When is the best time to fish for Steelhead?

We all want to be on the river when rainbow trout fishing is at its best, however knowing when this will be depends on many factors. The run time for each river will be different, and the best way to find out about a particular section of the river is to check with a local sports store. The owners of these sports shops make a living selling steelhead fishing equipment, and they know that if they provide accurate and up-to-date information, they will build trust with the fishermen and this trust can lead to a sale. Also, many of these shop owners are rainbow trout anglers and they know how important good information is to someone who is planning a fishing trip, they will also give you very good ideas on what type of bait and tactics are working.

Once you have a general idea of ​​when the rainbow trout will be in the section of the river that you would like to fish, it is important to keep an eye on the weather reports. Climate is one of the most important aspects when it comes to rainbow trout fishing, or any type of fishing for that matter. Not only do you want to be prepared for the weather, but the activity of the fish is highly influenced by the weather. Knowing how rainbow trout or fish react to weather changes will definitely let you know in advance what chances you have of hooking on a rainbow trout.

Here are some general rules of thumb regarding weather and fishing to help you choose the best times to fish for rainbow trout.

High Pressure – Usually gives you those bright, sunny days, and while this is great weather for fishing, it’s usually not the best weather for fishing, especially if you’re fishing for rainbow trout. Fishing in general tends to slow down during high pressure. Steelhead freaks out easily and this is truer than ever now, with the sun out and the shadows cast, it’s difficult to present their presentation in front of them without scaring them off. Deep pools and shady areas will give you the best chance of success in these conditions. Try to slow down whatever type of presentation you are using and use pale colors for the best results.

Low pressure – Usually this means you will be battling rainy or snowy conditions, so be sure to wear the right clothing. You will find that, in general, the fish are much less active during these times, although a good rain usually signals the rainbow trout to start moving again, they usually do not hit well in a pouring rain. If it’s a big storm, river conditions can change from crystal clear to milk chocolate shake all of a sudden. Under these conditions, fishing will now be more difficult. If you are fishing some of the smaller rivers and steamers, try fishing near the shores as it offers the rainbow trout some protection from floating debris and is also where the current is not as strong. If you are fishing in the larger rivers, try to find some deeper holes as well. Darker colored lures work better now.

Rising Pressure When pressure begins to rise, usually after a storm moves in, the fishing will start to improve as the fish become active again. Steelhead at this time will normally still be found in the slower moving deeper pools or near the banks of the main streams of the river. While you won’t find them charging upriver just yet, they are more likely to be drawn to attack than during the storm. The bright colors caught along the edges of the main stream should work well, as should fishing for them in the deeper ponds where the fish were kept during the storm.

Constant pressure / normal pressure:

This is usually found on days when the sun is hazy or overly projected, but no precipitation is forecast. Fishing should be fair to good these days. You will find rainbow trout across the river and they will be active enough to get them interested in what you have to offer. Most standard steel head kits will work now, so try your favorites.

Drop pressure:

As a storm approaches and the pressure begins to drop, you will want to be on the river. This is the best time to fish as the fish are now in their most active state. Steelhead will get aggressive when the pressure is easing and they seem to hit just about anything that passes them. If you can schedule your rainbow trout fishing trip to get to the river the day before a storm hits, your chances of success will greatly improve.

While it is true that you can catch rainbow trout in almost any weather, if you want to take a trip that will give you the best chance of success, then it is important to consider what the weather will do. Planning a trip where the weather works for you rather than against you is always a must-do before taking off after that often meticulous head of steel. Being in the water at the right time will improve your fishing success.

Trevor Kugler has written a short e-book titled How the Weather and the Moon Really Impact Fishing. I believe this e-book is still available for free if you sign up for timely fishing information twice a month.