I want to do some steelhead fishing

[Stickerbush]

So Ive never really fished for them before but I just moved back to the seattle area and am looking to do some steelhead fishing. Probably going to try on the Skykomish near Sultan. Any tips? I have a spinning rod and have the gear to try a couple techniques. A little confused on the regs though doesnt seem to specifically list steelhead as open, any advise would be great, thanks!

[h20hunter]

Head up to c-post!


Kidding...ignore that.

This months copy of Northwest Sportsman has some good steelheading info. I would suggest Reiter simply because there are fish there. It is combat fishing but if you have some waders, a thermos of coffee, and get there before the crowds you can get some fishing in. It is also mainly a float and jig/worm fishery...pretty basic.

[Stickerbush]

So bait ok, daily limit 2? No wild obviously

[h20hunter]

Gonna have to check the regs for baiting, barb/barbless type restrictions. I myself am not much of a steelheader, just an avid reader and know a bit about that area.

Wherever you end up make sure you have read the regs and understand the rules. If the fish are there so are other fisherman and so are the gamies. The will not take it easy on you.

[Ripper]

The Cracker Bar right there at Sultan is a good spot. Bring some floats and jigs, corkies and yarn, shrimp. Dress warm and have fun. I know there are fish at Rieter, but hate fishing there.

[Stickerbush]

so steelhead is considered "all other trout" in the regs I assume?

[BOWHUNTER45]

YEAH ME TOO !! But some dumba$$ burn down our plunkin shack !!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR....Dang humpy fishermen anyway 

[D-Rock425]

C-post

[Stickerbush]

what the heck is c post?

[h20hunter]

Cpost is a running gag...ignore it.

[Stickerbush]

Went out with a buddy this morning on the Sky! We are both pretty new to it but we started getting an idea of how it works. I was using a jig and float technique and adjusting my leader to various depths, my buddy was drift fishing with yarn and corgy he was using his grandpas gear and quite a bit of trouble figuring out a baitcasting reel I think he will be switching to a spinning rod for starters.

We both had some hits (at least we think we did) but couldnt set the hook in time and my friend needs to practise his knots all in all it was fun talked to some other fishermen, everyone was pretty respectful and helpful. Probably going to bring the fly rod next time as well as a spinning rod, I like switching it up from time to time 

[h20hunter]

For a newbie it sounds like you had a nice trip. I'll look forward to seeing you hoist some chrome.

[Stickerbush]

not many people were catchin fish, except in boats. Would really like to try a boat, maybe I'll hop in somebodys boat at the launch   

[Hunting7mm]

Steelhead is heating up over here on the wet side.  My buddy is a guide and his clients hooked thirteen the other day!!

[trippledigitss]

Head up to c-post!


Kidding...ignore that.

This months copy of Northwest Sportsman has some good steelheading info. I would suggest Reiter simply because there are fish there. It is combat fishing but if you have some waders, a thermos of coffee, and get there before the crowds you can get some fishing in. It is also mainly a float and jig/worm fishery...pretty basic.

Yeah it IS combat fishing for sure. And just like Ripper said - I HATE it there. You are 5-10yds apart at most and if you even so much as turn your back and step away from your spot for more than 2min, to re-tie, pee, what have you, someone will jump right in and squeeze you - actually even if you dont even move! I freaking hate it! 

That being said, I went up there this morning with a couple of buddies and got there @ 0600. Already 20 guys there fishing with glo sticks on floats. I couldnt see crap, nothing, but I was drifting a float and felt a good bump but figured I was crossed or something. SO I held up to wait for light. Less than 5min later, 2 guys down (about 10yds) this guy hooks one right in front of me. Oh I was not real happy. I turn my back for 30secs and another dude squeezes in. Kinda pissed I moved upstream just about 1st light. Fished there for about 30min, snagged, broke off - turned to re-tie, guess what, some guy snuggles up right freaking next to me. I know thats the way it is up there - but I freaking hate it. So I move up above everyone, at least 50yds. 2nd cast, fish on! I'm all happy thinking I finally got my 1st steelie! Fight & get it in, CHUM...wah wah wahhhh.... Keep fishing, less than 5-6min later, bobber down, fish on, almost the exact same place so I'm thinking I got that damn chum again! But nope, it was a nice little 22" hat hen, (maybe summer run  ) blush on the cheeks and down the sides. Long story, longer, finally after about 4yrs of trying and untold $$$ (and a brand new fetha styx rod) I FINALLY got my 1st steelhead!  I have lost several and landed a few handoffs too, but never got one up there or on my own. Damn it felt good! Gonna post pics on a new thread later!