fishingaddictsnorthwest.com

Summer steelhead can be one of the most aggressive best fighting fish to target. They exert explosive runs and huge acrobatic jumps. They also come into the rivers with lots of fat content, making them an exceptional table fare. SW Washington’s rivers have some great summer steelhead fishing. The East Fork of the Lewis, the Kalama, the Washougal and the Elochoman all continue year after year to produce good runs of summer fish.

The East Fork is a great river for all techniques of fishing. The smolt release for this year’s return wasn’t a great one. The release was almost cut in half with only 32,300 smolt released. It’s going to be tough to pick up summer runs in this river, but they will be there. On the river you will see good bobber, drift, plug, and fly fishing water. Two great places to start for bank and boat anglers is Lewisville or Daybreak Park. The float from Lewisville to Daybreak is a really nice float. You can launch at the top of the park and go all the way to daybreak or la center. There is plenty of good water all the way through the float. Daybreak down to La Center is a long float; you will be oaring about 45 mins to an hour once you get to the dead water a few miles below Daybreak. For bank anglers you can park at either of the parks and walk up and down river. There are quite a few spots to fish from the bank. Jig and float fishing is the most popular on this river because of the quality float water up and down the river. From daybreak down, there is a lot of plug pulling water as well as drift fishing sections. Early in the summer you are going to want to concentrate low in the system, as the water begins to heat up, you should start to fish higher in the system cause that’s where the fish will be, trying to survive in the low warm water.
The Kalama should be a different story. With 84,150 smolt released this river is expected to be on fire. I talked with Monty Thierry of Reel Adventures Guide Service (www.reeladv.com) and he said the run this year is going to be a very good one. There are 3 popular floats on the Kalama. The first is from Pritchard’s/Red Barn down to the Slab Hole. Be aware of a large exposed boulder in the rapids just below Pritchard’s ramp. It comes into play as the water drops into summer steelhead time. You’ll need to run the rapids out in the chop to the right of the boulder as there isn’t enough space to clear the rock if you choose the left side. Not an issue if the water is high but as the water drops into summer flows this rock has turned a few boats over in the past. There are some nice runs in this stretch of river, good float and jig fishing just below Pritchard’s rapids and all through Weber’s run. The deep waters of the Upper Bridge hole has good bank access and can be fished with float and jigs up in the fast water at the top of the run and can hold fish all the way to the bridge. The Gazebo run/hole is another boat access only drift that is good for floating jigs/bait as well as divers with bait or small plugs. There is some small pocket water from there to the Slab run/hole that should be fished with floats and jigs.The second good float is the Slab hole to Modrow Bridge. There is good bank access on the Slab hole and can be good for jigs and/or diver bait if you’re in a boat. The lower hatchery run/hole puts out fish all summer long with floats and jigs, as well as drift fishing eggs or shrimp. Just below the hatchery is the Beginners hole with great bank access and is another good float and jig hole with good results for boaters as well pulling plugs or bait divers. Fishing the boulder laden flats below the beginner’s hole with the sun low on the water at first light or late in the day for migrating fish with spinners or floats and dark colored jigs. From this point down there is some limited bank access and better for boaters and can be good plug and bait diving when the water volumes are high enough in the early summer. After the water drops stick to floats with bait/jigs or spinners in the faster white water.
The Washougal River is another smaller SW Washington river that year after year puts out good numbers of summer steelhead. With a smolt release of 64,600 for this year’s return fishermen on this river can expect good fishing results. Highway 14 provides good bank-fishing access to the Lower Washougal, and there are three spots along the lower river where boat anglers can launch to fish. This is a smaller river with lots of boulders so experience is needed for floating this river. When the flows are low on the river it’s not a good idea to even float. The bowling alley hole and cop shop hole are both very good places to fish from the bank. You can find good jig and float as well as drift fishing water by walking up and down the river from either of these spots. The upper shoug can also be very good when the water flows begin to drop. You can find fish trying to survive the heat and low water, in deep pools as well as fast riffles. Casting spinners up here can produce very well.
The Elochoman River is a small river that flows into the Columbia River near the town of Cathlamet, Washington. This river is always a good bet for putting some summer steel on your plate. Fishing this river can be fairly easy just because of its small size, the fish are easier to find. The river should produce a good run this year with a smolt release of 29,200. For such a small river, even if 5 percent returns, you’re looking at a good run. The river is bank fishing only, with most fishing being done below the beaver creek hatchery. It’s best to target the fish as soon as the river opens early in the season, because as the summer goes on and the river drops the fish get very spooked. Later in the summer going higher in the river can produce better fishing. The water between the two hatcheries can be very good water as well as the water above the hatcheries. This river has limited access and a lot of the water is private. Be sure not to trespass and always ask for permission to fish someone’s land. Fishing on the river is primarily done with bobber and jig, but there are a few runs good for drift fishing.
No matter what river you choose to go to in SW Washington you’re going to have a good chance at some summer steel. The good thing about all these rivers is the fact the most of them are fairly close. You can fish the East Fork, and if it’s not producing drive up to the Kalama or down to the Washougal. Fishing for summer steelhead can be one of the most exhilarating fishing experiences. Nothing is like the power and beauty of these awesome fish. I hope that you will be able to create some memories on one of these great rivers.
Marlin LeFever

