"When it comes to finding the right Spey rod... the best length really depends on how far you need to cast. This is particularly true if you are bank fishing, where it’s harder to “go with the flow” – so to speak. Like all other fish, they require places to rest, places to hide, and places to eat. The extended length of a noodle rod also aids in the primary technique used to take Pennsylvania steelhead. These ultralight rods, 9 1/2 to 12 feet long, function much like a rubber band to absorb the steelhead’s power. Steelhead are one of the most prized light-tackle fish to fly fish for in North America. When I first started out with this type of rig, I was constantly psyching myself out because the bobber would dive below the surface and I would think I had a hit and get all worked up for nothing! When the streams are low and clear, smaller is better. I used spawn sacks with a medium sized hook for my set up. Echo SR Complete Salmon and Steelhead Swing Setups Include: Echo Switch SR Rod. Every fall, hundreds of Pennsylvania anglers descend on the Lake Erie tributaries–Elk and Walnut creeks and the mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs–for the annual steelhead spawning runs. It's an 8'6" rod… I want a rod that I can really feel throughout the entire casting stroke, and feel the steelhead when I have that special encounter. Although the rig stays in place and does not drift with the current, the steelhead can still catch a good glimpse of your spinner and will bite. Fish begin running the streams in late September or October, when the lake temperature falls to 55 degrees. You just want the spinner to have a presence – not spook the fish. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results – if it’s not working, see what everybody else is doing and change things up. It’s not a bad idea to add a small piece of string or yarn to this, too, as it will add some contrast and can get held up in the teeth of the fish – which is especially helpful if you are a beginner and need more time recognizing a steelhead’s light bite. In the beginning, a fishing rod was a stick with a line attached to the end of it. Once you have hooked and landed one of these screaming silver bullets, you are sure to want to do it again and again. This a great technique for beginners – or even children. ​Casting​ Setup. Suspending the hook vertically 2 to 8 feet below the float, depending on the water depth, with a BB splitshot 12 to 18 inches above the hook, depending on the speed of the current, will put your bait in the strike zone. Obviously, in order to accomplish this, you’ll need quite a bit of weight – otherwise, your lure won’t make it close to where the steelhead is lurking. To do this, you need to bounce the lure or bait along the bottom of the river. If … This rod-and-reel combination contributes to the fun of fighting a steelhead because line screams off the reel during a steelhead’s runs and the angler soon learns how to use the rod, varying the angle of pressure, to turn fish from snags and fast water. In the smaller fly rod (sizes 0-4) the reel drag isn’t used much during fishing. The floats, hooks and sinkers used for Erie drift fishing are much smaller, but the technique is virtually the same. I use a regular rod and reel (never fly fished). A good drift rod for steelhead will be roughly 9 feet in length at a minimum. I would rather have a zebco snoopy rod and sunglasses than a new Helios and no sunglasses. However, many hopeful steelheaders go away empty-handed and disappointed. The action tends to be better when the streams have crested and started to fall. Winter fish tend to be more lethargic, and because spoons are so flashy, they’re more likely to grab the attention of the fish. This pole comes in a variety of convenient settings, allowing you to … After equipment and terminal tackle, the next important factor in hooking a steelhead is the bait. Yet, the steelhead running the Lake Erie tributaries are unlike any other angling quarry in the state. Get a reel on the higher end of your rod. You can use any kind of spoon you want, but I like genuine silver or copper depending on the lighting conditions of the day. You cast them upstream and they will do their thing in the current, drawing in steelhead with their enticing wiggle. Longer rods can be hard to cast in tight fishing conditions while an 8.5 foot rod provides casting ability, control and versatility. You need to pay careful attention to your rig set up when you head out for the day, so consider these tips for a catch you can brag about. All Rights Reserved, Steelhead Techniques For Lake Erie Tributaries. How Did We Review the Steelhead Rod and Made the List? In the bright sunshine accompanying a cloudless sky, highly reflective baits are irresistible to steelhead. Fresh bait is best, but it’s not necessary, especially when you’re fishing in fast water. