Steelhead Fishing Warms Up a Cold Winter’s Day

By: Leo Maloney
State of New York
Published: January 20, 2010

     The cold dark water flows swiftly between snow covered river banks while an angler gently guides his fly drifting through deep pools or riffles. The silence is broken as a great silver fish leaps clear of the water amidst cries of delight from the angler. Soon the angler is racing along the icy rocks along the rivers’ edge, his rod held high as a powerful fish strips line from the reel at an alarming speed.
     The subtle presentation, the excitement of a strike, and the thrill of battling an acrobatic and powerful fish on light tackle are all part of the excitement of steelhead trout fishing. All along the Salmon River from now until early May anglers will pursue these powerful migratory rainbow trout that can reach as long as your arm. It is world class fishing right here in our own backyard and it is equal or better than any you will find in the upper Great Lakes or the Pacific Northwest.
     The usual method of fishing for steelhead includes drifting egg sacks using spinning rods and reels, or fly fishing with small stoneflies, nymphs like Wooly Buggers, or imitation egg flies. Baits and flies (size 8 – 12) that you will use are remarkably small considering the huge size of the fish involved.
     Long, light, and sensitive rods help you fight the powerful fish. Many anglers use 7 weight rods in 10 foot length. They are also an advantage in casting or keeping the line off the water while drifting your lure into a likely holding area. Leaders of two to four lb. test are best attached to the main line with a swivel. Leave a tag end to clip on a split shot or two so the bait bounces along over the bottom in a natural movement with the current.

Dave's Steelie

     When a fish jumps, as steelhead often do, they are able to twist their bodies and shake their heads faster than underwater. The abrupt movement puts stress on terminal tackle and it often pulls or breaks. You can reduce stress by dipping the rod tip into the water when the fish jumps. This keeps most of the line underwater where it absorbs the shock better than in the air.
     When fishing for steelhead you should remember that they are still rainbow trout so drift your bait or fly into likely holding areas  such as breaks in the current. If you are wading in over your ankles you are probably standing where the fish are. If you are new to the sport you should fish some of the areas off gravel bars where you can get solid footing and make short casts to likely holding water.
     Drift your fly or egg sack so that it drifts naturally along, lightly tapping the bottom. It takes skill to detect the gentle pickup so your best bet is to watch your line and raise the rod tip whenever it stops. Of course there is nothing gentle about their run once you have hooked a fish. Let it run and only apply pressure when the fish slows or allows it. It takes stamina, a large net, and a strong heart to land a big steelhead.
     Most of the tributaries of Lake Ontario have steelhead runs during the winter. However cold weather can leave these smaller streams covered with ice. The Salmon River remains open and usually fishable due to discharges from the lower reservoir above Altmar.
     Of course the best way to learn a lot about steelhead fishing as well as increase your odds of action is to hire a guide. The driftboats will not only allow you to fish the deep holes in mid river from the boat, but will allow you to reach and fish places that are inaccessible to the wading angler.
     Whatever the methods, safety is always a primary consideration when fishing powerful streams like the Salmon River. Korkers or wading sandals are a must. These strap over the feet of your waders and enable you to maneuver the strong current and slippery rocks. Remember even the rocks or gravel near shore is likely to be ice covered. If you don't have Korkers they can be rented very reasonably at All Seasons Sports Shop in Pulaski.
     All Seasons Sports Shop also rents neoprene waders, rods and other equipment. The well-equipped store is a mecca for guides and sportsmen in the area, so they can tell you what is the best bait or lure, as well as the best spots to go to. Call 298-6433 for more information.
     Be prepared for cold weather and lots of snow along the Salmon River. But when you have one of these silver torpedoes on the end of your line, tearing off line in blurring speed, it definitely warms you up and makes you forget about the weather!
 

You can reach Leo at leo@fishny.com