Side-Drifting with Flatfish

Let’s face it, there are times when steelhead just go off the bite. Maybe they’re getting pounded by boats or are reacting to a something like a sudden change in barometric pressure. Whatever the reason for the lull, you can sometimes turn stale fish back on by showing them a little something different.

One of our favorite old tricks under these circumstances is side-drifting with F7 Flatfish. I know, sounds kinda crazy, but it works!
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Poor Man’s Glo Bug

While roe will always be the number one bait for steelhead, the Poor Man’s Glo Bug (aka “yarn tie” or “yarnie”) will hold its own in most drift fishing situations.

Really, what’s not to like? They look great underwater and have an almost translucent look to ‘em. Poor Man’s Glo Bugs also hold scent very well and drift in an extremely natural way. PMGBs are super simple and easy to tie — and you can do it right on the river bank. Here’s how:

Start with several 3-4 inch strands of Glo Bug yarn:

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Baitin’ up with roe

Okay, you asked for it…here’s the basic way to bait up with roe for steelhead fishing:

The best water temps for steelhead?

One of the biggest keys to catching steelhead is knowing your water temperature and how it affects the fish. Since steelies are cold-blooded beasts, their metabolism slows down in colder water and increases as the temps go up (until they got too hot).

In general, when water temps are low, you’ll find the fish in the softer water along the edges of the river and in slower, deeper runs, pools and flats. They seek out these spots to avoid fighting the current. Conversely, the warmer the temps, the faster, choppier water you’re going to find them in.

The really interesting thing is — and I have yet to ever hear anybody talk about this — that water temps affect fish differently depending on where you are fishing. Again, they’re going to be governed by their cold-bloodedness but steelhead also react to what they’re used to.
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Glide Your Way to More Steelhead

Looking for a new technique to help you put more steelhead in the boat — especially in clear, snaggy rivers? Give side gliding a try! A modified form of side-drifting, side gliding allows baits to be presented to steelhead quickly and naturally with minimal bottom contact by keeping the lines slightly downstream of the boat. Here’s a mini lesson:
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Replace those old oar blades!

If you’ve got old, damaged blades on your drift boat oars, it’s time to change them out since winter steelhead season is now kicking into high gear. Don’t put it off! It’s quick and easy and will greatly improve your boat’s performance (and safety). Here’s how:

[caption id="attachment_2019" align="alignnone" width="590" caption="First, use a blade to break the seal at the joint where the shaft and blade meet. "][/caption][caption id="attachment_2021" align="alignnone" width="590" caption="Now, wedge the old blade somewhere solid so you can twist it off. "][/caption][caption id="attachment_2024" align="alignnone" width="590" caption="Let the goop set overnight and BINGO...you're done! Now, wasn't that easy??"][/caption]

Rigging plastic worms for steelhead fishing

It’s no secret that steelhead love pink plastic! Here’s a quick and easy way to rig up…

Side-Drifting for Steelhead

There are few techniques more deadly on steelhead than side-drifting. With summer and fall steelheading cranking up, it’s time to learn how!

Okay, shameless plug time…everything you need to know is in here:

Get your copy @ www.amatobooks.com

Tie the Pimped Out Egg Loop!

The Pimped Out Egg Loop is handy for back-bounce rigs, Cowlitz-style steelie side-drift rigs, mooching rigs…and just impressing your friends!

The Best Bait for Spring Steelhead

If I could use only one bait for spring steelhead, it would be, without question, a big, juicy nightcrawler.

‘Crawlers are the perfect choice this time of year. Think about it – the high flows of spring often wash a good smorgasboard of goodies (including worms) into the water, which steelhead, of course, key in on. Rivers also run pretty cold in the spring, so the fish will be more lethargic and a big meaty hunk of garden hackle is often the only thing that will get them excited. In addition, nightcrawlers also give you a nice “changeup” bait to use on streams that receive lots of angling pressure.

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