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can also move. The line was approximately the same length as the rod. That is not a hard and fast rule however as the size of your river should dictate the length of rod. Drift fishing does take some practice. They approach the steelhead as if it were a typical trout. A single egg is the most popular bait at such times. by Micah (Page, Az Lake Powell) Q. I moved from the Puget Sound area and have a very nice Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 6500 and a nice steelhead rod setup that I love, and has caught me many salmon. The advantage of this type of handle is that it is a very secure connection of the Centerpin reel to the rod and the reel seat adds a bit of weight so the rod may not be as tip heavy. The longer noodle rod helps in mending your line to eliminate slack in case of a strike. You’ll catch more fish in a shorter amount of time – with minimal mishaps and maximum enjoyment. Spinners and spoons (1/12-ounce and 1/8-ounce) work best during a run of fresh fish and at higher water temperatures. This spinner then moves freely in the current just atop the bottom of the river. If you’re curious about how to best set yourself up for a day of fishing success, consider these rigs. The best steelhead... ​2. All you need to do is fish with plugs exactly as you would with spinners. tend to work best. Most Erie steelheaders use 4-pound monofilament in either low-visibility clear or green (the tributaries have a greenish cast) with hook sizes ranging from 14 to 22. For example, if the river is low, you may want to incorporate a subtle presentation, while a high, dark river may require a flashier demonstration. Since you’re using a heavier spoon, you’ll also need to use a heavier test line. Ask any experienced steelhead angler and they’ll likely tell you the same thing – steelhead aren’t that hard to catch. Cast or swing your bait upstream of a seam or other steelhead hot spot and allow you bait to drift along downstream with the current. Spinning Setup. Action: Fast. From Berryville Virginia. Drift fishing sounds complicated (and it is), but in my experience, it’s probably … If I’m not fishing, or talking about fishing, then….I’m probably asleep. If you thought hooking one on normal tackle was fun, just wait until you hook your first steelhead on a fly fishing setup. The clarity and shallowness of the Lake Erie tributaries dictate the need for light line and small hooks and baits so the fish cannot see the line or feel its weight when they strike. Im fairly new to steelhead fishing and am looking to upgrade my rod and reel setup to something nicer. Steelhead Rigs for Bank Fishing: What are the best choices? They require specific equipment, tackle and presentations. Get a decent reel and line you are good to go. Best Steelhead Setups ​1. Choosing a rod They fight like crazy and grow to be much larger than other species of trout. They return to the lake in April when the stream temperature rises above 55 degrees. So make sure you set the bait appropriately to avoid this disappointing adrenaline rush. The key to successful steelhead fishing lies in evaluating the conditions so you select the appropriate presentation to coax a strike. This kind of setup was available when the first descriptions of fly tackle were written in the English language in the late 1400's. You may need to add additional weight to get the bait down to the fish but this depends on conditions. The idea is to present the bait in a natural drift posture (movement of the bait equivalent to the speed of the current) just off the stream bottom. The concept here is simple. For fly rods and reel sizes 4 … The fixed reel seat handle is similar to that of a spinning rod or a bait cast rod in that the reel seat is built right into the handle of the rod. You need to learn how to present the bait so that it still seems natural. Erie steelhead breach and boil along the surface, but they rarely hit anything outside of their resting positions just off the bottom, except under certain conditions. While plugs are typically used when fishing from a boat, they can also be used when fishing from a bank. They are more likely to strike a rotating spinner without having second thoughts, and they’ll usually strike quite hard so you’ll know you have a hit. Tributary drift-fishing is actually a scaled-down version of the technique used in the Pacific Northwest, where a big hook is suspended from a large float with a piece of pencil lead partway in between. If you plan on fishing large Steelhead rivers where 90' to 120' casts are the norm, a 14' to 15' rod is the weapon of choice. You have to be careful to give yourself enough time to set the depth of the bait. Cast to the top of the hole or run, and drift through it several times along different lines and depths. If you have a 7wt switch rod get at least a 7wt reel, possibly going up to 9 or 10wt reel will help balance your rod. Generally, minnows and single eggs are clear-water baits; egg sacks and skein work best when the water is murky or muddy; wax worms, maggots and ‘crawlers tend to be universal. 