It’s that time of year when trout fisherman start jumping the border and head into Idaho in search of steelhead. Being as far from the resource as we are, it can be difficult to find first hand knowledge in the Missoula area. Here are some tips for fooling steelhead.
Have your spey rod lined correctly and practice: First of all, if your setting up your first spey rod it is very easy to get overwhelmed with all the different spey lines to use. Come into the shop and we will get you lined correctly. Before you make the haul to Idaho (or even further west) you want to make sure you have the correct line for what kind of spey fishing you will be doing and the correct grain weight for your rod. It’s a long ways to go to realize you bought the wrong shooting head. Also, Its a long ways to go to find out your casting isn’t where it needs to be to be catching steelhead. Practice makes perfect!
What bugs should I be fishing?: Here are a couple bugs you better have in your box.
Green Butt Skunk
Purple Peril
Hoh Bo Spey
These are just a handful of some of the most productive bugs in the Pacific Northwest. More importantly, pick a bug that YOU think will fish the best. Steelheading is a huge confidence game. Fish what ever gives you the most confidence.
Check the river flows & fish counts: I wouldn’t plan on doing a steelhead trip without checking the flows of the river before you go. Another good one to check is the fish counts at some of the dams near where you plan on fishing. Here are some of the links we like to use.
River Flows: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt
Fish Counts: Idaho- https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead/dam-counts
Washington- http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports_plants.html
Reading the water: Steelhead like to hang out in tail outs, behind boulders, or slow inside bends. Some of the best water to swing is just faster than walking pace. When you find a run you like make sure you cover the run thoroughly. Do not be discouraged if you don’t hook up with anything. Change bugs, your depth, or keep moving on.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you get a better grasp on steelheading. If you have any further questions feel free to call or to stop into the shop. We have a good selection of steelhead supplies in shop and available online at kingfisherflyshop.com.
