I would really like to learn more about fishing for steelhead in or around tide water. When is the best time to fish the tides? Where on the river? Different techniques and approaches? Anything you guy's know about tidewater fishing would be appreciated.Thank's in advance!

We used to troll in the estuaries only after long periods of cold, dry weather. This would make steelhead reluctant to travel in skinny, cold flows and tend to mill around the esturaries, waiting for warmer rain. Try the periods one our before, through and an hour after high. Troll two #50 Hot Shots (no added weight), one metallic blue and one metallic green appro. 60 to 70 feet behind the boat. Don't stand up. Either row or use a silent electric motor.

Try the lower Snohomish. You can expect one strike per tide change. Good Luck!

Bill.

Timing and tactics are going to vary. Tidewater fishing and learning their habits is a very fine art ... we do a lot of it in Alaska in the summer (more so for salmon, but steelhead generally follow the same patterns).

You will find that fish movements (and success) will vary on a number of factors ... including water temps, tide heights, offshore wave heights, etc.

Sensory overload?? Basic rule of thumb .. be in the tidal zone 1 hour before to 2 hours after high (and in some cases low) slack. Good luck!

J.P.M... Bob's right about the timing, it can be as narrow of a window as 1 hour when the fish are going to make their move through the estuary, but I know that in the local tidewater I fish, the golden hour is the last hour of the dropping tide, right down to low slack water. when the water stops moving outbound, pack it up and head home, the major outgoing tides have produced more fish, but as long as there is some flow, the minor low tide will also pull fish into the system.
I fish from the bank, and drift gear with sandshrimp seems to work the best for me.
I understand each river system is different, just sharing with you what I have learned from a local tidewater spot. you won't find any hotter fish than tidewater Steelies!

Fuzzy

Silent Approach Jigs

JPM shoot me some mail. I'm feeling generous this morning...

How far upstream can I go and still be tide affected.I was planning on launching in Snohomish.Should I Put in closer to Dagmar's?Any tips would be welcome.I'm in a drift boat with an electric or could use the kicker boat.What do you guys think?I can't wait any longer for the Nates to show in the Sky!!!!! I gotta get my line wet.

Well I guess I better start doing my homework, fellas. Interesting feedback, I hope to learn much more. Thanks!!

Hohwaiian,

Are your telling us that your secrets are better than these heavy weights?

Not wanting to rain on any ones parade but it is my understanding that during the transition from marine to fresh water most anadromous fish (adults) are very vulnerable to stress. Maybe the estuary is not the best place to target wild steelhead in a C&R system? Hooking mortality, even with the best intentions and technique could skyrocket.

Beezer

If that's true,it's a great point.It would stand to reason that the transition would be stressful.I think I can wait for them to make a show upstream.Maybe this would be a good technique for the brats only.Thanks for the other view! Bigdog out........

Beezer,

Come on now, I get stressed when I leave home and get in my car. You know ... traffic. So maybe we should all stop fishing. I am for not fishing on the redds and avoiding low water stacked up pools, etc. and I don't fish tide water because my boat may sink but I think you are being too nice.