At the end of every Pacific Northwest March, the riverside flora begins reviving its green, the sun peeks out after what seems like one hundred days of grey skies, and new steelhead anglers did not catch a fish on their first fishing season. Catching steelhead is a pursuit that combines patience, skill, and significant knowledge of the environment. Among the most elusive fish, catching a steelhead fits what most anglers in the Pacific Northwest consider a part of the good life. Often, it is the myriad of techniques available that can make a successful entry into the sport perplexing. If you are new or newer to steelhead fishing and you too are experiencing the overwhelm of technique and gear options, I offer you a technical wading stick.
Master float fishing with jigs remains a highly effective method, especially for newer anglers looking to hook into their first steelhead. In this guide, I dive into the essentials of float fishing with jigs for steelhead. It is of my opinion that mastering this foundational technique both hands you an effective method NOW and will give you a foundational advantage as you progress and begin to include other skills.
Understanding Steelhead Behavior
Before we delve into the specifics of float fishing with jigs, it's crucial to understand the behavior of steelhead. These anadromous rainbow trout spend most of their lives in the ocean before returning to freshwater rivers to spawn. During their migration, they seek out safe passage as they return to their spawning grounds which includes coverage, structure, oxygen-rich holding spots, and movement driven by river volume and weather. Understanding these factors will help you pinpoint where steelhead are likely to hold in a river.
Choosing the Right Gear
Float fishing with jigs requires specialized gear to effectively present your bait to steelhead. Here's what you'll need:
Rod and Reel
Opt for a medium or moderate action rod, around 9 to 10 feet in length, paired with a quality reel capable of holding 8 to 12-pound test line. I advise getting accustomed to a casting rod/reel set up, but more important use what you will feel confident with.
Floats for Fishing Steelhead
The right float, while in action, provides key information you need aside from the obvious bobber-down. The float tells you if your presentation is set too deep and it tells you if you have too much weight in your presentation. With a more discerning eye, the float will tell you if deeper currents are moving faster or slower than your surface current. Consider using an inline-float with a bobber stop that allows you to adjust the depth easily. Sizes may vary depending on the water conditions, but you can fish most PNW rivers with a 3/8oz or ¾ oz float effectively. When you choose a jig/weight to go underneath this float make sure the total weight under the float is equal to or less than the weight of the float.
Jigs for Steelhead
Choose jigs in various colors and weights to match the conditions of the river you're fishing. Common sizes range from 1/8 to 1/4 ounces. Experiment with different colors, such as pink, orange, or chartreuse, to determine what the steelhead prefer on any given day. A nightmare jig is a great all-around jig choice.
Leader and In-Line Weight
Use fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders in the 8–12-pound test range to reduce visibility in the water. You leader length is generally 18”-24”. Use an in-line weight around ½ to 3/8oz. Too much weight will prohibit your float from, well, floating seamlessly in the current.
Techniques for Success
Now that you have the right gear, let's discuss the techniques that will help you effectively fish with jigs for steelhead:
Drift Presentation
The key to successful float fishing with jigs is presenting it naturally in the current. Cast your jig slightly upstream and allow it to drift downstream, following the speed of the current. Keep your line taut and be prepared for subtle strikes.
Adjusting Depth
Steelhead can hold at various depths depending on the conditions. Use your float to adjust the depth of your presentation until you find where the fish are holding. Pay attention to any indicators of strikes, such as the float dipping or moving erratically.
Covering Water
Steelhead are known for their roaming behavior, so don't hesitate to cover water by moving to different spots along the river. Focus on areas with structure, such as boulders, logs, or deep pools, where steelhead are likely to hold.
Be Patient
Steelhead fishing requires patience and persistence. Don't get discouraged if you don't hook into a fish right away. Stay focused, keep adjusting your presentation, and eventually, you'll be rewarded with a hard-fighting steelhead on the end of your line.
For now, just focus on getting this technique down. Find areas that make sense for this fishing, generally water than is no faster than a comfortable walking pace and get a feel for how this method works. Adjust by switching jigs, moving to different spots, and learning to read when you have set you float too deep or too shallow. These are the building blocks that will help you incorporate other techniques when you are ready.
By understanding steelhead behavior, choosing the right gear, and mastering key techniques, you'll increase your chances of success on the water. So, grab your rod, tie on a jig, and immerse yourself in the timeless pursuit of steelhead fishing in the wild rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Happy fishing!
Safety and Conservation
You are a critical feature of the environment, consider right and respectful relatioins with the natural world while steelhead fishing. Always check local regulations, acknowledge the land you are on (Native Land), and obtain the necessary permits before fishing. Practice catch-and-release whenever possible to ensure the sustainability of steelhead populations for future generations to enjoy.
Send me photos of your efforts and your fish!
Steelhead Fishing Gear List
Below is some of the gear I use for steelhead. Some of these links are sponsored links, so many thanks for any and all support!
Rod- Fenwick Steelhead Casting Rod
Reel – Abu Garcia Zenon
Jigs- Marabou Aero Jig
Float- Beau Mac Floats
Waders – NRS Sidewinders
My Videos
Please feel free to check out my YouTube Channel – Bad Ash Outdoors and subscribe!
