Summer steelhead where I live in western Oregon, run mostly in the 6 to 10 pound range, with plenty of 12 pounders around. Fish upwards of 18 pounds have been caught. These hatchery-grown seafaring trout have broken hearts, in addition to fishing lines.
The Waterloo boat ramp and casting lessons.
Tip #1 is obvious. In summer weather, conditions are like a ripe apple, perfect for taking the kids fishing. The preparation involved in bringing the kids along isn't much different than any other outing, as plenty of water and snacks are always good. Teaching the skills that lead to successful fishing is not just tying knots and casting lures, it is also respect for nature. Leave no sign and thank-you for not littering.
Tip #2 How to deal with the crowds is a common question along the river, as the times have brought less fish and more people. But it is okay, because an active and critically thinking rivermonger can, and will find water to fish. The key is to not pass water up. If you are either hiking the bank, or boating the river, fish any water that is fishable.
The South Santiam, away from the crowds.
Tip #3 is about what areas to fish and move with, and when to stay in an area. I tend to fish as I go, casting to the water while covering the riverbank on foot, and this tactic allows me to fish a lot of water. But when I find those bottlenecked, riffly, spots- then I slow down, because summer fish like those three to four foot deep stretches where the water is choppy. And they hold in those spots, gathering steam for the run upriver.
Tip #4 Cover water. As you progress, albeit slowly, downriver in search of chrome, cover the tailout sections and the seams that divide currents. These fish are efficient, and will use the tailouts and seams to hide as well as travel along.
Tip #5 Light line is essential. 8 pound mainline and 6 pound leaders are the norm for me out on the stream. Keep your drag set fairly loose, and keep that pole in the air!
Moose & Elka on the Siletz, a dandy summer stream, fish it in June, right after the rains hit.
Tip #6 is also common sense. Because of the light line aspect, a pole that can handle these small-diameter lines will be in the 9 foot and longer range, with a line rating of 4 to 10 pounds. The standard 8 & 1/2 foot, 8-12 pound test, classic winter steelheader will not suffice in summer. My best pole is a bargain find, a 'Field and Stream' IM7 graphite 9 footer, rated 6 to 10 pounds. It handles both, light line and acrobatic fish, exceptionally well.
Tip #7 is about leader length, which changes in summer, due to gin-clear water and heavy fishing pressure. These fish are wary. In Tip #5, we discussed light line, and the same concept applies here. Longer leaders are more effective. By isolating the lure, the fish has "less" to decide. And in that clear water, the lure acts naturally, which obviously is less spooky to a steelhead.
Tip #8 focuses on essential gear. Drift fishing in the summer months means lower riverflows. Because of that, you will find rocks more plentiful, and moss seemingly growing from your hook at times. Keeping hooks "sticky" sharp translates into more fish. Carry a file in your tackle, and know how to sharpen "tack sharp" hooks.
Tip # 10, I like to purchase frugally, pack lightly, and leave tangible things for my kids. This means being as efficient as possible. From homemade leader totes, to re-used containers, my fishing days are insured. And the kids' days too.
Thank-you for reading and remember, THANK-YOU FOR NOT LITTERING. Have great days on the river.
Self-portrait, South Santiam River at Waterloo, Oregon.
Fly fisherman, South Santiam.
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