One of the most important things a steelhead angler needs to learn is the run timing of the rivers they fish. Some good ways to do this is watching for concentrations of other anglers, contacting local hatcheries for return information, reading fishing articles, and check several Websites for updated information on Steelhead returns. Also, successful steelhead angling depends primarily on river levels or flow rates, and water clarity water temperature does play a part also however I do not believe this is as important as water color. You can find this information on the USGS website for almost all rivers and this information is kept current as to flows and anticipated flows.

 If you head out after a heavy rain, with a few exceptions you will be wasting your time. Clear water is good, green or slightly colored water is even better, so call someone if you can and find out how the rivers and fishing are; most of your locale tackle shops will be able to provide you some information.

 Over the years I have learned that line size, hook size and weight affect the drift angle and your presentation of the bait which plays a big role in increasing the percentage of strikes. You could write a book about each one of these items but if you remember to decrease the size of each of the above mentioned items you will be on the right tract. I have learned that when drift fishing from a boat, different styles of boats react differently in the current, this has a direct affect on the way the angler is able to drift the bait along the bottom. 

Small spinners, drifted yarn flies, and float-fished roe bags, or shrimp are deadly on most steelhead rivers, so are black or brown nymph imitations. Sometimes under the right conditions (I wish I could tell you what these conditions are but I never know when they prefer these) steelhead will go crazy for medium-sized spoons and/or spinners. You cast them quartering upstream, let them sink almost to the bottom, and start a slow retrieve when the current starts to swings it towards the bank. 

During the later steelhead season fly fishers that are skilled at nymph fishing can do very well in many of the runs. You can fly fish with less knowledge about bugs as it is more about presentation with the steelhead the which fly you should be using. You should be ready for cold water fishing as the water temps can be in the mid 30 degree range but for those who enjoy this type of fishing it can be extremely satisfying. Try swinging streamers made of rabbit or marabou if a steelhead is out there they should produce a strike and for what ever reason they seem to hit this type of fly pretty hard. 

By: RR Smith

Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I'm sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

So you made the investment in a Bamboo Fly Rod and with the proper care and maintenance your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you years of enjoyment and service. Taking the time to follow these maintenance tips will ensure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will endure the demands that fly fishing puts on the fly rod. These tips will ensure your purchase of a bamboo fly rod was an excellent choice, after all you have moved up to Bamboo and I'm sure that you don't want to have to switch back to some other type of Fly fishing Rod!

Cleaning the metal ferrules
I like to use Vaseline petroleum jelly putting a small amount on the male ferrule and putting it in and out of the female ferrule a few times the petroleum jelly loosens the build up and protects the metal from oxidation. Use a small cotton swap or Q-tip to remove any excess Vaseline in the female section and a clean dry cloth on the male section and out side part of the female ferrule. For stubborn stains and dirt build up you can use denatured alcohol just be sure not to get this on the varnish. If you happened to purchase a used Bamboo Fly Rod and the ferrules have oxidized you can use a very fine grit sand paper to remove the oxidation. Use caution not to remove to much metal as this will affect the way the ferrules fit together.

Polishing bamboo fly rods
The Bamboo Fly Rod is more then just a fishing rod it is a piece of art. You should wipe them clean with a clean dry cloth, this is a must if you want to keep it looking great and protected from the effect of the elements like rain, water, and dust. Use a paste type furniture polish and a soft cloth to help protect the bamboo and bring out the shine and gleam of your Bamboo Fly Rod

How to clean cork grips
You can use toothpaste, dish soap, or a mild bleach cleaner what ever you use make sure that you have removed all of the cleaner by wiping it well with a damp cloth. You don't want to leave the cleaner on the corky as it will dry the cork out excessively and make it start cracking. If the cork grip has a large amount of build up, you can use fine grit (200 or so) sandpaper to remove this build-up just use caution so you don't damage the cork.

Storing bamboo fly rods
Be sure you wipe your Bamboo Fly Rod with a clean soft cloth to make sure it is clean and dry.
If the rod is going to be store for an extended time it would be a good time to wax the rod. Separate the pieces and put them in a soft rod sack and then slip this into a protective tube. Avoid storing your Bamboo fly Rod in extreme conditions like excessive heat or moisture. Laying the tube flat is the best way to store the rod.

Used bamboo fly rods
Used Bamboo Fly Rods can be found at flea market and garage sales some of which are true bargains just make sure you look them over carefully. Check out the Bamboo and make sure that there are no cracks and that the seams are not starting to separate, check the grip for missing pieces insure the cork is not dried and cracking or the section are starting to separate. Put the fly rod together and check the fit of the ferrules they should be snug but not excessively tight, check the guides and windings making sure they are in good condition. If you find a Bamboo Fly Rod that passes these then you have found a true treasure.

By following these few tips I'm sure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you a life time of enjoyment and use. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and may you enjoy your Bamboo Fly Rod for years to come.

