I need help with steelhead

my wife and I have gone out for the steelhead about 10 trips so far with zero to show for it. The rig I have been using mostly is slip float with an octopus hook and different colors of roe, along with splitshots to keep my bait down. I have seen so many other anglers catching them, so I feel I must be doing something wrong. Please any kind of advice would be greatly appreciated as my wife and I are ready to give up this kind of fishing. Thanks

Alex

You should ask the people around you how they do it. If they are successful, copy their presentation.

The learning curve can be tough if you don’t have anyone to show you and you’re hitting the rivers as a newby. Try using YouTube or google to get some pointers on not only your rig but you leader length and diameter. Also loose the slip float on the river as a set depth may be a better option imo. Also ask guys on the river for tips and make conversation. There are still a lot of friendly people out there who will help you on the river. You may run into some miserable people but that happens. Good luck.

Hey Akeates,

Check out Matthew_Mazereeuw video it on the this page "how to float fish".

Link

Next I would recommend watching hours of YouTube videos.

I took me years to learn how to catch bows consistently.

Attach a picture of what your rig looks like now and maybe we can help. If you aren't fishing deep water I would stick with a fixed float to start.

Fixed float is definitely the way to go unless you're fishing the niagara or any of the big huron tirbs. If you're using a spinning reel, check out bill and mike angling adventures. They always are on fish and provide lots of good tips, they even have a good video of how to tie roe bags I believe. Asking guys on the river is always a great idea, I'm always on the rivers and if anybody asks me for help I am more than happy spending an hour and giving lots of advice. Also check out silver bullet baits, amazing beads that will help you hammer fish.

Thank you everyone for your tips and knowledge, the videos were very informative. I will attach a picture of what I have been using my past couple trips.

Pic of rig

One thing I can see already is your weight is TOO close to hook and bait. Try moving split shot up a foot to 18" above bait.🙂

x2 on that.....


with that tiny roe bag, I would downsize my hook as well....maybe color also

can't tell line weight and if floro or not


Something not brought up yet is clothing. stealth color is better than bright and shore movement also comes into play

Ok thanks I will move the weight up and downsize the hook, the leader line is about 5 feet of 8 lb flouro.

8lb is way too heavy, imo. Unless your fishing chocolate milk super brown water. I exclusively fish 4lb, but anything from 4-6 works well. Drennan is my favorite leader type, it's expensive but it works extremely well.

Drop the roe and try a #2 meps aglia orange - spinner - Best thing ever ! Rainbows hammer it !

x2 throw a mepps spinner

Firstly good for you for sticking it out. Steelheading has a HUGE learning curve but like they say, more effort it takes the greater the reward. And when you get your first fresh chrome that takes you for a ride it’ll all be worth it. Regarding your rig I’ll x2 on some of the things already said.

-downsize hook, I use #8 and #10 raven specialist
-fixed float, you can use the same float but use a rubber stopper above and below to fix the bobber in one spot
-last 2+ feet of line should be leader, 6lb test fluoro from a swivel to hook. Above the swivel you’ll have shot and your float
-get an understanding on balancing the float. Most good floats have a gram rating, ex 8g. You can use up to 8g of shot to balance it. Good shot dispenser will give you the gram rating of each size of shot. So you use as many shot up to 8g. A good tackle shop can walk you through this.

I know, confusing. To understand the above better raven has a book that explains the different shoting techniques. See attached.

As for advice on the river, generally the fish will hold in deeper pools to rest. Look for the darker water. Start with your depth set at roughly how deep you think it is and increase your depth until you tick bottom or get hung up. Then back off your bobber depth slightly until you get a good drift. This should put your bag right above their noses.