Float Fishing for Steelhead: A Comprehensive Guide
By: FishUSA Staff
September 26, 2024
Float fishing for steelhead is one of the most effective and exhilarating techniques for targeting these powerful fish. It’s a method that combines the thrill of visual detection with the finesse needed to coax a strike from these often elusive fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this guide will help you get the most out of your float fishing experience.
Float fishing for steelhead is one of the most effective and exhilarating techniques for targeting these powerful fish. It’s a method that combines the thrill of visual detection with the finesse needed to coax a strike from these often elusive fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this guide will help you get the most out of your float fishing experience.
Table of Contents
What is Float Fishing for Steelhead?
Float fishing involves suspending bait or a lure beneath a floating bobber and allowing it to drift naturally with the current. This method allows you to cover a lot of water and keep your bait in the strike zone for an extended period, making it highly effective for targeting steelhead in rivers.
Steelhead Float Fishing Setup
To get started with float fishing for steelhead, you need to have the right gear. Here's a breakdown of the essential components:
Rods
Float rods for steelhead are typically longer, ranging from 11 to 14 feet, which allows for better line control and longer drifts. A good float rod should have a soft tip to protect light leaders and keep big steelhead pinned on small hooks, while also offering the necessary backbone required to land these powerful fish.
Recommended Products
- FishUSA Flagship Centerpin Rod: This rod offers a great balance of action and power without breaking the bank, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers.
- Shimano Compre Centerpin Rod: Known for its precision and control, this rod is perfect for those looking for a high-performance option.
- Lamiglas The Closer Centerpin Rod: Designed specifically for steelhead, this rod provides exceptional casting distance and control in challenging conditions.
Check out our full guide on the Best Steelhead Float & Centerpin Rods
Reels
Centerpin reels are most commonly used in float fishing because they allow for a smooth, drag-free drift. These reels don’t have a bail or a mechanical drag system; instead, the angler uses their hand to control the speed of the line's release and to fight the fish.
Recommended Products
- Okuma Aventa Centerpin Reel: This reel is durable and provides a smooth, consistent line release, which is crucial when fighting large steelhead.
- Islander Steelheader Centerpin Reel: Known for its precision engineering, this reel offers excellent performance and reliability.
Floats
Floats, or bobbers, are an essential part of your setup, allowing you to detect strikes and control the depth of your bait. There are various types of floats, including fixed and slip floats, each suited to different water conditions and fishing styles.
Recommended Products
- Hawken Aero-Floats: These slip floats are very durable and are available in sizes small enough to fish tiny tributaries with little weight, as well as those large enough to fish large, very turbulent waters.
- Raven Premium Balsa Floats: These fixed floats are available in a huge variety of sizes, offering the angler an option for various water conditions or bait choices.
Bait and Hooks
The bait you use can vary depending on the time of year and the specific conditions. Common baits include roe (salmon or steelhead eggs), worms, beads, and soft plastics. Hooks should be sharp and strong, but not too heavy to allow for easy penetration. Hook sizes 6 to 10 are typical for steelhead fishing.
Recommended Products
- TroutBeads: TroutBeads are neautrally buoyant to represent a steelhead or salmon egg drifting downcurrent, and are available in a size or color option to suit any situation.
- Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks: These hooks are sharp and reliable, work great with beads or eggs, and ensure a solid hook set every time.
- VooDoo Custom Tackle Marabou Jigs: These jigs are tied on 3x strong hooks, have extremely lifelike movement in the water, and are available in a large range of sizes and colors to suit a variety of conditions.
Line Selection
Choosing the right line is critical for a successful float fishing setup. Your line needs to balance strength, sensitivity, and stealth to ensure effective drifts and solid hook sets.
Mainline
For float fishing steelhead, the mainline is typically either monofilament or braided. Monofilament is favored for its stretch and floatation, which help maintain a drag-free drift, while braided line offers superior sensitivity and casting distance due to its thin diameter. A monofilament line in the 8-12 lb range or braided line in the 20-30 lb test range is commonly used. When float fishing with a centerpin, monofilament line is a must. However, either braid or monofilament can be used when float fishing with a spinning rod.
