Steelhead Run- a best time of day?

[KJC]

Hi, I've never fished for steelhead or salmon during a run and have been thinking about heading up to the north shore for a day trip just to check it out/give it a whirl. Is there a better time of the day... say morning or evening or is this a little like other river fishing where time of day is less of a consideration than when fishing on lakes?

Thanks,

Karl

[EidesRX]

The past couple of years, water levels have been low and clear. I've caught most my steelhead within an hour of first light and sunset. If the waters high or the sky is overcast, they see to bite at anytime. You just need to be there at the right time, the right river, with the right fly. I haven't totally figured it out, and the elusive steelhead make sure you never do, ha! I've fished the right water at the right time for hours last opener, moved elsewhere, only to have Quickstrike and his crew land 5 in 45 min from the same spot. So,It really depends on the conditions and if they're active or not.

[Katman]

From what I got last year....it was about sunrise and sunset. I don't think it was really skills for me. Just a lucky drift with a lucky fly...landing some lucky steelie. Sometimes you just have to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right presentation. I don't remember much action during mid day...but do chubs count?

[BOCEFISH]

Post on the Duluth area reports. Those guys know their stuff and will be glad to give you advice. I used to live up there and fished the North Shore a lot. Much information came from responding posts.

[KJC]

Thanks for the help, I'm trying the BWCA-north shore forum now. That group seems to be an excellent resource for this topic.

Karl

[Quickstrike]

everyday is different, somedays the best time is as soon as the sun comes up, others the fish wait for the sun to warm the water a bit before they become active. evening always seems to be productive. a general rule i kinda like is the clearer the water is, the earlier in the morning and later in the evening you should fish.

[matthothand]

I've seen fish come alive like someone waved a magic wand as the sun began to set. I also favor evening bites. I've seen days where the fish just eat and eat all day in darker water. The really clear low water is when I struggle.

[DinkADunk]

I like to get out there as the sun is just starting to rise and then go back to the motel when it gets dark It really depends on the run your fishing, the water levels, clarity, etc. Some will stay out of the sun for a long time and the "morning" bite lasts until noon. A hundred yards upstream may shut down at 8am. I usually take a wee nap for a couple of hours after lunch and then get going in the later afternoon.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

I've had most of my best days between 10-2. You never know when they bite, thats what I love about it. Every drift counts!

[Roughfisher]

When fishing good steelhead water (which means water where 28 inchers are commonly caught) you want to fish from the second fishing becomes legal until the sun comes over the pines. You'll catch more fish if you are the first guy to harrass them, and if you're late, somebody else will be on top of them. Evening can be decent, too, but nothing compares to the crack of dawn. Get on the river before legal fishing. While it is still pitch dark, build a small fire and drink some coffee, sight your fish, and keep looking at your watch. When the time is almost right, shore up your fire, step in the river and prepare yourself for the upcoming battle. Catch your fish, or break them all off, then wait for the sun on the pines. When the first guy comes walking up the bank to ask how the fishing is, be sure to lie like a B/\STARD.

This is the way of the steelhead.

[Quickstrike]

in my opinion, steelhead fishing is always best when you CAN'T see the fish or can barely see the fish.