Every steelhead fishermen’s head hits the pillow at night in the late winter months hoping that the next time he or she gets out on the water, that one big 20 pound plus steelhead will be persuaded to eat his offering. At least I hope I’m not the only one that lives and sleeps in hopes of catching a 20 pound plus steelhead. All steelhead fishermen know that the native species of steelhead are so much more capable of giving the fish fight we are all after, and to be able to hook on that is 20+ would absolutely be a feat that would be remembered for the rest of his or her life!

The first thing you need to do to even have a chance at one of these fish is to go fish the water that is most likely to hold them. There are a lot of rivers in Washington and Oregon that are capable of producing these big natives. For Oregon waters include the Wilson, Nehalem, Trask, and Salmonberry just to name a few. In Washington your best bet is to focus your time in the Olympic Peninsula. Rivers like the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, and Queets. The best time to venture out and give any of these rivers a try is going to be mid February to the end of March. This is when you will have a lot of these big fish in the systems and they will be fairly spread out. Don’t let some of the other rivers in these states out of your head though. There is 20 pound fish to be had in a lot of the rivers. A couple local rivers that I fish have been known to produce a few here and there. The thing to remember is always target these fish when you know they are there. You do not want to waste your time trying and trying early in hopes of getting the first fish, I have done this time and time again, yea you might get lucky, but the fact of the matter is you will probably just get burnt out. March is going to be your best bet so that is what I would focus on if you really want a good chance at these fish. Make sure to check your rules and regs because a lot of these rivers have specific rules and boundaries.

River conditions are going to play another big role in trying to land of these monster steel! In most of these systems the rain and other weather conditions can really change the outcome of what the river is going to look like on any certain day. A lot of these rivers are glacier fed as well, so unexpected snow level drops or temperature changes can also hurt your chances. In most cases the best color to look for when fishing any river system is that brilliant glacier green! This is when fish seem to just be on the tear! The water has good visibility to the fish but perfect for keeping you hidden a little. Most people think that the river level deters them from catching fish, and in some cases it can. What I have found though is that as long as the river holds a good color you can catch fish no matter how high it is. The main thing to focus on is finding places moving slowly or inside seems the fish can sit and rest to get out of the rest of the raging river. Snow is a great thing! If it’s snowing outside it seems to trigger something in these fish, they become really aggressive and move a lot, moving and feeding on the way. Every time I have got out on a day it was snowing was always an amazing day of fishing. Water temperature is going to be another thing you’re going to want to know. If your facing really cold water these fish will most of the time stage up in deeper water and be a lot less likely to move far to feed. You will really need to get your bait right into their nose to entice a bite.

