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If rainbow trout are the most popular freshwater sport fish in the West, and they probably are, then steelhead trout must be its holy grail. Steelhead aren't just rainbows, they're the world's biggest rainbows, and the time to catch them is October through March. Idaho's famous Clearwater River fish average 14 pounds and get as heavy as 30 pounds, but most rivers in northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho host 5- to 14-pound steelhead, still a mighty trout in anyone's book. The reason steelhead are so big is because they're anadromous, meaning they hatch in freshwater streams, migrate to the ocean to grow, and return to their natal streams to spawn. All that ocean protein helps them grow much faster than freshwater trout ever could. Adult steelhead migrate into Northwest rivers in fall, then lie in quiet holes to await spring runoff that signals their final run into small spawning tributaries. From November through February steelheading is an enterprise for hardy, dedicated anglers willing to brave cold, rain, and often snow for a chance to battle one of the finest fighting fish that swims. Fortunately, steelhead are less selective than freshwater rainbows. There's no need to match a hatch. In fact, these fish rarely eat once they enter fresh water to spawn. Instead, they live on fat reserves, only occasionally grabbing the easy insect or wayward minnow. Nevertheless, they strike a variety of flies, lures, and baits out of aggression, instinct, or who knows what incentive. You can catch them by casting spoons and spinners, trolling diving plugs, and drifting a variety of colorful flies, jigs, and baits through their holes. Numerous books have been written on steelheading techniques, and someone in a tackle store can teach you the basics in a few minutes. The important thing is to get out on the rivers and give it a try. Copyright (c) 1997 All Outdoors, Inc. All rights reserved. |