Steelhead anglers can incorporate a variety of fishing techniques to catch a steelhead. As the steelhead returns to the freshwater to spawn, one of the most effective and easiest fishing techniques is float fishing. Float fishing uses a bobber to suspend the bait at the desired depth as it drifts downstream past the steelhead.
Use a Long Rod
Use the longest rod possible. Most float rods will vary in length from 10 feet to 15 feet. Piscatorial Pursuits recommends using the longest rod you feel comfortable with. Long rods have several advantages, including shock absorption during the cast and keeping the line off the water during the bait presentation. After you hook a steelhead, a long rod provides more control while retrieving the fish.
Size It Up
Choose the right-sized float for the job. You can choose a float from a variety of shapes and sizes. The Steelheader website suggests using a float just big enough to float the bait without sinking the float. If the float is too small, the float may sink and be detected by the steelhead. After casting the float, keep the line tight and off the surface of the water so the float rides naturally on the surface.
Pick a Setup
After selecting the float's size, you need to decide on the float setup. Most steelhead anglers, according to the Steelheader website, use a fixed-float setup, with the float about 4 feet to 9 feet between the float and bait. Attach the float to the main fishing line with the swivel between the float and bait. Adjust the distance between the float and bait according to the depth of the water so the bait bounces slightly on the bottom.
Try Dead Floating
Vic Carrao, owner of STS Guiding Service in British Columbia, says that dead floating is one of the most effective float fishing techniques. To incorporate the dead-floating technique, set the float about 6 inches deeper than normal and use a #5 brass blade. As the blade passes over the rocks, allow the blade to stop turning as it snags on the bottom. Lift the rod tip to unsnag the blade, which causes the blade to turn and attract nearby steelhead.
Pick the Right Bait
The best float setups are nothing without a proper bait selection. Soft plastic baits can be used with jigs while drift fishing to cover large amounts of water. Other popular baits include artificial eggs, sand shrimp and nightcrawlers.
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