Steelhead are the sea run form of the Rainbow trout. They are found in rivers from Alaska to California and range in size from 2lb fish which have only been in saltwater for one to two years up to 35lb fish which have been in saltwater for about five to seven years. Steelhead can be caught in a number of different ways including drift and spoon fishing.
The first thing we will discuss is drift and bait fishing for Steelhead and Salmon. First you need to know how to find fish. Steelhead by nature hold in the main channels of rivers while Salmon hold in slower pools and side channels. The primary choice for bait is borax cured salmon eggs (or roe) or sand shrimp.
For Chum salmon I recommend using a size 6 corkie in red and chartreuse or green with a 1/0 hook and pink or chartreuse yarn. Of course you will want to use a smaller corkie in clearer water conditions. Chum salmon will also strike spoons and jigs. Spoons should be silver and red or pure silver. Jigs should be pink or red marabou. They should be fished under a float for a slower presentaton.
For Steelhead I recommend using a Steelhead rag in high water conditions with six to twelve inches of visibility and Corkies or small Spin and glos in either pink or metallic blue in two to four foot visibility. Spoons should be fished by casting across and slightly downstream. Let it sink for a few seconds or until you feel the bottom. Then raise your rod tip until you can feel the spoon. It should tick the bottom every few seconds. A Steelhead strike should feel like either a freight train hitting your spoon or a heavy steady pull.
