Steelhead is a migratory form of rainbow trout that is native to the Pacific Ocean and the rivers of North America and Asia. Unlike their freshwater counterparts, steelhead trout migrate to the ocean as juveniles and return to freshwater streams to spawn. They are known for their distinct, silvery color and the incredible journey they make from saltwater to freshwater, which can span hundreds of miles. This migration not only contributes to their size and strength but also to their appeal among anglers.
This guide will delve into the essentials for catching steelhead, including the appropriate fishing setup, selecting the best bait and lures, effective fishing techniques, the optimal times for fishing, where to catch them, beginner tips, and recommended fishing gear and tools.
Steelhead Fishing Setup
The most common tackle to catch Steelhead includes a medium to medium-heavy rod, with a length of 8 to 10 feet, paired with a spinning or baitcasting reel capable of handling 8 to 15-pound test line. This setup offers the versatility needed to cast various lures and baits and the strength to battle the powerful runs and jumps of a steelhead. The choice between a spinning or baitcasting reel often comes down to personal preference and the specific fishing technique employed.
The best setup for Steelhead fishing generally revolves around the use of a float fishing setup or drift fishing rig. For float fishing, a 9 to 10-foot rod with a fast action is ideal, allowing for precise control of the float and enabling the angler to cover different water depths effectively. A high-quality spinning reel loaded with 8 to 10-pound test monofilament line is recommended. The rig should include a float adjusted to the depth where steelhead are swimming, split shot weights to balance the float and ensure the bait reaches the desired depth, and a 1/0 to 2/0 hook tied to a 24 to 36-inch leader, depending on water clarity and fish activity.
Best Bait For Steelhead
Steelhead trout are opportunistic feeders with a diet that varies throughout their lifecycle. In freshwater, they primarily consume insects, salmon eggs, and small fish. As they migrate back to freshwater to spawn, their feeding behavior changes, but they still respond aggressively to certain types of bait and lures that mimic their natural prey or trigger their territorial instincts.
The best live bait for Steelhead includes salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, and sand shrimp. Salmon eggs are particularly effective because they naturally occur in rivers during salmon spawning seasons, making them a familiar and enticing meal for Steelhead. Nightcrawlers, when rigged properly, can also be very effective, especially in slower-moving waters. Sand shrimp, either used alone or in combination with salmon eggs, are another top choice due to their scent and movement, which can attract Steelhead from a distance.
When it comes to artificial lures, spoons, spinners, and jigs are among the best options for targeting Steelhead. Spoons and spinners work well because their movement and reflective surfaces mimic small baitfish, attracting Steelhead through both sight and vibration. Jigs, particularly those tipped with soft plastics or feathered skirts, can be very effective when drifted through deeper pools or bounced along the river bottom.
Steelhead Fishing Techniques
The fishing techniques for steelhead trout are quite similar to common trout fishing methods, but the specifics can vary significantly due to the differences in habitat, behavior, and size of the steelhead. Below are the best techniques to catch a steelhaed.
Float Fishing
Float fishing is one of the most popular and effective techniques for catching Steelhead. This method involves using a bobber or float to suspend bait or lures at a specific depth in the water column. The setup typically includes a float adjusted to keep the bait just off the bottom, a series of split shot weights to ensure the bait sinks, and a leader tied to a hook or jig. It is most effective in rivers with varying depths, allowing the angler to adjust the depth of the bait to match where Steelhead are holding. Float fishing is particularly effective during colder months when Steelhead are less active and more likely to be found in deeper, slower-moving water.
Drift Fishing
Drift fishing is a classic technique for targeting Steelhead in rivers. It involves casting upstream and allowing the bait or lure to drift naturally with the current, presenting it as if it were a free-floating food item. The rig usually consists of a sliding sinker on the main line, a swivel to prevent line twist, and a leader with a hook. Drift fishing is most effective in fast-flowing waters where Steelhead wait for food to come to them. This method excels during the Steelhead run when fish are actively moving upstream and are more likely to strike at naturally presented baits.
