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Winter Steelhead Fishing
Winter Steelhead fishing is more than a sport - it is an addiction. Once you hook your first steelhead, you will want to go after more. We fish several rivers that all have incredible fighting steelhead. Steelhead are known for their high flying acrobatics and their hard, fast, drag-pulling runs. We fish where ever the fishing is the best on several different rivers, including the Umpqua system, the Coquille system, the Elk and the Sixes rivers. The steelhead average about 8-9 lbs., and every year some lucky fishermen catch 20+ pound fish on these rivers.
The technique often used for conventional gear is side-drifting roe with the boat. This is a very interactive, hands-on way to fish for these steelies. The bite can be a very noticeable tug to a very subtle bite that you really have to be ready for. Another technique is to back troll plugs for these fish. This can be extremely effective at times.
Fly fishing techniques are fishing egg patterns under an indicator with a floating line and about a 9’ to 10’ leader on a 7wt or 8wt rod. We do this in the boat as we are drifting. This is an extremely effective way to cover lots of water and to even go through the same hole over and over if the fish are there. We will swing flies in the tailouts at times as well.
Season: End of November through Mid- April
Peak season: January through March |
