Scott Baker McGarva, who’s spent a lifetime guiding anglers through the rivers of British Columbia, shares his wealth of knowledge on this topic. With his rich experience spanning guiding, retail, and tackle management, Scott offers simple yet effective tips for anglers eager to understand the subtle language of the river. So, let’s take a look at his tips for identifying the ideal spots and conditions for steelhead fishing.
The Importance of Observation
The first step in reading steelhead water is observation. Before casting a line, take a moment to analyze the water. Look for key features like cover, depth, and drop-offs. With this, wearing polarized glasses can greatly aid in this initial assessment, allowing you to spot boulders, structures, and even the fish themselves.
The Three Pillars: Depth, Speed, and Cover
When approaching a new run, focus on three main factors: depth, speed, and cover. Depth provides comfort for the fish, speed determines where they rest or stage, and cover offers them security. Anadromous fish, like steelhead, coming from the ocean will initially seek shallow, fast water as it offers protection against predators such as seals or sea lions. This behavior underscores the importance of not overlooking seemingly less promising shallow areas.
Ethical Approach: Top-Down Fishing
In fly fishing, a top-down approach is often recommended. Start at the top of the run and work your way down, allowing everyone a fair chance to fish the run. This method is not only ethical but also effective in covering the water thoroughly.
Breaking Down the Water
Once you’ve assessed the run for depth, speed, and cover, start dissecting the water from the top, working methodically. Consider fishing close to the shore on a short line for better control before venturing further. Take your time to break the water into parts, avoiding the common mistake of randomly casting into the water.
The Role of Speed and Cover in Locating Fish
Understanding water speed is critical. For example, float fishing can teach you a lot about the speed of water. Swinging a fly shares similarities; when you feel the fly moving through water at a ‘walking speed,’ it often indicates a prime spot for steelhead. Large boulders, logs, and overhangs can create favorable conditions for steelhead to hold, providing both the necessary cover and a break from the current.
Reading Pocket Water and Flats
Different water types require different approaches. Pocket water created by obstructions can hold steelhead, as it provides a break in the current. Flats, with more even speed and current obstructions, offer ideal conditions for fly fishing. Observing how your line and fly move through these different water types can give you clues about where steelhead might be holding.
Utilizing Visual Indicators
Floating lines can be excellent indicators of current speed, similar to using a float or an indicator. They help identify where fast and slow currents meet, which is often where steelhead prefer to rest. They choose spots where they can rest in softer currents but can quickly escape into faster currents if needed.
The Significance of Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a crucial role in steelhead behavior. During early season or warm water conditions, steelhead might prefer faster water for its higher oxygen levels. Conversely, in colder conditions, they tend to seek deeper, slower waters. Your approach should adapt to these seasonal behaviors, with tactics ranging from light sink tips and dry flies in warmer conditions to heavier flies and tips in colder waters.
Patience and Persistence: Keys to Success
Steelhead fishing is a game of patience and observation. By understanding the characteristics of depth, speed, and cover and adapting your approach accordingly, you increase your chances of success. Remember that experience is irreplaceable in this sport. The more time you spend on the water, the more you’ll learn about the nuances of steelhead behavior and the best spots to target them.
Watch it Here
In the end, mastering the art of reading steelhead water is about blending observational skills with adaptability in your fishing tactics. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, understanding the dynamics of the river is vital to success in steelhead fishing. With patience, practice, and Scott Baker McGarva’s expert advice, you’ll soon develop an intuitive understanding of where and how steelhead are likely to be found, enhancing not just your catch rate but also your overall experience by the river.
For those of you who would like to listen to Scott Baker McGarva’s strategies, you can watch his insightful video below.
