![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watertimeoutfitters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3155-1024x769.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Sometimes we forget that it’s the little things that add up to success.\u00a0 Remember when you were small and your parents made you brush your teeth everyday and make your bed- those little disciplines are an important part of life and when it comes to steelhead fishing it’s no different- paying attention to the little details will result in more success.\u00a0 Remember, it’s 10% of anglers that catch 90% of the fish!\u00a0 Here are some of the details that the 10%’ers pay attention to.<\/p>\n
Sharp hooks: this almost goes with out saying but it does so easily mess you up.\u00a0 Let’s face it-it’s winter steelhead season and you’ve got to get that fly deep; that means your occasionally snagging the bottom.\u00a0 Forget to get that hook sharp and the next cast could be your missed opportunity at a fish of a lifetime.\u00a0 Here’s the old saying worth remembering:\u00a0 Dull hooks make for good stories (ie, the one that got away) and sharp hooks make for good photos!\u00a0 Keep a hook file handy and always check for sharpness after snagging bottom or landing a fish.\u00a0 Test for sharpness by pressing the hookpoint into your thumbnail.\u00a0 If it slides it’s dull if it sticks it’s sharp enough!<\/p>\n
Keep Moving:\u00a0 Again, it’s the simple things right?\u00a0 Cast, swing, step repeat seems pretty simple but it’s amazing how many anglers I see that can’t keep that simple procedure.\u00a0 When it comes to the swung fly – moving through the run with a consistent cadence is part of the strategy that triggers fish to respond to your fly!\u00a0 Consistently stepping down stream for the next cast 3-5′ every time is essential.\u00a0 (Move more distance between casts in clear\/green water and less in murky water).\u00a0 If wading is causing you trouble try better traction- I like the Korkers boots with interchangeable soles.\u00a0 Their big spikes are like 4 wheel drive and are the best I’ve used.\u00a0 A wading staff can be a big help here too!<\/p>\n
Manage Your Swing:\u00a0 This one is a bit tougher to get; its partly because its something that with experience you get a feel for.\u00a0 I find that anglers that actively manage their swing as needed catch more fish opposed to guys who simply cast out and hang on letting the river do what it will.\u00a0 To get this to work best for you imagine your fly and how it moves.\u00a0 Your goal should be an even swing speed and an easy consistently moving target for steelhead to latch onto.\u00a0 Often times that means slowing down your fly at first (where water tends to be faster) and then speeding it up again towards the end of the swing where water is slower.\u00a0 This careful management of your swing will help you find more consistent results on winter steelhead.<\/p>\n
Don’t Yank!\u00a0 We work so hard for so many hours of casting and swinging the fly it’s heartbreaking to see the moment of truth happen and anglers react by yanking the fly out of the fish’s mouth at the first little tug.\u00a0 This precise little moment is the real deal, where the rubber meets the road and is everything between success and failure; your response is key!\u00a0 Winter time grabs in cold water are often a multi-part thing.\u00a0 Often starting with a small tap that feels like a small trout, then a tug followed by a heavier tug, then the weight of the fish.\u00a0 Sometimes more tugs; sometimes less or none at all but the fact remains it’s not always just full on.\u00a0 This requires patience and nerves of steel!\u00a0 The best thing to do is simply – nothing!\u00a0 Have your drag set lightly but just heavy enough it doesn’t backlash when you rip some line off the reel.\u00a0 Allow the fish to hook itself.\u00a0 When you feel the heaviness of the fish solidly on the line bend the rod towards the downstream bank and your on!<\/p>\n
Wishing you all the best of luck on the water! RobC<\/p>\n