When going after big natives you can use all kinds of bait. These fish most of the time are very aggressive. One of the most effective baits for catching these monsters is the pink worm. This bait is very versatile and can be fished under a bobber, drifting, or plunking. My favorite technique is under a float. I like to take a 1/8 or ¼ ounce jig head in pearl pink color. I will use the Berkley 6” pink worm and cut them down right after the collar. This makes for a perfectly looking presentation under the water and these big fish can’t resist it. This technique is extremely effective when the water is that Glacier green color like I was talking about. The other main technique I like to use on these big fish would be spoons. The big flash and flutter of these baits is irresistible to these fish. My preference is the 2/5 ounce Little Cleo in blue/silver pattern. I will take the treble hook off and replace it with a single siwash. You also want to make sure to use a barrel swivel on the eye. Swinging these spoons through tail outs of any water can be very deadly. I also like to flutter them down into deep pools. One good trick that most people fail to do is put scent on the spoon. A little smelly jelly in shrimp/anise works wonders!

These beautiful native fish are a thing to cherish! There is nothing like hooking into to one of these beauties. It’s sad to say but the numbers of these fish have really declined in the past years. We all need to do everything we can to conserve these fish so more continue to reproduce. Please always practice catch and release and make sure you take extra care of the fish. If at all possible keep them in the water except for one quick picture and then make sure they swim away strong and on their own to go off to their distant gravel bed and reproduce offspring for you or someone else to catch another day!
Your local fishing Addict,
Marlin LeFever

Winter fishing is finally upon us here in the great Northwest. The weather can change in a blink of an eye with temperatures dropping below freezing and water levels can change drastically within a couple of hours. Fishing conditions become more and more dangerous as the winter days go by. Being prepared for these conditions will make your next outing much more safe and enjoyable.

First things first, you need to wear a good set of thermal layers and warm socks for they keep your body heat in the best. If you are going to be wading make sure you buy a good set of waders, I regrettably know firsthand that buying a cheap set of waders can make a great fishing trip miserable. If you are not wading try to have a good warm pair of water proof pants. At last make sure you have a nice durable warm coat that is also water proof.

Water conditions will be very dangerous this time of year. Before wading make sure you test the depth and the current of the river. If possible try to use a walking stick for extra support while crossing. One slip could not only ruin a whole fishing trip but put your life in immediate danger. If you are not sure that it is safe then do not do it. Take every precaution possible to make your next fishing trip safe.

We all get pumped and let our minds fill with excitement when the fishing is going to get good but we also need to be extra careful out there, especially now. I hope everyone has an awesome winter of fishing and keeps those lines tight!

One of the most deadly and effective ways to target steelhead in low clear water is with spinners. For some reason summer run steelhead just can’t seem to resist the vibration and flash of a spinner in their face. Most steelhead fishermen quite often use spinners to fish for steelhead in all the summer months and they use this technique for a reason….it works!!!

When I first started steelhead fishing for summer fish I was exclusively all about bobber and jig fishing and that was it for me! One day while out on the river, I was walking into one of my spots and another fisherman was walking out. I couldn’t help but notice that he was carrying a limit of fish! I said, “Good job man, what did you pick those beauties up on?” He said, “I was using a #2 tarnished brass vibrax spinner.” He showed me his lures and I took some pictures for him of his fish, and I went on my way up to my whole. I kept thinking the whole time how I almost didn’t believe that was what he was using. I had heard of spinners doing well but this spinner to me just looked really ugly, like why would any steelhead hit that lure? From then on I was determined to try to catch my first steelhead on a spinner. I had grown up fishing for trout in small streams with spinners so I knew how to fish them, it was just getting to the store to pick up some steelhead spinners and getting back out on the water to fish them. For me the lure of choice was a blue fox in brass color size 2. This spinner from then on out was the most deadly spinner I have ever used for summer steelhead fishing. The first time out I spotted a fish in some low clear water just below a fast riffle. I casted the spinner upstream and let it drift right into him……WHAM!! She almost tore the rod right out of my hand! After a couple acrobatic jumps and good runs, I landed a nice bright hatchery hen. This was my first ever steelhead on a spinner. I began to master the art of fishing with spinners and they became my lure of choice when fishing for summer steelhead in low clear water.

