Trolling for steelhead is a highly effective method for covering large areas of water and targeting these elusive fish, particularly in large rivers and the Great Lakes. Whether you’re chasing open-water Great Lakes steelhead in summer, intercepting fall fish staging off river mouths, or working big western rivers, steelhead are known for their strong fighting abilities and can be found in a wide range of water conditions — making them a challenging and rewarding target for beginners and experienced anglers alike. This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about trolling for steelhead, including gear selection, techniques, lure choices, and tips for success.

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Understanding Steelhead Behavior

Before diving into the specifics of trolling, it’s essential to understand steelhead behavior. Steelhead are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. Steelhead have also been introduced to the Great Lakes, creating a phenomenal strictly freshwater fishery for these incredible gamefish. They are incredibly aggressive fish, making for some extremely savage strikes while trolling.

Steelhead tend to hold in specific areas depending on the time of year, water temperature, and food availability. Understanding where these fish are likely to be found at different times of the year is crucial for successful trolling.

Seasonal Movements

  • Winter: In colder months, steelhead often hold in deeper pools and slower-moving waters of whatever river they plan to spawn in. They are less active but will still strike well-presented lures.
  • Spring: As water temperatures rise, steelhead begin to move upstream to spawn. They can be found in faster-moving water, such as riffles and runs, as well as in deep pools and tailouts.
  • Summer: Some steelhead strains run upriver in the summer. These fish can be found in deep pools or fast riffles that provide cool, oxygen-rich water. Fall, winter, and spring run steelhead are in the ocean or whatever Great Lake they inhabit during the summer months.
  • Fall: The fall is when most steelhead run upriver to spawn or stage near the mouth of their spawning tributary. After entering the stream, steelhead are on the move thanks to warm water. Look for them in fast riffles and tailouts during high water events, and in deep pools.

Essential Gear for Trolling for Steelhead

FishUSA Flagship trolling rod bent over with a steelhead on

Selecting the right gear is critical for successful steelhead trolling. The following sections cover the essential equipment you’ll need.

Rods

For trolling, you’ll want a rod that is long and has a parabolic bend. A trolling rod with a length of 8–10 feet is typically ideal, as it provides the necessary leverage to handle the strong runs of a steelhead, is soft enough to keep hooks pinned, and offers the necessary length to be fished with dipsy divers or with a downrigger. For more options, see our picks for the best trolling rods for steelhead.

FishUSA Flagship Trolling Rod

The FishUSA Flagship Trolling Rod offers models with a great balance of a strong backbone and soft tip with a parabolic bend to keep hard-fighting steelhead hooked well.

St. Croix Onchor Salmon & Steelhead Trolling Rod

Known for its durability and excellent performance, the St. Croix Onchor Salmon & Steelhead Trolling Rod is a top choice among steelhead anglers.

Reels

When it comes to reels, line capacity and drag are critical factors. A level-wind reel with a good drag system is ideal for trolling steelhead, as it allows you to control the fish during its powerful runs.

Shimano Tekota A Trolling Reel

The Shimano Tekota A Trolling Reel is known for its robust drag system and smooth operation, making it a reliable choice for steelhead trolling.

Daiwa Sealine SG-3B Line Counter Reel

The Daiwa Sealine SG-3B Line Counter Reel is perfect for precision trolling, allowing you to measure exactly how much line is out so you can repeat the depth your lure is running at.

Line

Choosing the right fishing line is essential for trolling success. Monofilament, braided, and lead core lines are all viable options, depending on the specific trolling technique and water conditions.

  • Monofilament: Offers stretch, which can be beneficial when trolling to absorb the shock of a steelhead’s strike and headshakes during the fight.
  • Braided Line: Known for its sensitivity and strength, braided line is ideal for deep trolling and when using planer boards and diving devices.
  • Lead Core: Used to get lures down to the desired depth without additional weights.

Sufix Elite Premium Monofilament Line

Sufix Elite Premium Monofilament Line is strong and durable, making it a reliable choice for trolling.

PowerPro Braided Spectra Fiber Line

PowerPro Braided Spectra Fiber Line is thin enough to easily reach great depths, yet still plenty strong enough to handle giant steelhead. Our PowerPro braid buyer’s guide covers pound tests and colors in more detail.

Tackle and Lures

Choosing the right lures is critical for enticing steelhead to strike. The following sections cover some of the most effective lures for trolling. For a wider look at what works, see our guide to the best steelhead lures.

Plugs

Plugs are a popular choice for steelhead trolling because of their erratic action, which mimics the movement of injured baitfish.

  • Yakima Bait Mag Lip: This plug has a unique “skip-beat” action that triggers strikes from aggressive steelhead.
  • Kwikfish: Known for its wide, wobbling action, the Kwikfish is ideal for trolling in deeper waters.

Spoons

Spoons are effective for trolling because they can be trolled at various depths and speeds. Their flashing action imitates baitfish, making them irresistible to steelhead. Our Lake Ontario trolling spoon guide breaks down proven patterns for Great Lakes trout and salmon.

