Clock Strikes Steel! Fall and winter tips and tricks for tributary run steelhead 

Clock Strikes Steel!

Fall and winter tips and tricks for tributary run steelhead 

Story and Photos by Jay Anglin

MUSKEGON, Mich. (April 7, 2025) – As the days get longer, streams in “Steelhead Country” come alive, snowmelt runoff and rain boosting flows and adding turbidity that absorbs solar energy warming the water. Aquatic insects such as stoneflies and caddisflies begin to hatch with regularity, kick-starting the food web.

Streams supporting multiple strains of steelhead may simultaneously feature fresh run prespawn fish, actively spawning fish, and post-spawn “dropback” steelhead. Both prespawn and post-spawn steelhead, as well as residents, will feed on eggs and insect larva immediately downstream of spawners. This is one of the few times largely nocturnal trophy-sized resident brown trout will be out in the open during daylight hours taking advantage of the “egg hatch”.

Peak spawning activity occurs sometime during February, March, and April, depending on the region. When the main “runs” winddown there are streams throughout Pacific Coast and Great Lakes where steelhead will push spawning activity well into May and some years, June – yes, the further north you go the odds are usually better for late steelhead.

Steelhead fishing can be challenging, especially for newbies. Many avid anglers and guides specialize in pursuing these fish and the wisdom they possess is earned through thousands of hours on the water. That said, it’s not brain surgery and there are some basic guidelines anglers should consider when pursuing spring steelhead.

The author

BASICS

Steelhead activity increases dramatically when the water temperature is somewhere in the low-40’s to mid-50’s. Tracking water temperature is important because any time it falls below 40 or so, activity slows down and adjustments in technique and presentation become prudent. If obtaining water temperature is not physically feasible, the USGS provides Real Time Water Data for many streams. In addition, Enviro Sensor DIY (monitormywatershed.org) stations are available for many streams. In the case of the USGS stations, other valuable metrics such as flow and turbidity are also available. Having this data at your fingertips 24/7 is invaluable!

A wide variety of stream-types will hold steelhead, and quite often, all of them can be found in the same area. Size may vary, from massive main river flows to tiny tributaries. Understanding how water flows and precipitation impact each stream is important because another nearby stream may be less impacted by things like runoff and rain, not to mention crowds.

Keep in mind, regardless of where you fish for steelhead, as a species, death comes from above and below. In the Pacific Ocean you can count sharks and sealions as the “below” threat, while eagles and ospreys present the “above” threats.

Steelhead may not be native to the Great Lakes region, but they have adapted incredibly well to these inland seas. Migratory rainbow trout are far more likely to be taken by predators in their native range along Pacific coast, however, Great Lakes steelhead react to shadows and movement just the same. Those instincts are “baked into the cake” so to speak. Regardless of where you fish, use caution when approaching fish and positioning for a cast. On a bright day even the shadow of the line overhead can send them scurrying for deep cover.

It’s important to remember these fish are spawning and to harass them on the redds (or beds) is not harmful to the fishery, so it’s critical to avoid stepping on freshly excavated gravel when wading, which can crush precious eggs imbedded into the downstream side of the redd. Even a slight footstep can damage the perfectly engineered incubation chamber by destroying the directed water flow that removes sediment and allows oxygenated water to flow through the loose gravel holding the eggs.

Many streams are dependent on naturally reproduced, wild fish. Consider releasing wild steelhead this time of year and keep a hatchery fish or two, which are often fin-clipped but not always the case. Wild fish almost always have perfect shaped, clean fins, whereas hatchery fish often have misshapen fins. When fishing streams with natural reproduction err on the side of caution. Remember, released steelhead provide months of fishing opportunity for multiple anglers and it’s common for them to make multiple spawning runs in their lifetime.

Any slightly deeper water, or “dark water” immediately downstream of spawning fish that affords some security from predators will likely hold feeding fish. These are the areas anglers should focus on and use the spawners as a “bait pile” of sorts and leave them to do their thing while targeting the water just downstream.

ESSENTIALS

There are many good spinning and casting rods on the market specifically designed for steelhead fishing. While many bass and walleye rods are adaptable, nothing beats a fast, medium-light to medium action 8 – 10-foot rod specifically designed for the task. Reels should be well-loaded with fresh 8 – 12lb line capable of withstanding burning runs and the rigors of river fishing, which often includes being dunked, and dirty. This is not the place for discount reels.