Jig Fishing
Jig fishing for Steelhead involves using a weighted head and a soft body or feathered hook, often beneath a float. The jig’s buoyancy allows it to bounce and drift through the water column, mimicking the movement of small fish or aquatic insects. This setup is effective throughout the year but shines in winter and early spring when Steelhead are deeper in the water. Anglers cast upstream and allow the jig to drift down, adjusting the float to keep the jig at the desired depth. Jig fishing is particularly successful in clear water conditions where the visual appeal of the jig can attract Steelhead from a distance.
Plugging
Plugging, or using plug baits, is a technique that involves casting hard-bodied lures that dive and wiggle in the water, imitating small fish. This method is often employed from a boat, allowing the plugs to be trolled through known Steelhead holding areas or along seam lines where currents converge. Plugging is most effective in larger rivers and during times when Steelhead are aggressive, such as early in their freshwater return. The setup requires a rod and reel capable of handling the resistance of the plug in the water, with the action of the lure doing most of the work to entice a strike.
Best Time To Catch Steelhead
- When do Steelhead spawn: Steelhead spawn in the spring, typically from March through May.
- Best time of day to catch Steelhead and why: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to catch Steelhead due to lower light conditions making fish more active and less wary.
- Best time of year to catch Steelhead and why: Fall and winter are the best seasons to catch Steelhead because they start migrating upstream to their spawning grounds, making them more accessible to anglers.
Fall
In the fall, Steelhead begin their migration from the ocean or large lakes back into the rivers. This is an excellent time to target them as they are aggressive and more likely to strike. The best time to catch Steelhead in the fall is in the early morning or late afternoon when water temperatures are cooler, and fish are actively feeding. Drift fishing with bait such as salmon eggs or using spoons can be very effective techniques during this season.
Winter
Winter offers a prime opportunity for Steelhead fishing, especially after a rainfall when river levels rise and fish move upriver. During winter, midday becomes a favorable time as the water warms slightly, increasing fish activity. Float fishing with jigs or bait under a bobber is highly effective, as it allows the bait to be presented naturally with the current where Steelhead are likely holding.
Spring
Spring is the spawning season for Steelhead, and while they are less likely to feed, they will strike out of aggression or territorial defense. Early morning remains a good time to fish, particularly in tailouts and gravel beds where fish might spawn. Sight fishing with flies or small spinners can be effective, allowing for precise presentation in clear water conditions.
Summer
Summer can be challenging due to lower river flows and warmer water temperatures, making Steelhead less active. Fishing in the early morning or late evening when the water is cooler can be more productive. Focusing on deeper pools and shaded areas with cooler water is key. Techniques such as swinging flies or using light spoons can attract the attention of lethargic fish.
Where To Catch Steelhead
The best locations for Steelhead in the US include the Pacific Northwest rivers, the Great Lakes tributaries, and some rivers in California. These areas offer prime habitats for Steelhead, providing anglers with ample opportunities to catch these elusive fish.
Pacific Northwest Rivers
The rivers of the Pacific Northwest, such as the Columbia River and its tributaries (like the Deschutes, Snake, and Clearwater rivers), are renowned for their Steelhead runs. Float fishing and drift fishing are the most effective techniques in these waters. The clarity and flow of these rivers make float fishing ideal for presenting bait or lures at the precise depth where Steelhead hold. Drift fishing, using bait such as salmon eggs or artificial lures like spoons, allows anglers to cover more water and target Steelhead in various river conditions.
Great Lakes Tributaries
The tributaries of the Great Lakes, especially those in Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York (such as the Salmon River in New York), provide excellent opportunities for Steelhead fishing. In these waters, fly fishing and float fishing are highly effective. Fly fishing with streamers, nymphs, or egg patterns can be particularly productive during the fall and spring migrations. Float fishing with jigs or live bait allows anglers to adjust their approach based on the depth and speed of the water, making it a versatile technique for the varied conditions of Great Lakes tributaries.
