that their experience and knowledge of the river is invaluable when it comes to hooking up with these exciting fish. Their driftboats will not only allow you to fish the deep holes in mid river from the boat, but will allow you to reach and fish places that are inaccessible to the wading angler.

I admit to being biased, but many others agree that my friend Chris Mulpagano is the best fisherman and guide on the Salmon River. His knowledge of the river and the habits of steelhead is legendary. He is usually booked up but will recommend other good guides if you ask. There are lots of other excellent guides that I can recommend also.

Remember that the Salmon River is in lake effect snow country. Snow coming down at two inches per hour is not uncommon at times so check the local forecasts. Later in the season there will be more fresh runs of steelhead and weather is more comfortable than the extremes of mid- January. But who wants to wait for this excitement? When you have one of these exciting trout on the end of the line you won’t care what the temperature is! “Tis the Season” Normally at this time of year I write a semi- humorous column on Santa’s naughty and nice list and suggest who would get the traditional coal in their stocking. This year with the seriousness of the pandemic, the polarization of society, and the hatred and attitudes that are prevalent I decided that there was not much to see funny or light- hearted. Besides, there are a lot of people who deserve more than a few lumps of coal. It is more like a train car load of coal dumped on top of them!

On the other hand there are countless people who deserve our admiration and thanks, as well as our support. First in line are the front line workers such as the EMTS, the nurses, doctors, and all the health care workers who have made enormous effort and sacrifice and even put their lives on the line for us. Let us also remember the police, firemen, and countless volunteers who made this unique and dangerous past year safer and tolerable for us.

In the spirit of the season try to remember the many unfortunate members of our communities who have an even tougher time due to effects of pandemic.

Try to help them, even in small ways. If you are still doing last minute Christmas shopping please remember and patronize the local small businesses who need our help more than ever.

Finally on a positive note we should be grateful for many things including the outdoors opportunities in our area. These have made a bad year more pleasant and tolerable. Thanks to the landowners, our hunting and fishing partners, and friends and family. Most importantly we should remind ourselves of the real meaning of the season.

Happy Holidays!

“Tis the Season” for Outdoorsmen.