Fly rod wise, a 9 – 10 foot single-handed 7 and 8 weight rods coupled with quality reels sporting disc drags are ideal. Floating lines for “indicator” fishing, and/or “running line” for chuck and duck style fishing are standard issue.

For flies, carry plenty of yarn eggs such as glo-bugs, nukes, and beads in a variety of colors. Real egg color varies from hot orange to pale peach depending on how long they’ve been in the water. Egg hook sizes from 8 – 4 for yarn, and 4 – 2 for beads.

Conventional tackle steelhead anglers have great success with Lil’ Corky, Wobble Glo, and a variety of other egg imitations lures. Keep in mind, whether drift fishing with a “plunking rig” or float fishing, yarn eggs and other flies used by fly anglers are still very effective when used with these conventional rigs.

Green caddis larva and stonefly nymph imitations are important as well. There are endless varieties of both and it’s important to use a stout hook to handle hard charging steelhead. Most modern hooks are well-suited for this, but avoid using light wire trout hooks!

Streamer, plugs, spinners and variety of other flies and lures that imitate minnows and other forage steelhead are familiar with also work well.

TOOLS CHECKLIST

• Hook hone/sharpener. Fishing rivers is hard on hooks! Check them often – sharpen and replace as necessary
• Good fishing pliers and forceps to remove hooks and deal with tackle related tasks
• Fishing line gets beat up quick when fishing streams and hooking big fish. Change line often to mitigate breakage when it counts the most. Be sure to dispose of the spent line properly!
• Knots are super important when river fishing. Strong knots such as the improved clinch is a got to, and fly anglers should be capable of tying a strong blood knot for joining varying sizes of tippet and leader material.
• Carry a net worthy of the job. Consider most nets designed for stream fishing for trout and bass too small. Steelhead are often over 30 inches long and weigh well into the teens or more. A net with an extended handle and catch and release netting with a hoop large enough to hold a big fish in the bag in critical

OUTERWEAR

Spring weather in steelhead country can be challenging. Besides cold rain, snow and wind, the water temps can be deadly, so use caution. It’s important to layer proper clothing with steelhead fishing and there has never been a time in history when cold-weather anglers had its so good. Boat anglers often wear suits such as Whitewater’s Great Lakes Por Insulated which offers unmatched comfort, mobility and protection from the elements.

Wading anglers should consider wearing bootfoot waders that keep feet warmer and many anglers who wear stocking foot waders quickly end up with cold feet. When it comes to feet, less is often more because bunched-up layers of socks can actually cut off circulation and accelerate chill. Socks with good insulating properties that wick moisture are a must, and proper leg insulation coupled with upper body protection makes for a better angler who can focus on fish, and not mild hypothermia.

Great Lake Pro JACKET FEATURES:

• Adjustable 3-piece hood and stiff brim to block rain
• High collar for extra protection and adjustments
• AquaGuard^® Waterproof two-way main zipper
• Waterproof/windproof breathable 20k/30k lamination and taped seams
• Durable 3 layer design, stretch poly/spandex shell and polyester lining
• 4 AquaGuard^® Waterproof zippered external pockets and 1 interior pocket
• 2 Sewn-in D-rings
• Adjustable hook and loop cuffs and adjustable waist
• Reflective logo tape for visibility

MSRP $349.99

Wool Fingerless Glove FEATURES:

• Performance fit
• Durable
• Naturally antimicrobial for odor prevention
• Naturally regulates body temperature
• Silicone print on palm for grip
• Hand: 50% Lambswool/49% Nylon/1% Spandex
• Cuff: 49% Lambswool/48% Nylon/3% Rubber

MSRP $29.99

ABOUT WHITEWATER

Whitewater performance fishing apparel gives anglers distinct advantages whenever Mother Nature’s unpredictability conspires to ruin angling adventures. Whether faced with wind, rain, snow, sun, or extreme temperatures, Whitewater apparel equips anglers with the ability and confidence to overcome the elements, so they apply their focus and energies on fighting fish, not the conditions. Whitewater is a brand by Nexus Outdoors, headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, USA. Learn more and order at whitewaterfish.com.