California Rivers
In California, rivers like the Sacramento, Klamath, and Trinity are popular destinations for Steelhead anglers. Swing fishing with flies and drift fishing are the preferred techniques in these locations. Swing fishing, where flies are cast downstream and allowed to swing across the current, is effective in the larger, faster-flowing rivers where Steelhead are attracted to the movement of the fly. Drift fishing, particularly with natural baits like nightcrawlers or artificial eggs, works well in the diverse river systems of California, allowing anglers to present bait naturally along the bottom where Steelhead feed.
Idaho
In Idaho, steelhead can primarily be caught in the Snake River and its tributaries, including the Clearwater River, Salmon River, and Little Salmon River. These rivers offer prime habitat for steelhead during their spawning runs, attracting anglers from around the region.
Tips To Catch Steelhead For Beginners
- Choose a simple rod and reel combo. A medium-heavy, 8 to 10-foot spinning rod with a spinning reel loaded with 8 to 12-pound test monofilament line is a good start for versatility and ease of use.
- Start with float fishing. It’s one of the easiest techniques to learn. Use a bobber to suspend your bait at the desired depth, adjusting for water depth and flow.
- Salmon eggs or nightcrawlers are excellent and easy-to-use baits for beginners. They are highly attractive to Steelhead and can be used in most river conditions.
- Use a single hook (size 2 to 4) tied to a 24 to 36-inch leader line. Attach the leader to your main line with a small swivel to prevent line twisting.
- Place a few split shot weights between the bobber and the swivel to ensure your bait reaches the right depth. Adjust the number and placement of weights based on current strength.
- Adjust the bobber so the bait is just off the bottom. This might require setting the bobber stopper at various lengths above the bobber depending on the depth of the water you are fishing in.
- Look for Steelhead holding areas. Focus on areas with slow-moving water adjacent to faster currents, such as the tailouts of pools or behind large boulders.
- If you’re not getting bites, adjust the depth of your bait, try different baits, or move to a new location. Steelhead can be particular about where they feed.
- Steelhead fishing can be challenging, and success may not come immediately. Enjoy the learning process and time spent on the water.
Best Steelhead Fishing Gear And Tools
Fishing Rod
The ideal fishing rod for steelhead should be a medium to medium-heavy action rod, capable of handling the strength and stamina of these fish. A length of 8 to 10 feet is recommended to provide the necessary leverage for casting long distances and managing the fish in fast-flowing rivers. The rod should have a sensitive tip to detect bites subtly and enough backbone to fight and land the steelhead efficiently. Graphite rods are preferred for their strength, sensitivity, and lightweight, making them comfortable to use for extended periods.
Fishing Line
For steelhead fishing, the line choice depends on the fishing technique and water clarity. An 8 to 12-pound test fluorocarbon line is ideal for most situations due to its low visibility underwater and excellent sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel the lightest bites. When fishing in turbid waters or areas with heavy cover, a 20 to 30-pound test braided line is beneficial for its high strength-to-diameter ratio and superior abrasion resistance. The choice of line should balance sensitivity for detecting bites with the toughness to withstand the abrasive conditions of steelhead habitats.
Fishing Reel
A high-quality spinning or baitcasting reel that matches the rod action is crucial for steelhead fishing. The reel should have a smooth, reliable drag system to handle the powerful runs of a steelhead without breaking the line. A capacity to hold at least 200 yards of the chosen line weight is essential, ensuring that anglers have enough line for long runs. Look for reels with a high gear ratio for quick line retrieval and corrosion-resistant components to withstand the harsh freshwater and occasional saltwater environments steelhead inhabit.
Fish Finder
A fish finder is an invaluable tool for locating steelhead, especially in larger rivers and lakes where these fish can be elusive. The ideal fish finder for steelhead fishing should offer high-resolution imaging to identify the riverbed structure, temperature gradients, and fish locations accurately. A fish finder with GPS functionality is also beneficial for marking productive fishing spots and navigating rivers or lakes. Look for models that can differentiate between fish sizes and offer side-scan or down-scan imaging for a comprehensive view of the water beneath and around the boat.