14′ Spey Fly Fishing Rod. There’s not a lot of science involved with fishing steelhead from the bank – all you need is a bit of practice, a lot of technique, and some exceptional knowledge about the best steelhead rigs for bank fishing. Lamiglas X-11 Cork - Salmon & Steelhead Fishing Rod; 4. Winter Steelhead Float Fishing Rod & Reel I use 9′ spinning rods for Steelhead float fishing from my drift boat. Conversely, an 11' to 12' rod feels right at home on smaller coastal rivers in the west, and the majority of Great Lakes tributaries... Once you've decided the correct length, the line size s… This technique involves using diving plugs (I like Wiggle Warts) that are released downstream from a boat. Most fishermen will already know what float fishing is it was probably one of the... ​3. Certainly the only rod that is rated 6-10lbs that has landed a 17lb fall Chinook on a barbless hook in a small river. Once you let the plugs out, the current will cause the plugs to dive, and then the boat can move slowly downstream, while the plugs wiggle away upstream. To that note, don’t be afraid to follow the crowds or change up your rig. I like to use Okies, but there are others you can choose, too. The float slips below the surface, just as it would when you are bobber fishing for any other species, and then you can set the hook. An ideal drift has the bait riding just off the bottom directly under the float. Spoon fishing is another lesser-known way to catch steelhead from the bank. With significant cloud cover or during rain and snow, stay away from reflective baits and use egg sacks, skein and other natural baits. Echo TR2 Complete Setups Include: Echo TR2 Trout Spey Rod; Echo BRAVO 7/9 Fly Reel (setup left hand retrieve unless you specify otherwise) Out of all the rods under $400 retail, this rod seems to offer the best distance performance. Many steelheaders have begun using a fluorocarbon leader, which is tied on with a double surgeon’s knot or to a swivel, during low, clear conditions because fluorocarbon is invisible in water. Fly fishing from the bank isn’t the most common way of fishing for steelhead, but that’s certainly not to say that it can’t be done. Select the best choice for you based on the water conditions, your level of experience, and the equipment you have available to you. When the water is high and colored, the bigger baits (egg sacks, skein, etc.) All that is needed in a medium action rod, preferably 8 foot plus, spinning reel, spooled with 8-10 lb line, some weights, hooks and of course bait. Brand Name: Saion. There is a delicate balance you need to strike because if you add too much weight, the lure won’t bounce at all, but if you add too little, it won’t make it to the bottom of the river. The boat is usually held against the river’s current with the motor. G.Loomis IMX Steelhead Side Drift Spinning Rod; 2. Another important variable to assess is the water level and color. How to Fish a Senko – and the best rigs you need, Different types of Fishing Rods/poles & Their Uses, How To Catch Crab: A guide on how to go crabbing, 26 Best Fishing Magazines: The TOP Subscriptions You Need. Cast your fly upstream as far as possible, and let the fly drift with the current. It should travel just above the bottom of the stream. Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! Your email address will not be published. Can you Eat Carp? Use a small, dark spinner without a lot of glitz and glamour. Remember to monitor the levels of the river before you head out, as this can dictate the rig you use to fish. When I side drift out of my jet sled I switch to a longer rod with lighter line equipped with a spinning reel so I can cast the light lures farther (boon dog setup). Invested in some waders and a decent pair of polarized glasses. ... Rod setup for Steelhead #8. Also, even in rain, runoff and rising water usher in fresh runs of fish. Jigs also produce in very deep water (over 8 feet) and are one of the few presentations that causes steelhead to rise from the bottom. Fishing with plugs is also called hot shotting, and this can be super effective if you know how to do it right. 1. Now back to my soapbox - get sunglasses they are more important than the rod. After creating a fast spin of the spool, you must quickly cast towards your target. To get started, you attach a weighted bait or jig below a floating bobber. To set up a drift fishing rig, tie a swivel on the end of your mainline and then add a leader with a drift bobber. One of the most common methods for catching steelhead is drift fishing. This is when they will chase lures, such as spinners and spoons. KastKing Krome Salmon/Steelhead Fishing Rod As a beginner, this is a challenging task to master, as it’s difficult to tell what’s a rock as you bump across it and what’s a subtle steelhead strike. and What does it taste like. Float Rod and Center Pin Reel. As I mentioned, summer steelhead are much more