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Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 3:28 pm
by kevinb
I fish rivers and streams on occasion but usually with a fly rod and for trout.
Its almost embarassing but I havn't fish for salmon or steelhead in the rivers for many years. I'm talk'n like when I was 10 or so.
Basically,I need a crash coarse in everything. From line of weight,lure/bait choice,presentation(if any)
I'm hoping to hit the Puyallap/Carbon and Green this fall. To make this even better,my wife is encouraging me to do this..she's a big fan of salmon.:chef:

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:08 pm
by kevinb
Some one help a brother out?:clown:

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:51 pm
by Fisherman_max
the best all around set-up for salmon and steelhead in my opinion would just be a medium-heavy 7-9ft rod, either a medium duty spinning reel or a abu garcia ambasseduer with 12-15lb test and a number 4 or 5 bluefox vibrax spinner!




cast the spinner at about 11 O'clock and reel in as it sweeps through the river at a looping angle and then repeat.

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:52 pm
by Chin_nook
If your going to hit it with a fly pole....6wt-8wt with a type II or III sink tip and a 4'-5' leader. Fly of choice would be a nice fat streamer. Pink or blue color

The Puke is known for Corky-n-Yarn gear. Get a slinky weight or use lead coil weights..about 1/2oz-3/4oz weight(enough to tick the bottom slowly) run a 3'-6' leader. Use enough corky to float the hook and yarn a few inches from the bottom.

Some guys will plunk the first stretch of river all the way up behind Fredmiers with bobber and eggs to.

PM me if you have anymore questions. Hopefully you have a pair of chest waders because the popular places get pretty crowded.

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:53 am
by kevinb
Thank you folks,

I'll be using spinning gear on these trips.

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:33 am
by Toni
I use 7'-9'6" medium pole with a reel size that is medium. Line 8-15 lb test. I have a 7', 8'6", and a 9"6" pole. I use the 8'6" and 8-12 lb test the most. I used the 7' pole and caught a 9 lb silver. Years ago it caught a 19.5 lb salmon off a dock. I mostly use corky and yarn, but this year I started making my own spinners so I will use them. The silvers seem to like them better.
I have mostly used drift fishing method.
Main thing with fishing for salmon is just keep going. Go and fish in the rivers for trout to practice for the salmon season.

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:39 am
by Toni
I use solid lead but pound the top into a circular flat spot and punch a hole in it for the swivel. I don't use the tubing. I have also used regular bait weights that are kinda bell shaped with a circle eye at the top made out of the same stuff as swivels.
I also use small hooks size 4 to 1/0 I like black.

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:03 pm
by savage42
it is also my first year of fishing for salmon in the rivers and i haven't caught anything, its getting frustrating and i dont kno what im doing wrong..any tips or hot spots for rivers north of seattle?

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:19 pm
by kevinb
Thank you Toni,this is perfect :cheers:

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:20 pm
by kevinb
savage42 wrote:it is also my first year of fishing for salmon in the rivers and i haven't caught anything, its getting frustrating and i dont kno what im doing wrong..any tips or hot spots for rivers north of seattle?
Welcome to WL,sounds like you and I are in the same boat.

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:11 pm
by northfork
Welcome savage42. Out here in Sultan on the Sky I have had good luck using a 50/50 wee dick nite for coho. Take a blue felt pen and use it to color the silver blue, add a little scent ( to hide yours ) and hang on!!!:cheers:

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:19 pm
by A9
savage42 wrote:it is also my first year of fishing for salmon in the rivers and i haven't caught anything, its getting frustrating and i dont kno what im doing wrong..any tips or hot spots for rivers north of seattle?
Try the Sky or Reiter.... Fish are being caught there, you won't be alone, but it would be a good thing in your case, so you can see how others are working their presentations and fishing water....

RE:Salmon,Steelhead help?

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:57 pm
by savage42
okay so im going down this weekend? can i get some directions to reiter ponds of any other hot spots along the sky ? dont really know where im going...and is there any campsites?