Finally got some rain and runoff in the water systems. Temperatures are downright cold for the season. Some night are managing to continously make it into single digits. Highs have not been making it above freezing, but I'm catching them pretty good.
Fishing the new rod I built this winter. Amazing backbone, does some serious damage to fish.
__________________ ...on the water or in the woods...
Awesome pics! What method do you use for steelies? I think they are such a beautiful fish and I imagine a good fight too! One of these days I will catch one.....sometimes I wish I wasn't in the south so I could have the opportunity to fish for salmonids!
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"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." ~by Paul O'Neil, 1965~
"Chance favors the well prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur
We only borrow the land and sea from our children.
Steelhead are the best freshwater fighter there is. I am biased though, as they are my favorite fish to pursue. I will gurantee you they are one of the pickiest fish to be had.
This is the method I live by, wish various forms of bait on the end, my mainstay being spawn.
__________________ ...on the water or in the woods...
Interesting setup. Ever used it on anything else? Is steelhead your main fish you target? I don't know if I have a favorite, anything in saltwater and browns (after my last trip would rank as high as any), although browns are nowhere nearby for me
__________________
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." ~by Paul O'Neil, 1965~
"Chance favors the well prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur
We only borrow the land and sea from our children.
3-5lb flourocarbon leader, amazingly light, but I assume its because the fish is so finicky? Do you hever have issues with breakoffs using that light of a leader?
3-5lb flourocarbon leader, amazingly light, but I assume its because the fish is so finicky? Do you hever have issues with breakoffs using that light of a leader?
Break offs occur often. In winter, with very gin clear water clarity, I will use a 4 pound flouro leader. Generally it is a 6 pound leader. If the water is stained you can get away with 8 to 10 pound flouro.
You would be amazed at the strength of 6 pound test. It can withhold much more than you would think, and these fish fight. When I mean fight, I mean vicious headshakes, long bullet runs, dancing on top of the water, add the river current in there and you've got your hands full.
This setup works for all Salmonoids in moving water (current).
__________________ ...on the water or in the woods...
ok, you talked me into it. Where can I go catch em!?
__________________
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." ~by Paul O'Neil, 1965~
"Chance favors the well prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur
We only borrow the land and sea from our children.
ok, you talked me into it. Where can I go catch em!?
Any tributary to a body of water that carries Salmonoids (Or specifically Steelhead). The Pacific Ocean is VERY well known for their Salmon and Steelhead runs and tributaries in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon have phenominal fishing I believe. In the Midwest, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York all recieve great Steelhead run from their corresponding bodies of water. Timing is everything, water conditions have to be right, but guides can always put you on fish.
__________________ ...on the water or in the woods...
Finally Spring [pics]