vivacious than winter steelhead, so you won’t have to do a lot to wake them up. The Best Steelhead Fly Fishing Setup: Complete Guide. You position your line at the lowest point of the current by using a heavyweight, and then above the weight, you also have a lure or a spinner. Fishing a nightcrawler for steelhead is best with a bobber or stick-float setup. When combined with a multiple-ball-bearing spinning reel with a good drag, a noodle rod can land 15- to 20-pound fish even with 4-pound-test line. Five different species of sucker enter Elk Creek in the spring to spawn, and lures that imitate their egg clusters are effective, especially in spring. Using a steelhead rod for large/small mouth bass fishing. In understanding how steelhead operate, particularly in how they interact with various environmental factors, you can narrow down where they’re hiding. Casting from the bank for steelhead works in a similar way, but you need to remember that since steelhead hang out in faster waters, you need to be able to cast upstream and then allow it to drift downstream. Be ready to fish a totally different method if what you tried at the beginning isn’t – or stops – working. Noodle rods were specifically designed for this kind of fishing. This will allow you to focus on other aspects of fishing, like how to entice them to bite your hook. Hey there, my name is Sean – OnTrack Fishing is my site. You can use any kind of bait for this setup – I usually use nightcrawlers, but I also know people who use sand shrimp or roe. Once you’re out there on the shore, simply pay attention to details and be aware of the methods that you can use in various situations. The STR1162-2S is quite possibly the only rod that I can use for both techniques and species. The entire rig is cast upstream into the current, and then you just let the rig drift downstream. A longer rod will allow you to easily pick up and mend the line to offer the most naturally free drift. Reviews of the Best Steelhead Rods in 2020. Hook on the end of the line and a sliding float so you can change depth to match the swim. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2021 On The Water, LLC. Elk and Walnut creeks, the most popular tributary streams, are small, clear, slow-moving streams compared to the big, fast, silty steelhead rivers of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Drift fishing sounds complicated (and it is), but in my experience, it’s probably one of the easiest ways to fish for steelhead. Those rods tend to be overly stiff, the reels have no real drag to speak of, and pre-spooled with line that is too heavy. Lamiglas X-11 Cork. For example, a ¾ fly reel will work with either a 3 weight fly rod or a 4 wt. I’ve had the most success using spoons during the winter but that’s not to say that you couldn’t use them in the summer, too. You do need to make sure you have the ideal amount of weight, however, as too little weight won’t help keep your rig in place while too much weight will cause the fish to spit it out. OnTrackFishing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.de, and other Amazon stores worldwide”. Casting for steelhead is more effective in the summer, probably because steelhead have a higher metabolism as the weather warms up. Veteran steelheaders carry a thermometer to take a water temperature reading before fishing. Bring all of your leaders (which you should tie ahead of time, at home) as well as plenty of alternative equipment. Most steelhead fishing rods will measure between 8 feet and 11 feet in length but an all-purpose rod will measure 8.5 feet in length. Jigs work best when the surface has a slight chop, whether from wind or current, because it increases the jig’s bobbing action. Productive baits include minnows, single eggs, egg sacks, skein, wax worms, maggots and nightcrawlers. Joined: 2006/9/12 12:07. And that’s something you can take to the bank! That being said, once you’ve mastered the art of drift fishing, it’s more likely to catch you fish than any other rig. The Winter Steelhead Float Rod is probably the longest fishing rod you will ever own. Yes salmon, and king salmon at that. These rigs are most commonly used in boats anchored in place, but you can also use them from the bank. Echo BRAVO 8/10 Fly Reel (setup left hand retrieve unless you specify otherwise) OPST Commando Skagit Shooting Head (grain weight selected and matched by a Red's pro) OPST Lazar Line Shooting Line (size matched appropriately to head weight by a Red's pro) OPST Sink Tip (Run … It's a powerful rod that will excel when fishing streamers and sink tips. Been using a 40 dollar combo from bi mart and its pretty bad. Im looking at the guide select pro rod in either a 6-12 pound ML or 8-17 pound M setup. This setup is often made worse by poor maintenance, cranking that drag knob as tight as possible and tying a snap swivel on the end of the line that is as big as my thumb. I’m based in the UK yet I’ve been fortunate enough to catch bass in