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Winter Steelhead can be fished using many different techniques.  Now-a-days drift fishing a small yarn ball and a light weight from a boat seems to be the most popular.  The idea is to keep the boat and yarn ball moving at the exact same speed as the river current.  The angler must make sure the weight is tapping lightly along the bottom and not dragging the bottom.  If the weight is not tapping lightly along the bottom more weight may be needed.  If the weight is dragging the bottom removing some weight may be necessary. 

 

The yarn ball is the hottest bait on the river for winter steelhead because of its natural looking drift.  We are making our most popular colors which have proven to be very productive for Steelheaders.  These are hand tied yarn balls and are tied up with a number 2 hook on approximately 30 inches of Maxima ultragreen 10 lb test line.  The average size of the yarn balls are approximately the size of a dime in diameter. 

 

 

We are making weights that can be changed in seconds and they’re very popular with people that fish for Steelhead.  The weights come in various sizes 1 shot, 2 shot, 3 shot, 4 shot and 5 shot.  The 2 shot, 3 shot and 4 shot seem to be the most popular sizes, and the staff at TalkFishin recommends the 2 shot, 3 shot and 4 shot for small to mid sized rivers.

 

 

 

The hook is one of the most important pieces of tackle used for fishing.  They must be sharp, the correct size and strong enough to handle the targeted species of fish.  Hooks come in many different sizes and shapes.  When the TalkFishin staff uses the drifting method for Steelhead we use the Brads red Octopus hook in a size 2 .  We tie an eggloop on the hook with approximately 30 inches of 10 lb test Maxima ultra green leader.

 

 

The TalkFishin leaders are Hand-tied with a snap swivel, 3 shot quik change weight and a Brad’s Red Octopus hook size 2 on 10 lb. test Maxima ultra green leader.  The leaders come in packages of 5. The pre-tied eggloop leaders come ready to fish leaving you with just one knot to tie.

 

Below is an example of how to tie up a yarn ball and weight for drift fishing. This rig can be used from a boat or from shore.  Again, the key to successful drift fishing is to keep the yarn ball moving at the exact same speed as the current. The weight should be tapping the bottom very lightly.  Once this presentation is mastered it is irresistible to Steelhead.

 

 

Now that we have covered the weight and bait, we need to talk about a fishing pole.  The pole is a personal choice. A person has the opportunity to spend lots of money or a little money. I like the less expensive choice myself.   I chose the two piece Pro Tourney Medium action, 8’ 6”,  line weight 8-17 Lb with a lure weight capacity of 1/4-3/4 oz.  This is a graphite IM7 structured rod and is made for a spinning reel.

 

We can’t go fishing without a reel.  As with the pole, the reel is also a personal choice.  Again, a person has the opportunity to spend lots of money or a little money.  Again, I like the less expensive choice.   I chose the size 4740 Pflueger Triton GX 7 spinning reel.  It is constructed with 6 stainless steel ball bearings, one way clutch instant anti-reverse, light weight graphite body and rotor, machined aluminum handle and rosewood handle and it has a smooth multi disc front drag system.  It has the strength to hold up to those large winter Steelhead.

 

Line for the reel is like all other fishing equipment it has gotten better and better over the years.  I used to spool up a clear line on my reels.  However, times have changed.   My Steelhead rods are now loaded up with a high vis line.  Izorline is a popular brand for drift fishing.  It is easy to see and easy to follow your line as the weight and bait gently drift down stream.

 

In summary I use a 8 foot 6 inch medium action Pro Tourney fishing rod with a GX7 Pflueger spin reel which is loaded up with 10 lb test Izorline ( Chartreuse color) line, and I cast our quick change drift weights with our yarn balls.

 

All the gear we use is a personal choice and there are many other choices on the market today we hope you find the gear that fits your needs.

 

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