Trying your hand on trout or steelhead fishing for the first time can be a really great experience, since this type of fish can really put up a spectacular fight. However, if you are harboring notions about getting your fishing gear wet in Alaskan waters as your baptism of fire, you might want to backtrack a bit. Although a 7-pound steelhead may not seem such a big thing to handle, Alaskan trout or steelhead fishing regulations are very stringent; and you need to successfully return your catch to the open waters with minimal damage to the fish.
Try catching first one or two steelheads from a freshwater stream as a practice before moving on to the Alaskan fishing grounds. This way, you have some working knowledge on how to catch, unhook, and release a live one back in the water. Here are some trout or steelhead fishing tips for beginners.
1. Wear the clothes. Naturally, you can wear plain tees and jeans when you fish. You can wear your sneakers and have your iPod attached to your arm as well. However, when the fish starts moving away from the shorelines, and into the deeper waters, then you have nothing but your iPod to keep you company. You do have to remember that when it comes to fishing trout and steelheads, these animals like moving in the coldest parts of the rivers. If you are trying to catch one during the fish's annual migratory runs, then you may need to wade into that water yourself. Try to bring along a good pair of waders, preferably something made from neoprene. A 5-millimeter material should provide you both buoyancy and warmth. Keep the iPod at home. You need to be able to hear your surroundings clearly.
2. Bring the proper equipment. If you are fly fishing for the first time, then bring a 2- handed rod that measures 12 to15 feet as your choice of equipment. You can use the floating lines if you want to fish on the surface (a process called nipping) or use a sinking line if you would rather catch steelheads from the shallower areas of the river (a process called swinging or swinging in a streamer.) Your best lures would be bait made of cured steelhead chunks, salmon eggs, or sand shrimp.
3.You can also use artificial lures that mimic the erratic movements of crustaceans or the colorful outer layers of fish and amphibian eggs. Using nets on these delicate fishes is really never a great option. So in case you were able to snag one, try to keep the fish on the line for as long as possible. This tires the fish out, which makes it easier for you to haul it to the surface.
4. There are two things you might want to do in case the fishes are not biting. One: change positions often. Keep moving to potentially great location. Steelheads are quick to learn which parts of the river usually attract the most predators, and will most likely avoid those areas. If you can wade out into the wade, wade carefully so as not to spook your quarry away. You can also move upstream in case you find yourself in the opposite direction of the water's movements. During the migratory runs, all the fishes will be heading upstream anyway. You might as well wait for them there.
5. Lastly, practice the catch and release fishing method here. You have to remember to keep the fish out of the water for only a short period of time, and handle your catch delicately. It is also essential to keep your hands wet to minimize the friction on the steelhead flesh. Be extra gentle when it comes to removing the hook from the fish's mouthparts. And slide your catch gently back into the water.
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