Catch A Drift With Steelheads

By: Coltin Gresser

I have been fishing for steelhead now for five years. When it comes to fishing salmon and trout, for

the most part, I am self-taught. There have been a few friends of mine who have given

me tips and tricks. A large majority of the styles and techniques I use are from learning what

worked out in the field or from people who have given or shown me what they are using.

Once I learned that the steelhead of Lake Michigan stays in our tributaries all year round, I

fell in love with pursuing them. They are not only a fish that can make you dream about the fight

that they produce. Also, they are a fish that everyone can go after. You can pursue them on

watercraft or chase them by land as well. There are two types of fishing I do when I target these

fish. Drift fishing is the number one tactic and the second is using spoons, spinners, jerk baits,

and crankbaits. Here is my drift fishing setup.

The Rod-

The rod I use is the Bass Pro Steelhead series Borealis combo. It is a medium-heavy eight-

foot rod. I love this length of rod because when you need to mend the line for the drift you have

the reach to get that line off the water without disturbing the drift. When you hook up with a fish

the longer rods give you more advantage against the fish. Makes it easier for you to handle them

out of log jams and places where they could break you off. I personally would not go shorter than

eight-foot when it comes to a drift rod.

The Reel-

The reel I have paired with the Borealis rod is the Borealis reel that came with it. It is a

fast-action reel which I love because it helps with fighting the fish. If I do ever toss a moving bait

on the line, the fast action reel helps get the lures moving the way I want them too. The gear ratio

is a 5.0:1 and the size is a 4000 series. This really helps with having a strong reel that is not

going to get the gears burned out when the fight is on.

The Line-

I personally still use fifth teen pound Stren low-vis green monofilament. I have broken

off before, but the only time that has happened is when they have put me in a log jam or rubbed up

against some rocks or structure. I am going to make the switch to Berkely’s Fireline braid due to

the strength of it. I use that line when I’m fishing for largemouth, and I love it.

Total Cost-

So, with the rod and reel being a combo package at Bass Pro you save some money. The

combo runs $69.99. For the wear and tear, I have put it through, and it is still going strong. That

is not a bad price at all for how much I have beaten it up. For the line, if you go with the Stren

mono it is going to run you eight bucks. While the Berkely’s Fire Line is going to run you 15-20

bucks depending on how many yards you get in a spool. So, you are looking at a full setup that

consists of line, rod, and reel for $90 at most.

Not only are you getting one heck of a deal on the setup, but you are also getting a setup

that will last you a long time out in the field and will be putting fish in the cooler. Remember

even if you think you are not going to catch them because of this condition or that condition. You

are only going to truly know if you get out there and fish. Good luck out there in the trout waters

and I hope this has helped you in your decision making.