Fishing

I have a rod and reel with no line for steelhead but nothing else. What else do i need? Not fly-fishing

Steelhead are natural egg eaters. So spawn sacks work very well. Especially when the water is murky. Powerbait works good too. For lures I would go with anything that mimics a bait fish. Spoons are my personal favorite.


Trout and Salmon Board Moderator

How about the main line and leader? What pound test should I use for each?

I like using 12 lb test with a 10 lb test leader if I'm using live bait or powerbait. But if I'm using a lure I'll use just stright 12 pound test without a leader. Basically anything between 10 and 15 pound test is most commonly used.


Trout and Salmon Board Moderator

Thanks!!

No problem. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions. Are you gonna be fishing for steelies anytime soon?


Trout and Salmon Board Moderator

Yeah I'm going to go down to the snake river once the fishing picks up again. It's been a slow couple of weeks but it should start picking up in the next week or so.

Awesome. Good luck. Don't forget to talk to guys you see out there. They'll probably have the best advice for you. Especially the old-timers. I've learned numerous tips and tricks about the areas I've been fishing at from guys that have been fishing there for decades. Experience is important and any advice from them is worth trying.


Trout and Salmon Board Moderator

i fish the idaho area for steelhead alot roe sac's will get the job done google how to tie an egg loop so the roe sacs will stay on your hooks. also dont be scared to try a big chunk of nightcrawler or raw shrimp with yarn tied to it my first few steelheads fell victim to nightcrawler with red yarn tied to it and quite a few with shrimp as well. just stick with basics first. trophy trout is right about line strength i use 10 lb test maxima mono, but p line is a good brand also. eventually you will want to move into some plastics for steelhead let me know when your ready for that ill shoot you some pm's. good luck


"Steelhead and Salmon. Ya catch my drift? They did."