Newbie seeks info...

[Thunder Bay]

Yeah,
I'm sure your thinking "OH GREAT" another clown looking for answers! Well I hope you will look past that and see if you can give some pointers on steelhead fishing. I've never caught a steelhead or a salmon only fly fished for stream trout in the U.P. of Michigan. I've since moved to the Northern Lower of Michigan, The Alpena area. I've become interested inlearning how to fish for Salmon/Steelhead but have no idea what i need,whats best OR how to do it. I've looked on line but seems that most of the sights are for people that have already learned how to do this.... If you can post a few links or a DVD to purchase or a few words that can help me in my pursuit it would be fantastic.

[Fishman1]

You might want to check out a book by John Nagy - Steelhead Guide, Fly-Fishing Techniques And Strategies For Lake Erie Steelhead. It's a great book that I'm sure would also work for your area.

[Steely19]

Salmon and steelhead are just very large trout. up size your equipment from 3 to 5 weight to 7 to 9 weight and just match the hatch. Course its a different hatch, usually eggs or minnows instead of stone flies or caddis but the principles are the same. The biggest items are the same, you already know how to read the water, know fish look forcertain temps, and higher water will get them moving. Really not that difficult. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[fear no fish]

I learned to salmon/steelhead fish by myself over 15 years ago. It wasn't as hard as one would think but, there is definitely a learning curve. I would suggest books and or dvd's published by frank amato publications. They are the ones who publish salmon trout and steelheader magazine. They have books and dvd's that really shorten the learning curve. Whether you are looking to drift fish, spinner fish, or bobber fish, they have everything you are looking for. If you can find a copy of the salmon /trout/steelheader magazine, in the back of every issue is a list of all the books and dvd's. Also, your nearest public library may have some books on this subject. Trust me, when you get that first steelie on, it's like "lightning in a bottle" and you'll be hooked for life. Good luck!

[Steely19]

Don"t make it harder than it is. For Steelhead the 5 wt rod you already have and some beadhead prince or hares ear nymphs will get you started. They are just a supersized trout. They will hold in the same places and eat the same things as smaller trout. Upgrade as you learn. Salmon will need a 7 or 8 weight rod although I have caught them on 6 weights.