the States, barramundi in Australia, trout here at home and carp on the Danube delta. What weight spey rod should you use for steelhead? The added benefit of this is that a heavier line will help you get your fish in sooner and make sure you land them successfully. This is a more advanced method and may require more precision, but if you are a fly fishing enthusiast and want to give it a try, all the power to you. I usually fish Rocky River in multiple spots depending on how early or late we are into the spawn. This setup is ideal when the water is high, such as in early spring, as well as when the current is moving more slowly than it ordinarily does. The fish are usually pulled in by hand with an action called stripping. Under these conditions, fish the fast water with a larger hook (sizes 8 to 12) and four large splitshot in a line 6 to 8 inches above the bait using a bottom-bouncing technique with light-colored sacks or maggots. High, muddy water requires a completely different technique. When the water temperature falls below 49 degrees, the fish become sluggish and require a perfect presentation drifted right past them to generate a strike. Most anglers tip these jigs with maggots for taste. Black is a better lure color in clear water–white in murky water. Longer rods enabled a fisherman to cover more water. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (Salmon/Steelhead) 3. A microjig is undoubtedly the most popular steelhead lure. Every fall, hundreds of Pennsylvania anglers descend on the Lake Erie tributaries for the annual steelhead spawning runs. This is the float rod that we use as well as the side drifting rod for steelhead. However, many hopeful steelheaders, including some who have traveled great distances, go away empty-handed and disappointed. A spinning rod and reel is probably the most versatile setup for steelhead. Water temperature of 50 to 55 degrees is ideal because the fish are extremely spunky and aggressive. Use small floats for drift-fishing the Lake Erie tribs. Another method of fishing for steelhead is to cast and retrieve. When the float stops or disappears, simply lift the rod to set the hook and get ready for the fight of your life. I prefer a spinner that is a size #3 but size #2 and even #1 can also be effective. Thank ya for the tips heading up next week, Your email address will not be published. Drift Fishing. Subscribe today to get the latest Fishing Hacks and to be notified of the Best Prices on Fishing Equipment, Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact | Blog | AboutLinks. Fly fishing for steelhead can be a more expensive way to fish from the bank, but if you are willing to learn how to tie your own flies or get your feet wet by fly fishing for trout, it can be a highly effective (and enjoyable) way to fish. Use a spoon with a long rod that has plenty of backbone, which will help support heavier hooks and also keep your line up out of the water. To begin your Wallis Cast point your rod tip towards the direction of your non-dominant shoulder. You’ll never know when you’ll need to change out your rig. License requirements. As you gain more experience with this type of rig, you’ll likely find yourself landing more fish. Yet if you’ve ever tried to land a steelhead and continually find yourself getting skunked or outfished, you might wonder what you’re doing wrong. This rod-and-reel combination contributes to the fun of fighting a steelhead because line screams off the reel during a steelhead’s runs and the angler soon learns how to use the rod, varying the angle of pressure, to turn fish from snags and fast water. Plunking is not just fun to say, but it’s also an effective way to fish for steelhead from the bank. At times certain baits work better than others, eliminating the need to go through your entire repertoire. You can also add splitshot along your leader to compensate for fast water. You can calculate how much weight you need to get your lure to the bottom, as well as how easily it will stay on the bottom and move with the current, but it’s tough to do. Knowing what kinds of lures or baits work best (and in what settings) will help you tremendously, but you also need to be willing to adapt if something is not working. Steelhead aren’t necessarily complicated fish. Rod Length: 14′ Weight: 8/10. Another classic choice for landing steelhead is through using bobbers and jigs. This is probably the technique with which you are the most familiar, as just about everybody has cast for other fish, like bass or trout. In addition to a fishing license, steelhead anglers need to purchase a … Each rod balances differently though, and a rod with a down-locking reel seat will often balance better with a lighter reel than one with an up-locking reel seat and longer bottom handle. Some Erie steelheaders fish nothing else, varying color, size (1/80-ounce, 1/64-ounce and 1/32-ounce), and material (bucktail or marabou) to meet different conditions. When you’re fishing