Spinner Fishing for Summer Steelhead - 5 secrets to catching more fish
Summer steel heading can be a fun alternative to the frustration of pursuing other finicky salmonids like trout and spring Chinook. The season is long and these fish inhabit some of the most scenic waters. While the fishing is always fun and adventure filled the “catching” part takes a little more effort. Here’s 5 tips that can help you turn a good days fishing into an unforgettable day on the water.
Get the right gear:
Spin fishing is arguably the best method for catching summer steelhead. It is also inexpensive easy to learn and just plain fun. You will need a good responsive spinning rod. Rods in the $25-$80 serve their purpose for beginners, but U.S.A. manufactured rods with quality components and lifetime warranties will start at $100. A more expensive rod will set you back if you are on a budget but remember that if you remember that it is an investment in years of dependability and performance the cost is more than worth it. A good Shimano spinning reel starts at $25 and will last season after season, an appropriate size for summer steelhead is a 2000. A few spools of monofilament line from 6lb. to 10 lb. test and a handful of spinners, spoons and small swivels gets you on the river with a total investment under $300, including your fishing license fee.
Stealth is the key:
Summer steelhead, while they aren’t as popular as winter fish or King salmon, are still a highly pressured fishery in many rivers, particularly near metropolitan areas. Not only that, summer water conditions are generally characterized by low and gin clear water much smaller pocket water and pools, and bright sunny days. All of these factors combined make for a challenging fishery and easily spooked fish. The flashy, big, and colorful hardware you use in the fall and winter won’t cut it here. Think small, simple, and stealthy. Our Headbanger spinners are a great example of the kind of spinner to be using in tough summer conditions.
Plan ahead:
Knowing where to go, when, and being well prepared will make the difference between having a great chance at catching fish and having a good time, and a wasted effort. Research the river you want to go to, pick a date and keep it flexible, look up the weather, water conditions, and use the internet to find recent reports on your destination fishery. Use the USGS stream flow data to see what the water levels are. You can use google maps, recreation atlases, and topo maps to find access and make a plan of attack on the river you are fishing. Plan the parts of the river you want to fish first, mid day, and last to reduce driving time and guesswork. Get all of your gear ready the night before you head out. Make a list and double check it.
Cover the water:
While it’s true that these fish have a brain the size of a pebble it can still sometime seem like they are smart and elusive. The best way to outsmart these fish is to cover the water. In most cases if a fish is residing in a hole you are fishing, the first three casts will determine whether or not you can entice him to strike. Make 5-12 casts in your hole; try different angles, read the water for seams, underwater structure and different ways to present your lure. When a hole is unproductive, move on, and don’t waste your time. Even if you can clearly see fish, after you have disturbed the water and they are aware you are there nothing short of dynamite or other illegal tactics will get them to your net. Utilize your time on the river to allow you to fish as much water as possible. Walk the bank and try several holes before returning to your vehicle. Fishing streams often have many trails that lead back to the road so you can walk the bank for a mile or more and still hook back up with the road to walk back to where you accessed the river, eliminating drive time maximizes fishing time.
Change your lure often:
Many times if a fish nibbles, noses, or follows your lure once, simply changing your lure will get him to strike it on another pass. Try a different body color or blade finish. Even if you haven’t gotten action on the first few passes through a hole changing your lure can entice a fish to come out of hiding to attack your offering. It is good to carry a variety of lures with different colors and blades in your arsenal.
Using these 5 tips will help you turn a day on the water “enjoying the scenery” into an unforgettable experience. Summer steelhead fishing can be fun and rewarding, frustrating at times, but following a few simple guidelines like the ones above can make a huge difference.