How to Catch Steelhead Trout
Steelhead trout are a member of the salmon family and are closely related to the rainbow trout. Steelhead trout live their lives in the open ocean, returning to freshwater streams and rivers of their birth to spawn. Unlike salmon, steelhead trout spawn more than once in their lives. This fish can be found on the Pacific coast and across the ocean to Asia.
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Instructions
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Determine how the steelhead trout will be fished. Many methods exist for catching these fish, including fly-fishing, lead fishing and float fishing. Typically, flyfishing the clear, cool streams of the Pacific Northwest yields steelhead trout.
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Consider drift fishing for steelhead trout. This entails tying bait to an octopus hook with a leaded float about 10 inches from the bait. The weight, when cast, drifts along the water's bottom leaving the bait to float downstream freely. Set the hook the moment a bite is felt.
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Create a float fishing rig. This method is the simplest of techniques that regularly lands steelhead trout. Suspend bait and hook about a foot from the unbreakable float. Place a swivel mid-point between those two. Cast the float rig upstream and allow it to drift downstream. Set the hook as soon as there is a bite.
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Use smaller spoons and spinners near rocks and brush snags. Tip spinning lures with bait to make them more appealing to the steelhead trout. Apply scents and oils to the lures Use a single, small hook.
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Tips & Warnings
Take along a good knife or utility tool. Removing hooks and rigs can be tricky. Use pliers when possible to remove hooks without injuring the trout significantly.
Level the rod parallel to the water when the steelhead trout decides to break the surface. This will ensure that the line will not break due to the extreme pressure of the falling fish.
Obtain all permits and licenses before fishing for steelhead trout. Some catch restrictions apply to some areas of the Pacific Northwest.
