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Steelhead can be fished using many different techniques.  Now-a-days drift fishing a small yarn ball, and some times known as a Glo bug with a light weight from a drift boat seems to be the most popular method. 

The idea is to keep the boat and yarn ball moving at the exact same speed as the river current.  The angler must make sure the weight is tapping lightly along the bottom and not dragging the bottom.  If the weight is not tapping lightly along the bottom more weight may be needed.  If the weight is dragging the bottom removing some weight may be necessary.

 

Weights for Drift Fishing

We are making weights that can be changed in seconds and they’re very popular with people that fish for Steelhead. We make our weights in various sizes 1 shot, , 2 shot , 3 shot , 4 shot , and 5 shot .  The 2 shot, 3 shot and 4 shot seem to be the most popular sizes. The weights are made with rubber tubing and lead shot. The trick to getting the shot inside the tubing is to dip one end of the rubber tubing in water mixed with dish soap. Then insert the shot into the tubing.



Once the water and soap dries the shot will stay inside the tubing while casting and fishing. We find this type of weight to be easier and faster to change than the popular slinkys.

 

Hooks for Drift Fishing

The hook is one of the most important pieces of tackle used for fishing.  They must be sharp, the correct size and strong enough to handle the targeted species of fish.  Hooks come in many different sizes and shapes.  When the TalkFishin staff uses the drifting method for Steelhead we use the red Octopus hook in a size 2 or 4 .  We tie an eggloop on the hook with approximately 30 to 48 inches of 6 to 10 lb test fluorocarbon leader. Below is one of our very first videos we shot for Winter Steelhead, and it's one of my favorites.. We were using a Orange yarnball with light weights.. Enjoy

Steelhead Facts

Unlike salmon which die after spawning,steelhead may spawn several times.
Steelhead description, In the sea, bluish from above and silvery from below -- tends to be more greenish in freshwater. Small black spots on back and most fins. Up to 45 inches in length and 40 pounds in weight; although usually weighs less than 10 pounds.
Steelhead spawn in streams and rivers, After emerging from the redd (nest)



they remain in streams and rivers for 1 to 4 years before migrating through the estuaries to the ocean.

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Unlike salmon, steelhead migrate individually rather than in schools. Steelhead spend 1 to 5 years at sea before returning to natal streams or rivers. At least two specific stocks of steelhead have developed; those that enter fresh water during fall, winter and early spring -- the winter run -- and those that enter in spring, summer and early fall -- the summer run. Steelhead do not always die after spawning, but will again migrate through estuaries to the ocean.
Steelhead were originally found from northwestern Mexico to the Kuskokwim River in Alaska; however, now it is unusual to find steelhead south of Ventura River, California. Significant steelhead rivers in Oregon include the Rogue, Umpqua and Clackamas Rivers.

North Umpqua Winter Steelhead fishing from TalkFishin.com on Vimeo.