Salmon/Steelhead advice....

[tshoote30]

Ok, So I have been really trying to get this fishing thing down, and hoping maybe I can get a little advice. I will start by saying that I have always wanted to get into fishing but hunting has always trumped my efforts as well as work and just life in general. But a few months back I swore I would jump in with both feet and learn. Well I have been very unsuccessful while I sit and watch everyone around me slay the steelhead and salmon. My main areas that I have gone is well one actually steamboat docks in Washougal alot and then North Bonneville once. And the only thing I manage to do is lose all my gear…… what is the key to getting these damn things. My set up has been colored spin & glows (Pink, Green, watermelon) along with coon shrimp (red and purple) and a 5/6 oz weight.  Everyone keeps saying to go to the Cowlitz or north fork of the Lewis but I do not know how to get to these places and I do not want to get in the way of more experienced fisherman and piss them off because my rookie A!@ tangled in there line ect.. I have also been told that Frenchman’s bar is a pretty good place to go? Is this true as well what part? And is it the same kind of fishing as I do at the steamboat docks? Plunking? Any help or advice would greatly be appreciated. I am starting to think this salmon and steelhead fishing is harder than elk hunting……..

Thanks,
-Todd

[JimmyHoffa]

I find that each river has its own secrets, that for me don't carry over well to the others.  There are some general skills that do.  First I like to find a stretch of river during low flow and get a good idea of where the deep spots are and size of rocks/slope of river bottom, shaded areas, common lures/set-ups lost around the river, etc. 
Then (the part some might scoff at)....get the historical water data charts from USGS, moon phase, tide charts (if applicable), indian netting schedules, and as many fishing reports (mostly online) that you can dig up.  Match them all together and certain patterns start appearing.  The fishing reports list the baits used, visibility, certain stretches of river, etc.  I try to learn one river at a time.  Certain guides/locals/old-timers can also train you up on specific rivers.  Another way I can think of is to try the trial-and-error method and figure it out on your own--can take awhile though.
As for equipment, the better stuff usually transmits the bumps better to the angler.  You might need to use the right size lure/bait/hook combo.  All kinds of weird tricks that some guys use to better catch than others.  Ex--if your hook is too small for the lure, it can pass right through the mouth without the hook contacting the fish's mouth.  Or putting two hooks facing opposite directions in case the fish strikes from 'the other side'.

[3nails]

 I have found one of the quickest ways to learn is to show up at an area when the fish are in. Find someone catching fish and respectfully and humbly strike up a conversation with them and gleen as much info as possible. I have found fishers who are a little longer in the tooth to be the most helpful. Also helps if you are without fishing gear at the time.

[BigD]

Don't be afraid of the locals, watch what they are using, where they are casting, how the drift is working, are they free spooling into a hole, are they working off bottom, then get up 30 minutes before them the next day and get in the hole before they arrive, you will get it figured out. I have done plenty of fishing from the bank so I know your gona have to rub elbows with the locals if you want to catch fish. My 

[Huntbear]

You have a PM....

[tshoote30]

Wow Thank you all for the advice it is very much appreciated. I am SOOO not a fisherman BUT plan on trying as hard as I hunt for elk/deer. THANK YOU I will adhear to your advice and follow to a teee.  went out tonight and well Nothing!! not even a bite, no one around so the fish have gone somewhere else but there. huntbear i sent you a PM as well. thanks, I WILLL get this down  I will not let a fish kick my A@! like an elk did 

[Wingin it]

Some good advice so far. I'll add a few things to the list. If other people are already fishing a stretch of river make sure you use the same method they are. Walking up to a spot where 5 guys are drift fishing and throwing out plunking gear will not go over well. The best advice I can give you is to watch the successful people and try to determine what they are doing different than everybody else. Learn to read water, very important!

[Button Nubbs]

As others have said pay attention to the successful one around you. Sometimes the smallest detail can make the biggest difference.

[nontypical176]

For plunking, make sure your drop leader for the lead is lighter than the main line and lure.  That way if your lead is hung up it will snap off and you don't lose the rest of your gear.

[Gringo31]

Some guys will hire a guide for the day to learn a few tricks.......

At times it can pay off in time and energy spent.

[tshoote30]

Again thanks for the advice. and HOLY CRAP went to I think what they call oaks park in Camas this morning and well TONS of fish EVERYWHERE!! I have never seen anyting like it ever, I saw fish being caught left and right. I learned how to do it and caught well two natives :-( and one keeper that i could not keep cause i snagged him in the belly it was so much fun!! wished i could have stayed all day but I will be back. as long as they are running. how long do the fish run when the spot is hot? a few days? a week? what? i liked that spot and did not lose any gear it was great,

[3nails]

Again thanks for the advice. and HOLY CRAP went to I think what they call oaks park in Camas this morning and well TONS of fish EVERYWHERE!! I have never seen anyting like it ever, I saw fish being caught left and right. I learned how to do it and caught well two natives :-( and one keeper that i could not keep cause i snagged him in the belly it was so much fun!! wished i could have stayed all day but I will be back. as long as they are running. how long do the fish run when the spot is hot? a few days? a week? what? i liked that spot and did not lose any gear it was great,

And so it begins...................................

[tshoote30]

Again thanks for the advice. and HOLY CRAP went to I think what they call oaks park in Camas this morning and well TONS of fish EVERYWHERE!! I have never seen anyting like it ever, I saw fish being caught left and right. I learned how to do it and caught well two natives :-( and one keeper that i could not keep cause i snagged him in the belly it was so much fun!! wished i could have stayed all day but I will be back. as long as they are running. how long do the fish run when the spot is hot? a few days? a week? what? i liked that spot and did not lose any gear it was great,

And so it begins...................................

What begins?

[Heartsblood]

Again thanks for the advice. and HOLY CRAP went to I think what they call oaks park in Camas this morning and well TONS of fish EVERYWHERE!! I have never seen anyting like it ever, I saw fish being caught left and right. I learned how to do it and caught well two natives :-( and one keeper that i could not keep cause i snagged him in the belly it was so much fun!! wished i could have stayed all day but I will be back. as long as they are running. how long do the fish run when the spot is hot? a few days? a week? what? i liked that spot and did not lose any gear it was great,

And so it begins...................................

What begins?

You're latest addiction.... 

[tshoote30]

Again thanks for the advice. and HOLY CRAP went to I think what they call oaks park in Camas this morning and well TONS of fish EVERYWHERE!! I have never seen anyting like it ever, I saw fish being caught left and right. I learned how to do it and caught well two natives :-( and one keeper that i could not keep cause i snagged him in the belly it was so much fun!! wished i could have stayed all day but I will be back. as long as they are running. how long do the fish run when the spot is hot? a few days? a week? what? i liked that spot and did not lose any gear it was great,

And so it begins...................................

What begins?

You're latest addiction.... 

Oh Isn't that the truth!!