Northwest Fishing Reports

Just started fishing for steelies this year. Of course I haven't caught any yet. I heard that salmon eggs work great for steelies, given that they follow salmon runs and eat their eggs. Is there any way of going about getting live eggs instead of the fake ones they sell at most bait shops or sports stores??

Yep catch some other fish and rip the eggs outta the hens. Get some cure and follow the instructions. The chum was excellent producers for me this year. Just kept a few hens and I now have about 5 pounds or so saved up for this winter.

Yeah, I figured as much. Haven't done much chum fishing though. Maybe I oughta get out there and catch the few decent ones left.

Chum eggs are ok. They turn bad quickly. Use a procure or any commercial bought cure to cure them in. Boraxing them wont make them last very long.My favorite eggs for steelies are coho and cutthroat if big enuff.Of course Steelie eggs are very primo too.For store bought ones I like those EZ Eggs.

I think chum eggs are absolutely the best. Guess what salmon the steelies follow up the river? Wash them in a 100% brine solution for 30 min to remove the blood then pack in your favorite stuff. I've never had them go bad.

I'll try the brinning this season. I personally havent had them last very long cuz of their softness.Thanks Bodo.What is your brine solution? I usually just cut and use borax and jello.

Just straight up 100% brine soulution. Just keep stirring in salt till it will no longer disolve, let it sit for a while and try again. When you can no longer disolve any more salt and there is a little bit left on the bottom of the vessel you have 100% brine. Just wash the eggs for about a half hour and the salt will pull all the blood from the eggs. Pat them dry and borax the way you like them. If you're plunking or drifting and you don't like to change bait every 5 casts or so make sure you get them good and dry in the borax. I like to change it a couple times and the eggs will become pretty tough at this point I will tear them into hook sized globs. Yes tear so you break as few eggs and possible. Keeps it clean. If I want to dye them I'll take the chunks and sprinkle the procure over what I'm going to use, bag and borax and put it in the fridge for a few days. Next stop the favorite hole.