Mack Attack Magazine

By Jason Brooks  

When it comes to wintertime fishing in the Pacific Northwest, nothing beats winter steelhead. The sea-going rainbow trout grows in pounds versus inches, and the winter-returning strains are the largest of the two that return. It might not be a nice and sunny 80-degree summer day when their cousins return, but there is something magical about standing along the edge of a river covered in ice while a mix of snow and frozen rain pelts you as you cast. 

Steelhead are ready biters since they feed during their return to the spawning grounds, which makes them fun to catch. Just because they are willing to bite does not mean you can always get them to bite, as there are a few other factors that come into play. The most prevalent is water conditions. Winter means storms, and rising or falling waters can change clarity in hours or overnight. Knowing a handful of techniques helps, but there are three that you can learn which will always allow you to head to a river and catch fish. 

1. Floating Rock Dancer Jigs  

Floating jigs are the easiest of all techniques to catch steelhead, but a few things can make a significant difference in your bite-to-hooking fish ratio. This technique can be used in low, clear water and deep, off-colored water, with everything in between. The only time it is not the easiest and best technique to use is in fast water, especially after a hard rain when debris is floating down the river, which will interfere with floating jigs.