Steelhead

[morphius]

I need help Larry. My dad is the ultimate at catching steelhead(anadromus rainbow trout) and i can't catch any. I have only caught one, while my dad has caught ten over 30 inches!!! We fish mainly in rivers and small creeks in New York. Any tips?

[dahlberg]

Hi M,
Your dad may be doing several different things that you are not.
1 knows right where they hold.
2 executing a more controlled drag free and/or slower than current drift
3 detecting subtle bites
Steelheading takes a special talent and isn't something most people pick up over night. Keep an eye on Dad!
Be sure you're following your drift with your rod tip. Break each run or hole into a grid pattern of 2' squares. Make sure you get a drift through each one of the squares, beginning with the ones closest to you.
The yarn or fly or spawn should be just ticking the bottom or an inch or so off and drifting as though it is not connected to the line. Amount of weight you add, current speed, depth, and distance coupled with direction of cast all are factors.

Best,
L

best,
L