  • Moonshine Lures Trolling Spoon: This spoon is designed for low-light conditions and has a glow feature that attracts steelhead in deeper waters.
  • Dreamweaver Magnum Spoon: Known for its durability and effective wobbling action, this spoon is a favorite among steelhead anglers.

How to Troll for Steelhead

Trolling rods set in rod holders on the back of a boat

Trolling for steelhead involves dragging lures behind a moving boat at a controlled speed to cover large areas of water. The following sections cover essential trolling techniques, including line setup, speed control, and more.

Line Setup

Setting up your line correctly is crucial for effective trolling. Here’s a basic guide to getting started:

  1. Main Line: Start with a strong main line. Monofilament is a common choice for its shock absorption, but many anglers also prefer braided lines for their strength and sensitivity. For deeper trolling, lead core line can be used to get your lures down to the desired depth.
  2. Leader: Attach a fluorocarbon leader to your main line. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, making it ideal for line-shy steelhead. The leader should be 6–8 feet long, with a pound test appropriate for the size of fish you’re targeting — typically 12–20 lb test.
  3. Swivels: Use high-quality swivels to prevent line twist, especially when trolling with spoons. Attach the swivel between the main line and the leader.
  4. Lures: Choose your lure based on the conditions and target depth. Plugs and spoons are both effective, but each works best in different situations (as detailed in the lure section above).

Speed Control

Speed control is crucial when trolling for steelhead. Generally, slower speeds (1.5–3 mph) are more effective, as they allow the lures to mimic the slow, injured movements of baitfish. However, slight adjustments in speed can make a significant difference, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Depth Control

Getting your lure to the right depth is critical. Steelhead are often found at specific depths, depending on the water temperature and conditions. Using lead core line, diving plugs, or downriggers can help you achieve the desired depth. Directional divers are another great option — learn how to set them up in our guide on how to use a Dipsy Diver.

Using Planer Boards

Planer boards allow you to spread your lines out from the side of the boat, covering more water and reducing the chances of spooking fish. This is especially effective in shallow or clear water where steelhead might be wary of the boat. Our planer boards 101 guide walks through rigging and running boards step by step.

Zig-Zag Trolling

Zig-zag trolling is an effective technique that allows your lures to move at varying speeds and depths, mimicking the erratic movement of injured baitfish. On each turn, the outside lines speed up and rise while the inside lines slow down and drop, which can trigger strikes from steelhead that are following your lure but haven’t committed.

Tips for Success

  • Vary Your Lure Presentation: If you’re not getting bites, try changing the color, size, or type of lure you’re using. Steelhead can be selective, so it’s important to experiment until you find what works.
  • Monitor Water Temperature: Steelhead are sensitive to water temperature changes. During the summer, you’ll want to find the coldest water possible or run your baits deep.
  • Use Electronics: Fish finders and GPS units can help you locate steelhead and identify the depth at which they are holding. This allows you to adjust your trolling setup accordingly.
  • Be Patient: Trolling for steelhead can require long hours on the water. Patience is key, as these fish can be elusive and may require persistence to catch.

FAQs About Trolling for Steelhead

Most steelhead trolling is done between 1.5 and 3 mph. Slower speeds let spoons and plugs mimic the movement of injured baitfish, but small changes of a tenth or two can make a big difference, so experiment with speed until you find what the fish want that day.

Steelhead depth depends on water temperature and conditions. In summer they often hold deep in the coldest water available, while in cooler months they may be shallower. Use a fish finder to locate fish and baitfish, then use lead core line, diving plugs, dipsy divers, or downriggers to put your lures at that depth.

Trolling spoons and plugs are the two most effective lure types for steelhead. Spoons like the Moonshine Trolling Spoon and Dreamweaver Magnum Spoon flash and wobble like baitfish at a wide range of speeds and depths. Plugs like the Yakima Bait Mag Lip and Luhr Jensen Kwikfish have an erratic, wobbling action that triggers aggressive strikes.

Monofilament, braided line, and lead core line all work for steelhead trolling. Mono offers stretch to absorb hard strikes, braid is thin and strong for deep trolling with planer boards and divers, and lead core gets lures down without extra weight. Finish the setup with a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader in the 12 to 20 lb test range and a quality swivel to prevent line twist.

A trolling rod between 8 and 10 feet long with a parabolic bend is ideal for steelhead. The length gives you leverage against strong runs and works well with dipsy divers and downriggers, while the soft, moderate action keeps hooks pinned when a steelhead jumps and shakes its head.

Planer boards are not required, but they are very effective. They spread lines out to the sides of the boat so you cover more water and keep lures away from the boat’s noise and shadow. Planer boards are especially useful in shallow or clear water where steelhead are more likely to spook.

Steelhead can be trolled for in every season, but fall is a prime time because most steelhead stage near the mouths of their spawning tributaries before running upriver. Spring and summer also produce well in big lakes and rivers when you locate cool, oxygen-rich water and adjust your depth accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Trolling for steelhead is a challenging but rewarding method that allows you to cover large areas of water and target these powerful fish. By selecting the right gear, mastering essential techniques, and understanding steelhead behavior, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to steelhead fishing, this guide will help you get the most out of your trolling efforts. With the right setup and approach, you’ll be well on your way to landing these prized fish.