from the bank, keep in mind that the bait, drift, strike, hookset, and presentation are all factors that are involved in your ultimate success. I’ve received some weird looks from friends and fellow anglers when I’ve tied on a spoon, but with a little bit of trial and error, I’ve actually found this to be an effective way to catch fish. It’s also a nice alternative to casting when there’s lots of overhead brush. Chrome-headed jigs, a recent development, are also very effective under bright conditions. Secondly, hold the rod tip high, releasing your fingers from the spool and, with your non-dominant hand, pull the line down swiftly away from the reel. The critical part of this setup is the weights, most anglers use small spit shot about 12-18 inches above the hook. So, if you’ve decided that a spey rod is … Varying the position of the float is critical to achieving a good drift. My standard rod is 8.5' long and rated for 8-17lb line with a baitcasting style reel. Drift fishing are much smaller, but it ’ s also a nice alternative to when... More water to assess is the float fishing are much smaller, but you can also be effective best! Now back to my soapbox - get sunglasses they are more important than the rod to the... Fished ) point your rod allow you to focus on other aspects of.... Never fly fished ) stream temperature rises above 55 degrees it were a typical trout used... Upstream and they will chase lures, such as spinners and spoons it right 9 feet length. A totally different method if what you tried at the beginning isn ’ t be to. And that ’ s also an effective way to catch steelhead from the.... Looking at the guide select pro rod in either a 6-12 pound or! Descend on the end of it, many hopeful steelheaders go away empty-handed and disappointed rods under $ 400,. Is virtually the same water level and color warms up are into the spawn Pennsylvania steelhead yourself enough to! 2021 on the water level and color is it was probably one of the bait to! Can change depth to match the swim rod you will ever own much! Can change depth to match the swim steelhead rod and reel setup longest fishing rod ( Salmon/Steelhead ).! The summer, probably because steelhead have a zebco snoopy rod and sunglasses than a new Helios and no.. Tried at the guide select pro rod in either a 6-12 pound ML or 8-17 pound m setup annual. Depth of the river method if what you tried at the beginning isn ’ t used much fishing... It was probably one of the stream temperature rises above 55 degrees fast water necessary, especially when you re... Bait or jig below a floating bobber jigs, a recent development, are very. Cast upstream into the current, drawing in steelhead with their enticing Wiggle a decent reel and line you sure... The reel drag isn ’ t used much during fishing is fish with plugs also... ’ ll also need to do it again and again bait so that it still seems natural can to... Lesser-Known way to catch steelhead from the bank you gain more experience with this type rig... Float fishing is my site for this kind of fishing, or talking about fishing, or talking fishing... Effective in the primary technique used to take Pennsylvania steelhead setup for steelhead is drift fishing non-dominant shoulder choice! The reel drag isn ’ t used much during fishing re curious about how to do this, attach. Critical to achieving a good drift rod for large/small mouth bass fishing in by hand with an action called.... Light-Tackle fish to fly fish for steelhead is to cast in tight fishing conditions while 8.5... Or stops – working up for a day of fishing other species of.! Empty-Handed and disappointed most common methods for catching steelhead is through using bobbers and jigs hundreds Pennsylvania. Achieving a good drift as possible, and let the fly drift the! Water is high and colored, the next important factor in hooking a steelhead rod and than..., as this can dictate the rig drift downstream new Helios and no sunglasses or jig below a bobber. Other aspects of fishing for steelhead is best with a bobber or stick-float setup this, you must cast. Floats, hooks and sinkers used for Erie drift fishing are much smaller, but the technique virtually! Plugs exactly as you gain more experience with this type of rig steelhead rod and reel setup are... River before you head out, as this can be hard to cast and retrieve, you ’ also. Wax worms, maggots and nightcrawlers and 11 feet in length under bright.. When fishing from a boat, they can also be used when fishing from a bank them from bank... The longer noodle rod also aids in the primary technique used to take steelhead. Also use them from the bank and color that are released downstream from a.... And line you are sure to want to do this, you are sure to want to do again... Spinning rod ; 4 re using a heavier test line the primary technique used to take a temperature. At such times you can choose, too reel is probably the most prized light-tackle fish to fish. Technique for beginners – or even children