Recommended Product
- P-Line Hydrofloat Thermal Fused Spectra Line: Offers excellent abrasion resistance and strength, as well as hi-vis color to easily see and maintain a perfect drift.
- PowerPro Spectra Braided Line: Known for its sensitivity and strength, perfect for detecting subtle bites in swift currents.
Leader
Fluorocarbon is the go-to choice for leaders because it is nearly invisible underwater and has high abrasion resistance. A 6-10 lb test fluorocarbon leader is typically ideal for steelhead.
Recommended Product
- Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader: Provides stealth and durability, making it a top choice for steelhead anglers.
Selecting the right line setup enhances your ability to effectively present your bait and land steelhead, making it an essential aspect of your overall float fishing gear.
Check out our full guide on the Best Fishing Line for Steelhead
Techniques for Float Fishing Steelhead
Float fishing for steelhead is all about presenting your bait in the most natural way possible. Here are some key techniques to help you master this method:
Drifting
The key to successful float fishing is allowing your bait to drift naturally with the current. Cast upstream and let the float carry your bait downstream. Keep an eye on your float, as any unnatural movement can indicate a bite. A drag-free drift is critical, as steelhead are wary of anything that doesn’t look natural.
Setting the Hook
When your float dips or moves unnaturally, it’s time to set the hook. With a centerpin setup, it’s important to strike quickly but smoothly to ensure a solid hook set without breaking the line. Steelhead have hard mouths, so a firm but controlled hook set is necessary to penetrate.
Adjusting Depth
The depth at which you present your bait is crucial. Steelhead often hold close to the bottom, so adjusting the depth of your float to keep your bait in the strike zone is essential. Adjust your float so your bait hovers just above the riverbed, where steelhead are likely to be feeding.
Reading Water
Understanding where steelhead are likely to hold in the river is vital for success. Focus on areas like deep pools, riffles, tailouts, and seams where fast water meets slow water. These are the spots where steelhead rest and ambush prey.
Choosing the Right Water
Steelhead are migratory fish, and their location in the river can vary depending on the season and water conditions. Here’s how to target them effectively:
Deep Pools
During colder months or low water periods, steelhead often hold in deeper pools where the water is slower and more stable. These are prime spots for float fishing, as the slower water allows for longer drifts.
Riffles and Runs
In the warmer months or high water periods when they’re on the move, steelhead are more likely to be found in faster-moving water such as riffles and runs. These areas provide oxygen-rich water, which is crucial for the fish’s survival during the warmer seasons.
Tailouts
Tailouts, the areas at the end of a pool where the water starts to shallow out, are also prime spots for steelhead. These areas often hold fish that are moving between feeding and resting areas.
Steelhead Float Fishing Tips and Tricks
Fine-Tuning Your Presentation
One of the most critical aspects of float fishing for steelhead is getting your presentation right. This includes the speed of your drift, the depth of your bait, and even the size of your float. Pay close attention to how your float is moving through the water. If it’s dragging or moving too quickly, adjust your line or the size of your float until it drifts naturally with the current.
Handling Wind and Current
Wind and current can make float fishing challenging, but with the right techniques, you can still achieve a natural drift. On windy days, use a slightly heavier float to keep it stable. In strong currents, consider using a heavier shot pattern to ensure your bait reaches the desired depth quickly.
Using the Right Shot Pattern
The shot pattern on your line plays a crucial role in controlling the depth and presentation of your bait. A spread-out shot pattern will allow your bait to sink slowly and naturally, while a more concentrated pattern will get your bait down quickly. Experiment with different patterns to see what works best in the conditions you’re fishing.
Adjusting to Seasonal Changes
Steelhead behavior changes with the seasons, and so should your approach. In the winter, when water temperatures are low, steelhead are less aggressive, and a more subtle presentation with smaller baits is often required. In the spring, as water temperatures rise, steelhead become more active, and you can use larger baits and more aggressive presentations.
Final Thoughts
Float fishing for steelhead is an exciting and rewarding way to target these incredible fish. By using the right gear, mastering key techniques, and understanding where to find steelhead in the river, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to steelhead fishing, the products and tips outlined in this guide will help you make the most of your time on the water.