Picking the lure is easy when it comes to summer steelhead. You want something small and something not to bright, as bright colors will often spook the fish. Some choices of lures I would go with are Blue Fox Vibrax in Brass, Copper, Silver and Blue, or Silver and Purple. All of these 4 colors seem to produce. On very bright sunny days you want to use the darker colors like brass and copper. On Overcast days you can get the fish on silver and blue or silver and purple. I like to fish the spinner with light spinning gear. I prefer a 7 foot Certified Pro Lamiglas rod with a pflueger 8035 spinning reel. For fishing line, I use a 6 pound maxima ultra green. Now you’re hooked up and it’s time to get out on the water.

You can fish spinners in almost any kind of water and that is one of the main luxuries of spinner fishing. Spinners are fished best by essentially drifting them through holes. Like any drift set up you want to keep the spinner close to the bottom. Cast the spinner upstream and float it down through the hole all the way to the tail out, slowly reeling it towards yourself the whole time. Once the spinner gets close to the tail out where the water is going to be faster, make sure you slow down the retrieve or give the spinner some line to keep it close to the bottom. Do this through the entire hole, if there is fish in the hole, it will be game on most of time. The other place that you want to make sure to fish the spinner is in riffles and fast oxygenated water. As the summer goes on and a lot of rivers decrease the amount of water they have, fish will be in search of oxygen and cool places to be. A lot of times if you run your spinner through these areas an active fish will not be able to resist the spinner. Don’t wait any longer to get out there and fish spinners for these hard to catch summer steelhead. Right now is the time to do it! Good luck out there! Once the addiction starts it never stops!
Your Crazy Addicted Fishermen Marlin LeFever aka The Bassinpimp

Summer steelhead brings many choices to anglers this time of year. Gear tactics can range from plunking bait and spin n glo to bobber and jig fishing. One method which is by far becoming bigger each year is night fishing.

This method is extremely deadly and fairly easy to do. Glow in the dark setups can work but to take the hassle of re-charging your gear every several minutes take a look into lighted plugs. There are several on the market the well known ones around the northwest are brads wigglers, Luhr Jensen Kwikfish and Wazzat Spin-n-Glo. This lures are different but all have the same key concept which is they blink in the water. Most of these plugs will blink either green or red and both have been known to have success. Red often times will out fish the green.

When I night fish I like to get on the river while its still light so I can get a better idea of where I am fishing at. Once I have found where I want to be, which is about 8’ to 11’ of water I anchor up and fish into the dark. I like running a 30lb braided line to a barrel swivel. From the swivel run 4ft of a 15lb line to the plug. Being that the wigglers and kwikfish are diving plugs the easiest way to fish these is a method called flat lining. This method means putting no weight on and just letting the plug dive down on its own. This can vary depending on your current in slow water you will want to add weight and keep you lure at the bottom. When flat lining I usually run about 12-20 pulls depending on how deep the spot is I am fishing.

Now as for running spin-n-glos there’s really not too much to the setup. I like running either a single or a double hook setup. With the double hook setup you can run bait such as prawn or sand shrimp which can really trigger a bite depending on their mood. I run my main line down to a 3 way swivel or a spreader either will work. From the spreader I like to run about a 2 foot dropper to a weight. Then from the other end of the swivel about a 4ft leader to the spin-n-glo. With these tactics described you got all the basics you need to know. All there is left to do is get out there and put them to use. Fishing at night will be awesome from not til the end of the summer! Check your local game laws to see if its legal in your local rivers.

By:  Travis Bishop AKA CatchADoradoWithMYCurado