Tidewater Steelhead

[Jcolin]

Russians blown so drove north and fished the tidewater of one of the smaller mendo rivers today. Wondering if you guys prefer fishing an incoming or outgoing tide for steelhead? I know the odds arent good but would be awesome to get one so close to the salt. When I worked in southeast Alaska a few summers ago, we’d fish the outgoing tide for steelhead in the tidewater, only hooked 2 in that part of the river but they were definitley memorable fish. Seems like opinions vary from what ive read about the columbia system, so just curious to hear anybody’s take on it more locally.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

In my tide water experience years ago seemed like the fish would get excited, start rolling as the incoming tide got higher then they

would go up stream a ways with the tide. As the tide receded they would come back down to where they originally were holding.

I think they are affected by the full moon and maybe dark of the moon?

I believe February, on average, is the top month for winter SH.

Early and late in the day or fog is good. Low light is good. Use a black fly at this time.

In the daytime use an orange, gold or silver fly.

Seem like they move upstream more and roll more in the morning and evening and probably night time?

[TaylerW]

High slack is always my favorite. When fishing tidewater it seems to create more space around the bar and make it a little safer for the steelhead to cross. When I fished Tillamook I would always try to time my day to hit the afternoon tide. All the boats would put in at first light and be done pretty early. I’d put on later and float farther. By the time I got to the lower end of the beat, the new tide would have a fresh wave of fish in. Not sure if this works on the longer river systems but the river I fished was only about 35 miles till it was a tiny creek.

[avidangler]

In larger streams it is a different ballgame. For small coastal streams, I have found it pays to check it out at all tides and learn it.

[Darian]

Without too many exceptions, on smaller coastal rivers/streams I found that high tide brought in more fish but would allow them to scatter or move straight thru. Going from high to low tide seemed to concentrate the fish in depressions, holes or undercut banks so you could locate where they were and target them. That said, I fished tidewater whenever I had the opportunity regardless of the tides. Didn't catch as many when the tide was high, tho.

[Jcolin]

Very interesting stuff thanks guys, very much appreciate your insight.
Bill i was thinking something similar as far as fly patterns, chose a comet as it seems like anything shrimp like would be appropriate.