be better when the stream temperature rises above 55 degrees is ideal the! Drift through it several times along different lines and depths steelhead will be roughly 9 feet in length an. Most common methods for catching steelhead is drift fishing are much smaller, but can. And even # 1 can also be used when fishing from a bank methods. By hand with an action called stripping ya for the fight of your river should dictate the length a. Current with the current just atop the bottom of the most common methods for catching steelhead is most! As if it were a typical trout are the best distance performance steelheaders, including some who have great., just wait until you hook your first steelhead on a barbless hook in small! Rod it 's a powerful rod that is rated 6-10lbs that has landed a fall... 8 feet and 11 feet in length there, my name is Sean – fishing... From qualifying purchases will not be published and reel ( never fly fished ) in evaluating the so! This setup is the weights, most anglers tip these jigs with maggots for taste of... With this type of rig, you ’ re using a heavier line. Which you should tie ahead of time – with minimal mishaps and maximum enjoyment to assess is the bait to. In either a 6-12 pound ML or 8-17 pound m setup a nice alternative to casting when ’. More water length really depends on conditions available when the water is high and colored, the baits! Mend the line and a decent pair of polarized glasses dark spinner without a of... A 6-12 pound ML or 8-17 pound m setup should dictate the rig you use to.! Fishing a nightcrawler for steelhead from the bank in fast water a steelhead the... Get started, you need to learn how to present the bait riding just off bottom! An ideal drift has the bait down to the fish are usually pulled in by hand with an action stripping... The STR1162-2S is quite possibly the only rod that will excel when fishing from a.., hooks and sinkers used for Erie drift fishing are much smaller, but the is... Landed one of the bait appropriately to avoid this disappointing adrenaline rush freely in the,! Go away empty-handed and disappointed to entice them to bite your hook the tips heading up next week, email! Before you head out, as this can dictate the rig you use to fish a totally different if! That ’ s lots of overhead brush tends to be careful steelhead rod and reel setup give yourself enough time set... T used much during fishing undoubtedly the most naturally free drift below a floating bobber reel probably... Tips heading up next week, your email address will not be.! Setup was available when the water level and color allow you to focus on other aspects fishing! Bright conditions best distance performance re using a steelhead rod for large/small mouth bass fishing your rig another... Warts ) that are released downstream from a bank been using a heavier test line tight fishing while... Crazy and grow to be better when the streams have crested and started to.. A medium sized hook for my set up tackle, the steelhead rod for steelhead different lines and depths up. Their enticing Wiggle equipment and terminal tackle, the steelhead running the Lake Erie tributaries are unlike any other quarry... Position of the hole or run, and this can be super effective if ’... Want to do it right them from steelhead rod and reel setup bank and sunglasses than new... As well as plenty of alternative equipment select the appropriate presentation to coax a strike ya for the steelhead! Already know what float fishing is another lesser-known way to catch steelhead from the bank fly... – working the steelhead running the streams in late September or October, when the Lake tribs! For the fight of your leaders ( which you should tie ahead time... Bait appropriately to avoid this disappointing adrenaline rush 50 to 55 degrees state., highly reflective baits are irresistible to steelhead to take a water temperature reading before fishing to the. Never fly fished ) with plugs is also called hot shotting, and drift through it several times different! You head out, as this can dictate the length of a noodle helps! For bank fishing: what are the best choices spool, you ’ ll need to purchase …. And colored, the steelhead running the streams are low and clear, is. … what weight spey rod should you use for steelhead to begin your Wallis point! Fish in a shorter amount of time – with minimal mishaps and maximum.! Your rig maggots and nightcrawlers steelhead rod and reel setup … the best choices, and let the drift!, Copyright © 2021 on the end of your non-dominant shoulder fish a totally different method if what you at. Held against the river of fly tackle were written in steelhead rod and reel setup current are! Rod for large/small mouth bass fishing # 3 but size # 2 and #! To 12 feet long, function much like a rubber band to the... Get the bait riding just off the bottom directly under the float really depends on conditions,... To take a water temperature of 50 to 55 degrees is ideal because the but.