Hold on folks, I know the salmon run is starting to taper off but we're just getting started, so don't hang up your gear just yet, the steelhead are coming.
I still remember fishing when I was a kid up around Georgian Bay and practically salivating waiting for the Steelhead to start moving into the rivers and I still get that feeling every year about this time. These guys have always been my favourite and if you've yet to hook one of these bad boys, man you're missing out! So let's talk fall Steelhead.
Fall-run Steelhead usually make an appearance in creeks and rivers as nighttime temperatures start to drop, particularly after we get a few days of cold rain and they'll usually stick around until the spring.
Unlike the salmon who stop feeding once they enter rivers, steelhead will continue to feed when they are in the tributaries. The most effective flies and baits represent some type of natural food found in their environment. Roe is typically the go-to bait, however beads, stonefly nymphs, jigs, small worms (natural) and even pink worms (plastic) are among the most popular choices in a float fisherman's arsenal.
Depending on the water colour you'll want to adapt your presentation to suit the river conditions. So if the river is low and clear, then natural colour baits and flies can work well however so can bright colours such as hot pink or chartreuse, particularly in low light conditions. If the water is murky like after a big rain, you may want to go for bigger darker patterns, even scented baits can sometimes help fish find your hook. Black flies can work especially well when water is high and murky, as they have a more pronounced silhouette than lighter coloured flies under the same water conditions.
Steelhead spook easy, so remember to scale back your rig after the fall salmon run. This is especially true when water levels are low and clear. Downsizing hooks and lightening your leader (4 - 6 lb fluorocarbon) is also key under these conditions to entice stubborn steelhead to slam your bait.
A word of caution - most steelhead are lost just seconds after hookup. Attempts to stop or turn the fish on the first long run will typically fail, so just palm your reel tight enough to maintain some resistance till she's ready. Sometimes keeping your rod tip low and moving from side-to-side will keep the fish off balance and the fish will tire more quickly.
For more articles on steelhead fishing, including tips, photos and more, check us out at http://floatmonster.com
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