Other Gear

An effective river steelheader needs a quality pair of waders. For winter steelheading an insulated pair is a must. Along with these, you'll need a belt to cinch around your waist on the outside of the waders to keep air trapped. In the case of an accident, the waders will help you float if you clasp your hands around your knees to hold air in your waders. Rubber-soled waders are fine for general use, but they have little gripping power. Felt-soled waders or strap-on steel lugs are best used in tricky waters. A wading staff, even an old ski pole, is an invaluable "third leg." A net to land your catch or a simple nylon stringer will ensure that your fish is not the one that got away.

A vest to carry all your hooks and lures is a must. It frees you from having to carry any tackle boxes on a river. Hooks, yarn, floats, and lures can be carried in small plastic containers in your vest pockets along with items like a pair of sharp scissors, a small pair of needle-nose pliers, a hand-held stream thermometer, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to help you "read" a river.

The rest is common sense -- such as warm wool socks and felt insoles inside your waders, or the proper headgear.

Knowing how to use your equipment is part of good technique. But the operating words for equipment use are be sensible. For example, use a rod and line weight to match conditions. If water is colored, it makes little sense to fish with a noodle rod and two-pound-test line. You'll only be grandstanding and holding up other fishermen while you spend too much time landing a fish -- it's a good way to become unpopular! On the other hand, when water is low and clear, that light-line outfit is quite appropriate because without a move to lighter line, you probably won't catch any fish.

Along with the choice of equipment, you have a choice of fishing method such as drift or fly fishing. But first, learn about the fish's habits and its environment. Reading the water is just as important as choosing the right combination of equipment and method in successful steelheading.

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