Will Wetline Posted November 3, 2013 Posted November 3, 2013 Great Lakes tributaries steelhead fishing is about big fish, light line, moving water and harsh weather. And, as much as I love catching big smallies, I have to say there's no better game in freshwater than steelhead fishing. Here are a few pics to give you an idea what it's about: Don introduced me to steelhead fishing in 1996. Don's son, Aaron M., joined us seven or eight years ago and this year took Top Rod honors two days out of five! Aaron H. travels from N. VA with Aaron M. This is his third year with us and he has become an accomplished steelheader. Talk about traveling . . . Ben had been planning his trip for nearly two years. He came from the Basque Country to spend thirteen days in the river. That's right - he lives in France! It was my great pleasure to net five fish for him one day that he joined us. Here's yours truly holding a steelhead that's maybe a pound heavier than average for the Salmon River. Fishing an 8 lb. leader, you take your time and chase 'em downriver if that's where they want to go. Gee-haw! It rained Wednesday and it hailed for a couple of hours Thursday a.m. Besides hail pellets in a very cold puddle, you're looking at a size 8 Frammus, one of many so-called egg imitation flies, and a 5 ball "slinky" (lead shot in parachute cord sealed at the ends) that I used to tap the bottom in the 1200+ cfs flow. Birch in the late afternoon sun. It's a beautiful spot to hang out for a week. But we all have to go home at some point. This steelhead was advised to eat well and grow huge - and maybe we'll meet again next year. Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted November 3, 2013 Super User Posted November 3, 2013 Sweet write up & great pics. Those steelies are a gas. Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted November 3, 2013 Posted November 3, 2013 Great Pictures!!! I love Steelhead fishing in the Fall through the Winter, though I don't like the crowds and people with no streamside manner (and the increasing amount of streams being posted and reserved for "paying" customers is also wearing thin). Though, as you mentioned, the whole experience of hooking a rainbow trout on steroids (a.k.a. Steelhead) in a small stream with light tippet is just an incredible experience not matched by many other in fishing. Thanks for the post!!! Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I'm heading up next week. Thanks for the preview! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted November 5, 2013 Super User Posted November 5, 2013 Looks like you were fishing wires and altmar - good spots. I'll be up there at least a half dozen times before winter is over. I wait until the snow flies, though. Can't stand the crowds. Some VERY nice chromers there! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted November 5, 2013 Super User Posted November 5, 2013 I'm heading up next week. Thanks for the preview! Give me a jingle.... Quote
AssassinAngling Posted November 6, 2013 Posted November 6, 2013 Great Lakes tributaries steelhead fishing is about big fish, light line, moving water and harsh weather. And, as much as I love catching big smallies, I have to say there's no better game in freshwater than steelhead fishing. Here are a few pics to give you an idea what it's about: Don introduced me to steelhead fishing in 1996. Don's son, Aaron M., joined us seven or eight years ago and this year took Top Rod honors two days out of five! Aaron H. travels from N. VA with Aaron M. This is his third year with us and he has become an accomplished steelheader. Talk about traveling . . . Ben had been planning his trip for nearly two years. He came from the Basque Country to spend thirteen days in the river. That's right - he lives in France! It was my great pleasure to net five fish for him one day that he joined us. Here's yours truly holding a steelhead that's maybe a pound heavier than average for the Salmon River. Fishing an 8 lb. leader, you take your time and chase 'em downriver if that's where they want to go. Gee-haw! It rained Wednesday and it hailed for a couple of hours Thursday a.m. Besides hail pellets in a very cold puddle, you're looking at a size 8 Frammus, one of many so-called egg imitation flies, and a 5 ball "slinky" (lead shot in parachute cord sealed at the ends) that I used to tap the bottom in the 1200+ cfs flow. Birch in the late afternoon sun. It's a beautiful spot to hang out for a week. But we all have to go home at some point. This steelhead was advised to eat well and grow huge - and maybe we'll meet again next year. Where do you buy the lead shot for the slinky rigs? Quote
Will Wetline Posted November 6, 2013 Author Posted November 6, 2013 AssassinAngling et al, I buy a "Magnum Slinkies 4 pack" from http://www.allseasonssports.com/contactus.asp?catid=19670&fileID=7431 and cut the lengths down into the sizes I want (4, 5, 6 ball - whatever). All Seasons doesn't have this listed online so call them. This product is manufactured by www.madriverflytyingmaterials.com. Other items you will need are size 12 snap swivels, pliers and a flame from a cigarette lighter or a candle. If the flow is low I use lead shot from Cabela's rigged on a tag end off the swivel between line and leader (tippet). Quote
AssassinAngling Posted November 6, 2013 Posted November 6, 2013 AssassinAngling et al, I buy a "Magnum Slinkies 4 pack" from http://www.allseasonssports.com/contactus.asp?catid=19670&fileID=7431 and cut the lengths down into the sizes I want (4, 5, 6 ball - whatever). All Seasons doesn't have this listed online so call them. This product is manufactured by www.madriverflytyingmaterials.com. Other items you will need are size 12 snap swivels, pliers and a flame from a cigarette lighter or a candle. If the flow is low I use lead shot from Cabela's rigged on a tag end off the swivel between line and leader (tippet). Thanks for the info. I'm just resorting to splitshots and parachute cord. I made atleast 100 of them yesterday lol Quote
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