Where to Find Steelhead
According to the NOAA Office of Protected Resources, steelhead spend a large portion of their young lives in the freshwater river pools where they were spawned until moving on to the salty seawater, returning as adults once a year only to reproduce. It is on those trips back to their freshwater rivers to spawn that it is easiest to determine when and where the fish will be. Study the patterns of the river you choose on a yearly basis and develop a feel for where the steelhead return to each time for the best luck in catching larger numbers.
Locating Steelhead
Steelhead prefer water that is sheltered from the current. Look for this "holding water" behind dams or dykes, fallen trees or rock crops. The steelheads also prefer to remain separate from other fish and typically spawn on the outskirts of fishery areas. This protects their eggs from other fish.
Keys to a Successful Set
Steelhead are stealthy fish that can take the bait gently. Be aware of any bite on your line and set the hook fast and hard. A second pull to "double set" the hook is a good idea to get a firm hook. The best way to ensure a steelhead on the line is to get the bait right at the proper level of as many fish as possible. Use a float to put the bait between the surface and the riverbed for the best level to attract steelhead. Use spinners and spoons when you cast and a sinker with a large fly for fly-fishing. Use one method and practice it to perfection rather than using them all for the best results.
Know the Law
In many areas of the Pacific Northwest where the most popular steelhead fishing exists in Oregon and Washington rivers, regulations insist on catch-and-release fishing. Use a hook without barb to make the release easier on both you and the fish. Avoid pulling the fish all the way into the boat whenever possible and keep it in at least six inches of water for the best health of the released fish.
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