If you enjoy fishing for steelhead, using a bead is a great way to catch steelhead. We all know that steelhead like eating loose, single eggs. Bead fishing for steelhead mimics a single egg drifting out of the riffles. In this article, we describe in detail how to use this technique in your river.
What is Bead Fishing for Steelhead?
At its core, bead fishing for steelhead involves using small, round beads to mimic fish eggs or other natural food sources. These beads are typically made of plastic, glass, or wood and are rigged in a way that presents them naturally in the water column. The bead is attached to the line above the hook. When a steelhead eats the bead, the hook is pulled through the mouth.
Why Bead Fishing Works for Steelhead
The Science Behind the Technique
Bead fishing for steelhead is so effective because it taps into the fish’s instincts. Steelhead, like many salmonids, are drawn to eggs as a high-energy food source. A well-presented bead triggers a response in steelhead, often triggering strikes from fish that aren’t even feeding.
The key lies in the bead’s appearance and movement in the water. A properly sized and colored bead, drifting naturally with the current, looks almost identical to a real egg tumbling along the river bottom. Drifting is the best way to present the bead to steelhead.
Advantages over Traditional Methods
Bead fishing offers several advantages over traditional steelhead techniques:
- Versatility: Beads can be effective in various water conditions, from crystal clear to slightly stained. However, clear water is the best.
- Precision: You can target specific depths and holding areas with pinpoint accuracy. You can even site fish using this technique
- Less Harmful: When rigged correctly, bead fishing often results in hooksets in the corner of the mouth, reducing deep hooking.
- Customizable: With a wide range of sizes, colors, and rigging methods, you can adapt to any situation. You can also choose a variety of different materials for the bead.
Essential Gear for Bead Fishing Steelhead
To get started with bead fishing for steelhead, you’ll need some specific gear. Let’s break it down:
Gear Used While Bead Fishing for Steelhead
| Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rod | 9-11 ft Medium-Light to Medium Power | Long rods help with casting and line control, ideal for drift and float fishing. |
| Reel | Spinning or Centerpin Reel | Spinning reels offer versatility; centerpin reels provide superior drift control. |
| Line | 8-12 lb Monofilament or 10-20 lb Braided | Monofilament provides stretch, while braid offers sensitivity and strength. |
| Hooks | Size 6-12 Single Hooks | Smaller hooks improve hooksets and presentation for bait and beads. |
| Floats | Slip Floats or Fixed Floats | Essential for float fishing, keeping bait at the right depth. |
| Steelhead Beads | Used in Bead Fishing for Steelhead | Natural presentation in an artificial bait |
Rigging Up for Bead Fishing Steelhead
There are two main ways to rig beads for steelhead fishing: the pegged method and the sliding method. Each method has a time and place on the river. You must take into consideration what the fish want as well. Let’s look at both:
The Pegged Bead Setup
This is the most common rigging method for bead fishing steelhead. Here’s how to do it:
- Thread your mainline through a bead.
- Tie on a hook (size 6-10 octopus or egg hook works well).
- Slide the bead down to about 1-2 inches above the hook.
- Use a toothpick or rubber peg to secure the bead in place.
The pegged method keeps your bead in a fixed position relative to your hook, which can lead to more hookups.
The Sliding Bead Method
For a more natural presentation, try the sliding method:
- Tie a small bead or plastic tube to your mainline as a stopper.
- Thread on your bead.
- Tie on your hook.
This allows the bead to slide freely on your line, which can look more natural as it drifts.
Techniques for Bead Fishing Steelhead
Now that you’re rigged up, it’s time to get fishing! Success in bead fishing for steelhead comes down to three key factors: reading the water, presentation, and strike detection.
Reading the Water
Steelhead typically hold in areas where they can rest while expending minimal energy. Look for:
- Seams between fast and slow water
- Behind large rocks or other obstructions
- In deeper pools, especially during midday or in colder conditions
- Along undercut banks
Presentation Tactics
The goal is to achieve a natural drift. Your bead should move at the same speed as the current, just like a real egg would. This often means mending your line to prevent drag. Practice different mending techniques to keep your bead drifting naturally through likely holding spots.
Strike Detection and Setting the Hook
Steelhead takes on beads can range from subtle to aggressive. Watch your line for any unnatural movement or stoppage. When you suspect a bite, a quick, firm lift of the rod is usually all it takes to set the hook.
What Season is Best for Steelhead Fishing
Steelhead behavior changes with the seasons, and your bead fishing tactics should too. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:
Fall Tactics
In the fall, focus on imitating salmon eggs. Fresh-run steelhead are often aggressive, so don’t be afraid to use larger beads (10-12mm) in bright colors like orange or pink.
Winter Approaches
As water temperatures drop, slow down your presentation. Use smaller beads (8mm) in more subdued colors. Fish deeper pools and runs where steelhead conserve energy. The river pools are more clear in the winter.
Spring Techniques
Spring often brings higher, colored water. Use larger, brighter beads to help steelhead locate your offering. Focus on areas where fish might be staging before spawning. The rivers are typically elevated and stained in the spring.
Bead fishing for steelhead is more than just a technique – it’s an art form. Using this quick guide, you now have the tools to try this on your own. Use the gear chart to browse tackle needed to bead fish for steelhead trout.