PRO-STAFF TIPS: 5 TIPS FOR FISHING STEELHEAD

TIP #1
To fish spoons cast directly across stream and allow it to sink to the bottom. Steelhead hide under brush and behind rocks that create current breaks and small whirlpools. A proper presentation with a spoon can get a steelhead to chase the lure across the hole, but a strike is easier to coax out of them if it thumps right into their attack zone.
TIP #2
When the river conditions are low and clear change your tactics by going to a smaller spoon like a Len Thompson #6 or #7. Blade colours I typically go with are Green Frog, Orange and Platinum Nickle & Blue series. In clear water you can’t beat BRASS.
TIP #3
If I get a short strike…. Change colours and size for your next cast. Here I will go with a bigger profile spoon like a #8 in green frog, orange or the new Dimpled series Brown Trout, Holy Mackerel and Metallic Rainbow. A colour change will often result in a repeat strike from the same aggressive fish. I have personally witnessed this in gin clear water. By presenting various colours, the fish came back three separate times.

Fishing spoons are very effective at covering lots of holding water. Here are a few tips to successfully fishing steelhead with spoons (particularly Len Thompsons).

TIP #4
Spoon sizes really make a difference in how they fish in current. Adjust the type of spoon to match your fishing area to get the proper wobble action. I commonly carry the same spoons and colour finishes along with different sizes to help me be prepared for all conditions.
TIP #5
Make sure your lure is getting to the bottom to maximize your coverage of the hole. Retrieve your lure so it has just enough action to scrape the bottom occasionally. As the lure starts to swing across the river, dip your rod to counteract the push of the current causing the lure to rise. Spoons should have a nice thumping action as they work their way down stream and start to swing. Pay attention to your rod tip and feel of the spoon thumping. Not as easy as it seems but that is the key to good spoon fishing!

Tight Lines!

Larry Davidson | Pro Staff, Ontario