Steelhead Fisherman

[Fly Guy]

OK Steely guys I need help.

This November I'm hoping to start steelhead fishing on the Salmon River. I think I'm going to get a guide for my first trip. I read on a site that you should wear bootfoot waders instead of stocking foot waders a few sizes to big for more insulated layers.

I have stocking foot waders now and I really didn't want boot foot waders and I also wear size 13 boots and have a hard time to find a few sizes to big.

So what type of waders do you guys wear? Thanks

Jeremy

BTW, how cold is the water in November in the Salmon.

 

[coloradoguide]

I guide steelhead fly only trips based out of Erie, PA, and have fished the Salmon river extensively. If you have the means to get out to Erie I highly suggest it. The steelhead run in the salmon simply does not begin to compare to anywhere on the lake erie tributaries. If you do go to the salmon, i would suggest hiring a guide out of whitaker's sports or Dave Barber.
As far as gear goes, typical breathable waders with heavy fleece pants over expedition weight capilene long underwear, smartwool (walmart equivalent is best) socks with liners, and boots nice and loose. Hardcore winter guys upsize boots one size or switch to bootfoots. I hate neoprene as i like to walk the creek but they are warm so long as u dont sweat.
The best way to obtain all of this frozen fisherman gear is at a good army surplus store. They have the exact same shit as patagonia or simms for WAY less money. Any other questions feel free to give me a ring. Matt Ippoliti, 917 715 3424... I have over 1200 days fishing for steelhead on great lakes tributaries....

 

[Fly Guy]

Thanks. I may give you a call. A friend of mine was there and may go with me but I think a guide would help for the first time. Thanks

Jeremy

 

[FishingForTurds]

I have a large foot, usually a 14, and I find the Simms Freestones run big. I can fit my foot with a heavy sock and stocking foot waderers in a 13 very confortably. Good luck

 

[Fly Guy]

Thanks Fishin, I usually wear a 14 wading shoe too. I'll try the Freestones.

Jeremy

 

[flyman23]

This past season was the first time I used breathables in the winter, ( I've been using some old bootfoot neoprenes). I ordered my wading boots 2 sizes larger than my shoe size and needed the room. 2 heavy pair of socks and my feet would get a little cold if I stayed in one place for a long time. Not a big problem I like to move around and my legs were fine with several layers. If going with stocking foots I would try on boots with several pairs of socks, you need the room for layers and it's important to have room for your toes to move. Hope this helps.

 

[Corndog]

I'd see if CTobias will take you out. You will learn as much and catch as many as with a guide.

The coldest water temps I've measured was around 36 degrees. I fished every other weekend up there last season from Nov. to Apr. Never took a reading much colder than that.

As for waders...I always wear stocking foot neos (3-5mm). Go to Cabellas and get their Wool wader socks (the ones that go up to your knees) and a pair of wickaway sock liners. Also, buy a set of Armour Under pants and shirt. You will stay warm just fine. As for boots, go a size larger so they will not be tight on your feet.

Cdog

 

[CTobias]

The steelhead run in the salmon simply does not begin to compare to anywhere on the lake erie tributaries (maybe that's because they stock almost a million steelhead)

Of course it doesn't compare. Lake Erie doesn't stock salmon, so they only stock steelhead. Fishing out there is alright if you like catching small steelhead, but you wont get the size at all like the Salmon River has. Here is my proof. Look at these pictures and tell me which fish you would rather catch.

Now granted you have a better chance of catching a natural reproduction steelhead out there, but the SR I feel is a much more challenging river system to fish.

Anyways on to answer your question, I wear SIMMS Muckboots in the winter. My feet never get cold. I do wear my stocking foots once in a while when I am going to be walking a lot. It's all about layering. I usually have one moisture whicking layer followed by a two layers of fleece on my legs. I wear a wool sweater and fleece jacket over it on really cold days. If you are going to be in the water for a good portion of the day, you are going to want boot foot waders. I have seen the water at 33 degrees. The one nice thing about fishing for steelhead in the winter, is you don't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn. I usually don't get on the water until around 7:30 or 8:00. There are a lot of guides up on the SR, but only a few I would personally recommend. Shoot me a PM and I can get you the contact info for some of the better fly fishing guides up there. I know an excellent guide for Spey fishing.

