Start of Winter Steelheading 2013

Winter is here. Steelheaders may need a little more patience this year, since we are not experiencing the atypical warm weather of Winter 2012. This means dealing with runs surrounded by ice shelves, drifting slush, and ice build up in rod guides. When fishing these conditions, be prepared with a strong main line (avoiding too many abrasions from rubbing against ice), lots of weight to sink your offering below slush, and large floats to match. Slowing down your presentation using lots of weight and large floats can also pay off, considering the lethargic behavior of fish in cold water. Stealheaders, in Winter, should also be aware of the fact that roe is not usually readily available to the fish as a food source. Although, roe bags can and will produce fish, often times artificials resembling baitfish are the key (jigs, soft plastics, flies, etc). Good luck and be safe. - Ian