25 replies to this topic

[bigugly]

As a beginner I have the usual assortment of roe, pink worms, and store bought flies plus have used dew worms. I have caught fish but have left pools with tight lips many times. I understand the be quiet, stay out of water and don't let shadow go across the pool. Have been thinking of trying different baits. Maybe gulp minnows, what else? I realize not everyone is going to throw out their secret weapons but any help would be appreciated.

[troutddicted]

Crappie microtubes

[floss_boss]

Steelhead special fly, kills it everytime

[DILLIGAF?!]

this works on big pools...under a float or dead drift presentation...

on creeks, i wacky rig this 1inch worm

[Swing4Steel]

Steelhead are stupid and will bite anything. The key is presenting it to them

[FrequentFlyer]

Drop your line size, in gin clear water 4# or less, when its murky you can go a little heavier, from there, play with your depth, try bottom bouncing, sometimes the float will spook them, also, watch the fish, it they look like they're sitting with their tails up, forget about it and move on, they won't move for anything, if they're sitting level, with their heads up or moving around in the pool, target those ones, they are actively feeding

[bigugly]

I'm assuming going to 4# test will require a lot longer fight and also not sure my current set up is suited. Using a spinning reel and 12'6" convergence rod. Someday I will have a murky set up and a clear set up.

[fishfreek]

4bl leader on a 12'6" is do able. Most of us started with spinning reels.

[bigugly]

Thanks guys. Wow what an addiction these steelhead are, really enjoying what little time I get to fish and all the advice from those more experienced. I've been impressed with how much info can be gathered in a short time. I've always told boys to be polite introduce yourself with a smile and you will be amazed how people along the creek will help you out. I've learned a lot from here, creek side and from my kids as they learn too. They live with their mom but she drops them off and picks them up so they get lots of time on the water. We are just as happy to pass on what we have learned too.

[NADO]

I don't think its worth it to mess around with light leaders. On big water i'll use 8 or even 10lb lead even in clear conditions, out east I won't even go less than 6lb unless its 4lb drennan which is the same diameter as 6lb anyways.

[DILLIGAF?!]

4lb redwing fluoro has always been what I use on smaller tribs...works well with my set up if i'm targeting steels.

[ChromeAddict]

I have been using 4.4 Raven on small tribs for a while now, it works well. Don't set the hook to hard and play the fish gently, it shouldn't take much longer to land it vs 6lb.

[CampVibes]

Now for a fly fisher like myself, is it worth it to try out indicator drifting methods in the pools, or should I stick with egg, woolly and streamer fishing (since nymphing is more of a spring method).

[flandogg]

Crappie microtubes

+1 for these. They do wonders sometimes.

[DILLIGAF?!]

Now for a fly fisher like myself, is it worth it to try out indicator drifting methods in the pools, or should I stick with egg, woolly and streamer fishing (since nymphing is more of a spring method).

nymph works in winter. but yeah, nothing beats buggers & streamers on deep pools.

[NADO]

i'm no fly expert but I would think that you should be using an indicator with egg imitations.

[CampVibes]

nymph works in winter. but yeah, nothing beats buggers & streamers on deep pools.

Nymph with an indicator? Also is it possible to only use a single nymph with an indicator, I mostly see it with multiple nymphs tied on. The muddler minnow streamer has does wonders for me in the past!

[DILLIGAF?!]

Nymph with an indicator? Also is it possible to only use a single nymph with an indicator, I mostly see it with multiple nymphs tied on. The muddler minnow streamer has does wonders for me in the past!

not really big on nymphs myself. I don't fool around during winter...Too cold to try something out of the ordinary. I stick to woolies & intruders & glo bugs. I have a friend who does a combo of beaded nymph & nymph no indicator. I don't use indicator as well. I have pre rigged some flies. bead & fly, bead & glo bugs for creeks but for outlets & mouth, I go with clousers. works well on browns.

[artimus001]

nymph works in winter. but yeah, nothing beats buggers & streamers on deep pools.

once the snow and cold hits; black stoneflies in 12's and 14's are deadly when the temp creeps on the plus side.