The rivers in the northern part of our state are getting rain and steelhead trout.
The two go hand in hand — where there is water, you will find fish. From the Russian River to the Smith River, anglers are scoring on fresh-run chrome-plated steelhead.
The Smith River is California’s crown jewel and has led the charts for steelhead fishing.
Just north of the border, the Chetco River clears slower than the Smith and has had a slower start for steelhead fishing. Both the Smith and the Chetco allow anglers to keep one wild fish per day, although most should consider releasing all wild steelhead. The Smith and Chetco rivers both offer opportunities to catch hatchery steelhead as well.
The Eel River is all catch-and-release, and the run is all wild steelhead. Farther south, the Russian River has produced a few wild and hatchery steelhead.
In all those rivers, the best bet has been side-drifting with a Fish Pill and roe. Pulling plugs is another technique that can be used from a drift boat. Bank anglers are also side-drifting fresh salmon eggs, with a Fish Pill used for buoyancy. Using a pink rubber worm fished under a slip bobber is another hot technique for steelhead.
When the water level gets high, “plunking” is a great way to spend the day. Plunking is a technique that can be used from shore or a boat. In a stationary position, you cast out a large, 2- to 4-ounce weight rigged with a three-way swivel attached to the weight, the main line and the leader. The leader is rigged with a Spin-and-Glow lure and usually tipped with bait, yarn and scent attractor. This technique requires the right spot, patience and warm clothes
In our area, the San Lorenzo River, Scott Creek and Soquel Creek are all open to steelhead fishing Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. Our local streams have needed more rain and higher flows. All of the techniques above work to catch steelhead, while the best one is simply putting in your time.
Although steelhead have been called “the fish of a thousand casts,” keep in mind they can be caught on your first cast, too.
• Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 15 years. Contact him at
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