Steelhead Gear. Com

If you believe this is going to happen at this time of year I suggest that you just stay home where it's nice and warm, relax, and think about the coming months when the Steelhead fishing here in Idaho really picks up.

However if you want to try your luck out on the river you can still catch some nice Steelhead from the end of December through the middle of February, you just need to remember to be persistent. The Steelhead this time of year have moved into the deeper hold pools waiting for the water temperature and condition to change signaling its time to continue their trip to the spawning beds.

This time of year requires patience, persistence and a good amount of luck, some fisherman call the latter skill, however most Steelhead fishermen know that when fishing in these tough winter conditions we will take luck over skill every time. You need to change your fishing style this time of year to be successful and here are a few tips to help you out some.

* Don't concentrate on the tail end of the hole like you would when fishing in the early fall move up stream and fish the deeper slower moving section of the hole.
* Dress warm as this time of year is brutal if you're not prepared, and you won't put in the time needed if you're not able to at least tolerate the weather conditions.
* Drift through the same spot numerous times as the Steelhead have become somewhat lethargic do to the cold water temperatures and they really don't want to have to chase anything.
* Switch up your lure colors and don't be afraid to try something different Steelhead become very persnickety so give them something different.
* Keep your bait and lures small this is one of the most common mistakes Steelhead fisherman make during this time of year.
* Slow your presentation down as much as you can remember that the Steelhead have slowed down also.
* Try new or different spots concentrating on deep slow moving holes.
* Should you be fortunate enough to hook a Steelhead remember the spot where you hooked into him and keep on working that spot as Steelhead like to pool up together.
I have been Chasing Steelhead for over 35 years here in Idaho and yes you can catch some nice Steelhead when most Fishermen have put their rods up waiting for warmer weather and more active fish. Just follow the simple steps above and you to can enjoy one of the most peaceful times on the river and even hook into quite a few steelhead.

Want to know my two favorite set-ups for winter Steelhead you can find them at http://www.steelhead-gear.com/Fishing Info . I may even see you on the river the next time you are out Good Luck.

BY: RR Smith

Steelhead Gear.com

Ok so I have been talking a lot about fly fishing lately so I thought I would change subjects and talk about some of the techniques that I use when I am bank fishing.
I know a lot of hard core Fly Fisherman will have a fit to hear that I do still use a spinning real for catching fish but I just love fishing of any kind.

Taking many of my less experienced friends and some for first time Steelhead fishing I have found a way to get them hooked into a fish without much coaching. This technique is simple to learn and if done properly losing gear is at a minimum. This is great for the first timers or the less experience because it lets them spend more time fishing and less time tying up riggings. This system is also very productive if done properly and I have caught quite a few steelhead using this method myself.

Using a slip bobber or float is one of the easiest ways to take steelhead that I have found for the bank fisherman this method is also used by boaters since it is so productive. With the slip bobber you are able to adjust the depth of your jig or bait so that it drifts just off the bottom of the river. I have seen this method used by fishermen fishing off of a jetty or pier and they too had very good success while using this method.

One of the best place to use this method is in a slow flowing section of the river the depth of the hole is not important since you are able to adjust the depth of the jig easily. As long as the current is slow enough to allow the jig or bait to drift naturally and the depth remains constant at least through a portion of the hole it should be a good place to try this method.

Knowing where the steelhead like to lay is the key to this system as with any fishing technique, and the easiest way to find this out is to watch where others are fishing if any are around. Once you learn how to read a river you will be able to use this technique in a number of spots, learning how to read a river will come with time. If you are new to the sport most fisherman will be glad to give you some pointers just be courteous when joining your fellow fishermen on the river.

When you find that place where you are going to fish the technique is simple cast upstream from where you are standing watch the corky once your line hits the water. Make sure the corky is on top of your float if it's not you may have to give your line a sharp short jerk to get your jig to flow freely through your float. Let your float drift naturally through the hole and keep up the slack in your line. Most of the time when a fish hits your jig your float will go under, however watch your float closely and if it should make any unnatural movement set the hook.

Items Required:

     

Slip Bobber       Swivel                    Jig                                                  Egg Sinker

        

 Bobber Stop                                                  Corky

Setting up your line:
1st slip on the bobber stop then bead and run it up the line about 5 feet or so
2nd Thread on the corky
3rd Thread on your float
4th Thread on the Egg Sinker
5th Now tie one end of your swivel to the end of your line. (I like to use the double cinch knot)
6th Take your jig and tie it to your leader which should be between 12 to 18 inches long.
The leader should be lighter then you're main line.
7th Tie the jig and leader to your swivel.

Once you have this tied up it should look something like the following example!

If you are having trouble with this system or just would like some more information on this technique you may email me and rrsmith1@steelhead-gear.com and I will try to help you out.
By: rrsmith
Steelhead Gear.com