EXPERIENCE
STEELHEAD
STEELHEAD FISHING ON THE LEWIS RIVER
Captain Michael grew up with the Lewis River in his backyard and spent most of his early fishing life finding the best spots to fish, what techniques provide the best results, and when they are likely to be the most active.
Unlike salmon, steelhead hangs around rivers for some time after laying eggs, and some steelheads return to the ocean. Because of this behavior, you can find steelheads in the Lewis River all year round. Lewis receives steelhead’s summer and winter. Summer fish appear from May and June, and runs reach their peak somewhere in July or August. Winter fish, which is often larger than summer fish, appear in large numbers in December, with the best fishing in December and January.
HOW TO FISH STEELHEADS
Plunking: A weight holds the bait or a spinner-type bobber and stands motionless in the current near the bottom of the river. This fishing method is an excellent technique when the water level is very high and the Steelhead holds or moves in freshwater near the shore. Plunking is suitable for beginners or fishers with reduced mobility.
Bobber and jig/bait: This is a good technique for Steelhead and steel-headed fishers. Place A jig or bait with a weight attached under a floating bobber and drift in the current. When the bobber dives, stops, or swings, but the hook!
Drift Fishing: The fisher returns the bait or jig from along the river’s bottom with a heavyweight. Keep the bait close to the bottom of the water and drift at the same speed as the current. Getting a natural presentation and detecting subtle Steelhead takes makes drifting a complex technique to master. However, the success rate of Drift Fishing, when done correctly, makes it one of the most widely used steel-headed fishing techniques.
