Fishing for Steelhead in the Great Pacific Northwest

Every year the fish return to the various streams to spawn and give anglers the thrill of catching trophy-sized sports fish. From the Snake River to the Lower Columbia and many smaller rivers that lace through the state, trolling the beautiful waters is a relaxing way to experience the thrill of the catch.

Rivers

Anglers have a good chance of catching steelhead in all of the rivers in Washington. Some rivers are better than others are though, and many have a big reputation for larger than average steelheads. The Cowlitz River, and Tokul Creek located on the Snoqualmie River become quite crowded during steelhead seasons because those areas have a reputation for record sized fish.

Guides

Guides are a great help, especially when fishing unknown waters. They know the best places to find steelhead, what works and what doesn't for attracting the fish, and you won't waste time finding camp, setting up, or have to worry about finding your way out of the wilderness alone. There are guides at all of the river locations in Washington.

Licensing

Anyone 15 or older must have a fishing license in Washington state for ordinary fishing. However, everyone, even children under 15 must complete their own "catch record card" for steelhead, and some other regulated fish. Your catch record card will arrive with your license. You must return it no later than April 30, even if you do not fish, or did not catch fish during the season. In addition, if you lose your catch record card you must report it stolen to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rules and limits on steelhead and other fish in the Washington waters change frequently. Consult the DFW (Department of Fish and Wildlife) before each outing for the latest information on the location you want to fish.

Trolling From a Boat

Trolling is a slow moving method of traveling bait through the water onboard a boat. Most boats employ special motors specifically for that purpose as they move at a much slower pace than the average running motor of the boat.

Manual Trolling Techniques

Trolling techniques differ when on shore. On a boat a motor does the work for you, but if you do not have a trolling motor, or you are fly-fishing from the shore you can still employ trolling methods manually. Cast the line and wait for it to get to the bottom of the river. Slowly reel the line in, preferably at a speed slower than the river's current. This technique becomes more important in the many areas of Washington rivers inaccessible by boat.