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I am wanting to try to fish for Steelhead for the first time and was wondering when the next Steelhead season opens?
Where are the best places to find them?
What kind of gear should I buy? (Rod, reel, what kind of line, bait, etc) I need to know this far in advanced because I don't have a ton of money and fishing stuff is expensive!
Any help would be great!
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Early Catch and Release season is open on ght Clearwater right now. There aren't many fish however. I would suggest the Clearwater starting in about September and the Samlon below Riggins starting about the second or 3rd week of September, with the fishing getting better through December.
As far as gear goes, get a 8 1/2 foot to 9 foot rod (casting or spinning-whichever you prefer) medium heavy rated (about) for 8 to 20 pound line. You should buy the reel that has the best drag you can afford, whether it is casting or spinning.
If you are boating it, you can fish either plugs (like wigglewarts, hotshots, or Brad's wigglers), you can backtroll divers with prawns, and you can droft with a corkie and eggs. Fishing from shore you can drift fish eggs and a corkie or throw spoons and spinners. Early on when they are more aggressive they really pound bent metal.
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your being from Rexburg I would steer you more toward Salmon (the town), although the above mentioned locales would be great spots! Most people fish NorthFork outside Salmon downstream to the end of the road (about 35 miles) with the fishing seeming to usually pick up last week or two of October/early November. I like a medium action 8'6" rod an use 10lb or 12lb line for steelies in that area. If I was on the clearwater I would go 13-15lb test. For a good reel I like the cabelas tournament ZX, but would really like a steelhead sized pfueger president or supreme, either of which should handle them just fine.
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I have taken a few ppl up steelhead fishing that have went out and bought all the gear they need, went once then never go again. so my suggestion is go cheap, or even borrow a rod. Make sure its for you before you go out and buy a rod and reel. But after you decide its for you spend a bit more and get a rod that will last a life time in the end it saves you money.
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Tobo,
I could make you a good deal on a steelhead rod and reel if you want a casting outfit. I have a Buzz Ramsey IM8 8 1/2 foot steelhead rod which sells for around $85 and a Pfluger Trion right hand bait casting reel which sells for $100. I would let you have both for $100. The rod has had little use and the reel is in good shape.
Or if you prefer a spinning outfit I have a 3 piece spinning rod with a Pfluger President spinning reel that I bought to take to Alaska and I didn't even use them. I would let the spinning outfit go for $90.
Just my personal preference but I like a baitcaster for steelhead fishing.
SteelFisher
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Hey, that sounds good to me. You're in Rexburg right? When could I come check them out? I've never really used a bait casting reel, is it fairly hard to use? I would have to ask my wife, but I'm sure I could buy one of the two. I'm free tomorrow after 5 p.m. if you want to send me a p.m. with your # or something.
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A baitcaster takes a little practice to prevent basklash. I sent you a PM with my phone number. I will be home after 5:30 tonight.
SteelFisher
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