Winter steel

So last spring/summer was my first year with a kayak (it was a blast !!) , I got really hooked on the summer steelhead fishing in the Columbia , I was wondering as the winter steelhead season approaches can the same methods be as successful ?...  Like the kwikfish set up anchored off frenchmans or using the spin n glow with coon shrimp?...how do you guys like to fish winter Steelies ?

Great question. I'd also like to know the answer. And maybe a trip to Frenchman's is in order.


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I live about 5 minutes from Frenchman's, if its worth the misery (the rain, snow, coldness, etc...) I'd Definitely  be down...

Nobody else has any input huh?...interesting

The Washougal is starting to produce but this rain will need to stop for a few days.  I'm not experienced enough to try and drift it in a yak, it's moving pretty fast. Maybe Camas Slough would be easier.


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I like to fish the Sandy and Wilson for Winter steelhead. Bobber and Pink headed jigs work well in the Sandy. Whereas Bobber and Eggs in the Wilson. I either tie off to the side or do a drift loop in my favorite holes. You've gotta give thanks to the mirage drive for the latter.

If I am tied of to the brush, I will do side drifting also. Nothing like bouncing eggs of the bottom to lure in Steelies.

 

Wobbler

Thanks for the input guys I'll be sure to try this stuff...again I appreciate it as this is my first winter steelhead season with the yak

Nobody else has any input huh?...interesting

The places I've been would  be kind of difficult to get to or dangerous in a kayak. I'm all ears, though.

So last spring/summer was my first year with a kayak (it was a blast !!) , I got really hooked on the summer steelhead fishing in the Columbia , I was wondering as the winter steelhead season approaches can the same methods be as successful ?...  Like the kwikfish set up anchored off frenchmans or using the spin n glow with coon shrimp?...how do you guys like to fish winter Steelies ?

You're on the right track, give it a try and modify as needed until you find success.  A fluorescent red k11x is hard to beat and a good place to start.  Think about which tribs of the Columbia have strong winter runs.

The Washougal is starting to produce but this rain will need to stop for a few days.

yeah, good luck with that. calling for 1/2 a foot on the coast!

http://www.oregonlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2012/12/threat_of_heavy_rain_on_satura.html