I am brand new to steelhead fishing. I have gone once on a boat with a guide, what a blast. I got a new steelhead rod and reel for my Birthday and am interested in fishing the pennisula. I live in Silverdale and probably closest to the sol duc? I was wondering if anyone can give me any pointers that will help me out. I will be bank fishing, so any help about were to fish, when, what to use and the technique to use will be much appreciatted.

Thanks Buckmaster5x4

Find a god friend who will teach you. Or read! Bill Herzog’s "Color Guide to Drift Fishing" It is, in my opinion, the best how-to steelhead book ever written. I did one titled "Float Fishing for Steelhead” that's not too bad either. Subscribe to Salmon Trout Steelheader and read every word. Fish every chance you get and PAY ATTENTION to every detail. Especially pay attention to those who catch fish. Go fish where there are lots of fish. Places like Reiter Ponds and Blue Creek. No they are not esoterically perfect but you will see fish caught and have a good chance of hooking one yourself. Book as many trips as possible with guides who will teach as well as fish. Good luck. It’s a strange addiction. And it only gets worse.

Listen to Dave, Buckmaster. Find a mentor, a great alpha angler that can bring the learning curve down to weeks instead of years. Don't fish in front of him- watch and download his every move. Hire a guide. The best ones will teach you, not just give you a trip dowm the creek and take your money. Do read- there are some wonderful books from Amato Publications that can help you along. And most importantly, pick one river and learn itwell. Don't shotgun around chasing fishing reports- by the time you hear them it already happened and you've missed it. Learn that river under low and high water conditions, summer and winter.

And for God's sakes, DO NOT read fishing and hunting "news". Keep your own journal to find best times or get a network of close buddies that fish frequently.

Be persistent, be patient, and practice. Luck when fishing only comes when persistence meets opportunity.

Have fun, do no get caught up in "boat racing" or firstwater-or die mentality.

And remember...Release native steelhead even whenb our shortsighted leaders say it is ok to take one.

Buckmaster,
December 25th and your thread has been visited by the 2 wise men. What a gift, take their advice, and you will gain the knowledge and experience to catch that ever elusive prize.
Good Luck,
Winterun.

howdy neighbor,

How could I possibly add to what these three wise guys (in more ways than one) have said other than to say:

"you've got mail!"

See that....you go and sell me all those Corkies,and now you have a use for them. :p

JIGS, JIGS, JIGS, JIGS, JIGS, JIGS
I wish I would have known about them when I first started. Would have saved probably say ---- 10,000 hours on the river with no fish to show for it. I think I fished twenty days until I got my first steelie. Coincidentally, I got it the first day I threw a jig. As a matter of fact, I got three that day. then again, I was fishing the green.
Cuttie