 

[Fly Guy]

Thanks Cdog. I wasn't sure if he would take a newbe out. I'll get in touch with him. I'm hoping for shore trip since I don't have a drift boat.

Jeremy

 

[troutbum2live]

Of course it doesn't compare. Lake Erie doesn't stock salmon, so they only stock steelhead. Fishing out there is alright if you like catching small steelhead, but you wont get the size at all like the Salmon River has. Here is my proof. Look at these pictures and tell me which fish you would rather catch.

Now granted you have a better chance of catching a natural reproduction steelhead out there, but the SR I feel is a much more challenging river system to fish.

Anyways on to answer your question, I wear SIMMS Muckboots in the winter. My feet never get cold. I do wear my stocking foots once in a while when I am going to be walking a lot. It's all about layering. I usually have one moisture whicking layer followed by a two layers of fleece on my legs. I wear a wool sweater and fleece jacket over it on really cold days. If you are going to be in the water for a good portion of the day, you are going to want boot foot waders. I have seen the water at 33 degrees. The one nice thing about fishing for steelhead in the winter, is you don't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn. I usually don't get on the water until around 7:30 or 8:00. There are a lot of guides up on the SR, but only a few I would personally recommend. Shoot me a PM and I can get you the contact info for some of the better fly fishing guides up there. I know an excellent guide for Spey fishing.

There goes CT PIMPIN' the Salmon again...uking-smiley:


I bet you and Rick Kustich don't get along do you?



Erie is fun, Salmon is rewarding.

 

[CTobias]

Salmon River Fish

Erie Fish

 

[CTobias]

There goes CT PIMPIN' the Salmon again...uking-smiley:


I bet you and Rick Kustich don't get along do you?



Erie is fun, Salmon is rewarding.

Haha. I pimp the SR like he pimps the CATT.

 

[coloradoguide]

I agree with CT on most of his points about the Salmon River. It is more challenging, has bigger average fish, and is absolutely gorgeous. Ohio in the spring has enormous fish on average, and all the proof anyone needs is to look at the Grand River Tackle contest results. A 15 pounder would not even put a guy in the top 30 most years. From a guide's perspective Erie offers incredible numbers and easier fishing for beginner steelheaders. As I am a three season guide who does 200+ trips a year, my priority is to put my people on fish. I love the Salmon and Oswego Rivers, especially with a two hander, but the average customer just cant get it done on those rivers with a great deal of success.
CT you ever go up there for Skamanias in the summer? If you do let me know, i go a couple times a year and its getting better...

 

[RIVERPLATE]

Is that Tom Hanks with the blue & yellow rainjacket holding up a steelie:boxing:?

 

[jamiep]

Is that Tom Hanks with the blue & yellow rainjacket holding up a steelie:boxing:?

oh shit that was funny

 

[CTobias]

I agree with CT on most of his points about the Salmon River. It is more challenging, has bigger average fish, and is absolutely gorgeous. Ohio in the spring has enormous fish on average, and all the proof anyone needs is to look at the Grand River Tackle contest results. A 15 pounder would not even put a guy in the top 30 most years. From a guide's perspective Erie offers incredible numbers and easier fishing for beginner steelheaders. As I am a three season guide who does 200+ trips a year, my priority is to put my people on fish. I love the Salmon and Oswego Rivers, especially with a two hander, but the average customer just cant get it done on those rivers with a great deal of success.
CT you ever go up there for Skamanias in the summer? If you do let me know, i go a couple times a year and its getting better...

I try to get on the SR at least twice a week. Still haven't hit any skamanies this year. Lots of little rainbows and atlantics.