|
Overview- WARNING Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River is very addicting, fish at your own risks!
The Steelhead season is open all year long on the Salmon River, however it is most productive between the months of November and April. Even during the coldest days of winter there are trophy steelhead in the Salmon River. During this time of year conditions on the river can be quite variable. It can range from ice cold turbid high water to a crystal clear trickle. The conditions of the river will predicate how it can be fished. I can share with you a variety of techniques that are suited to different river conditions. These are techniques that I have learned over the last decade or so and have helped me catch many trophy fish. As your guide I will do my best to help you learn the time tested techniques that it takes to catch your trophy Steelhead
Fly Fishing the Salmon River
The Salmon River is truly one of the premier rivers in the lower 48 for fly fishing steelhead. There's no better time to fly fish then November for these acrobatic fighters. November is post spawn for the king salmon and their redds (spawn beds) are scattered throughout the river. At this time water temps are optimal for these hungry fish. With salmon eggs and fry drifting down the river, steelheads are aggressively seeking such forage. Fly fisherman dead drifting with egg patterns will find strikes to be rather viscous. Steelhead tend to be opportunistic knowing that competition for eggs and fry is heavy. To improve odds a fishermen must make long drifts, covering a fairly large amount of water. Moving from run to holes, covering as many types of lays as possible. This can be aided by the use of a drift boat and knowledgeable guide. Making completely natural drifts by following the speed current will entice even the most stubborn fish. Each season the Salmon River produces steelhead in the 20 lb class. Image a heart pounding tangle with one of these beasts. Hooking into a trophy of this magnitude is in of itself a challenge, now you have to attempt landing it. One better not be flat footed or stationary during this epic event. Moving down stream, staying close to your formidable opponent will greatly increase you odds incoming out on top of this tug of war. Steelheads will do everything in the power to free themselves from your line. Including jumping repeatedly, running for cover, dodging the angler and rolling in the line. Many novice anglers will lose the first few battles with steelies for many of these reasons. Often drags set to tight can be the biggest problem beginners will have at the onset of the fight. Weak spots in leader or knots and dull hooks will also cause failure for anglers not paying close attention to detail. Once you've landed a trout of this magnitude on fly fishing gear there's no limits out there that could stop you.
|
|
