Change Your Approach In Low, Cold Water

It’s been a cold and dry winter so far. With the lack of rain lately, the fish are still around, but you’ll need to rethink your approach to consistently catch fish. Here are a few tips that are sure to help.

Downsize Your Offering
Steelhead can be spooky in low water. Try using small baits of eggs (dime-sized baits), small corkies (or sometimes no corkie), 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jigs, and smaller plugs. With increased water clarity, steelhead will notice smaller offerings and not be turned off. I will often use size 4 or even size 6 hooks in very clear water. A good choice in clear water is a small clump of eggs under a bobber. Use a small piece of split shot to keep the bait down.

Lighter Leader Makes A Difference
Downsize your leaders to catch spooky fish. I commonly use 8 lb. test. Another good option is florocarbon for leader. Florocarbon is almost invisible under water and you can use the same knots that you use when tying monofilament. Also, it is very strong stuff. These conditions are also perfect to use a longer leader. Try fishing a 4-foot leader to trick spooky fish. When fishing plugs, get them further back from the boat so you’re not scaring fish.

Try Fishing Later In The Day
Steelhead tend to be lethargic in cold (below 40 degrees) water. Let everybody else fight the icy roads and frozen rod guides. After the crowds have thinned and the water warms up, give it a try. The fish that weren’t moving first thing in the morning will become more active after the sun comes up. Concentrate on tailouts and slower, deeper runs to find fish. If fish are feeling pressured from drift boat traffic, they will also find cover in broken water and riffles.

Other Tips
And speaking of frozen rod guides, try spraying Pam® Cooking Spray on the guides before you start fishing. I’ve heard of other solutions such as Vaseline and silicon-based sprays, but Pam seems to be a good solution. Always have a dry towel handy so your hands don’t freeze. Also, make sure you have plenty of pre-tied leaders. The last thing you want to do is try to tie an egg loop with light line when you can’t feel your fingers.

Fish Low In The System
There’s an old saying steelheaders use, “when the water is high, fish high (on the river) and when the water is low, fish low. Fishing low on the Siuslaw, Swisshome and below is your best bet.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)