Salmon and Steelhead

Clear water rewards precision and punishes noise. Steelhead see more. Steelhead spook easier. You must cut flash, downsize gear, and slow the pace. This guide lays out a clean plan for approach, rigging, lure and bait selection, speed control, and st …

Back trolling puts your lures or bait in front of moving steelhead and keeps them working in the strike zone. You point the bow upstream. You slow the boat below river speed. You guide each pass down a lane with purpose. This guide shows you how to r …

Plugging lets you place a lure in front of traveling steelhead and keep it there. You control speed, angle, and coverage. You read the rod tips, tune the plugs, and work each seam with intent. This article explains the full system with simple steps a …

Back bouncing puts natural bait in front of holding steelhead in deep, fast runs. You control the drift. You feel bottom. You guide the bait into the strike zone. This guide explains the method in depth so you can fish clean, precise, and confident. …

Bobber doggin’ blends the control of side-drifting with the clarity of float fishing. You let the weight tick bottom. You let the float pull the rig through the seam. You keep a low, steady line angle so the presentation travels at river speed. …

It’s been a long summer, and the Shack Nasties are getting to you. Cooler nights where you leave your bedroom windows open, dew on the grass in the morning, hardwood leaves beginning to change color, and maybe a few spurts of precipitation, all …

As dark breaks into dawn, a huge cloud bank moving in from the west obliterates a sodden grey sky. The forecast is grim for my first trip of the year with Brian Hall and Evan Morse from Cleveland, but the wind is from the south, keeping the shoreline …

Scent can be the final trigger. The right attractant masks human odor, mimics natural forage, and makes fish commit when they’re on the fence. A good gel stays on the bait. A good cure keeps roe fishable and vibrant. In this guide, I break down …

When targeting Great Lakes steelhead, one of the most debated questions is: Fly fishing or spin fishing—which method is more effective? The short answer? It depends. Both techniques have their strengths, and understanding when and where to use …

One of my early mentors in fishing once told me that nothing beats the look and nutritional value of a real fish egg. Trout, salmon, and steelhead are hard-wired to eat eggs, especially during the spawn. While fresh eggs are effective, they can be me …

When it comes to salmon fishing, the right lure can make all the difference. Whether you're trolling through deep waters or casting from the shore, selecting the right bait is essential for success. Below, we'll explore some of the best lures for sal …

Great Lakes steelhead fishing can be highly productive if you use the right flies. Whether you’re targeting them as they stage near tributaries or during their migration upstream, knowing which patterns to use can make all the difference. In th …