Salmon Trout Steelheader Podcast

An exceptional book by Bill and John McMillan called "May the Rivers Never Sleep" is a detailed dive into Steelhead through photography and written word. This episode, host Lucas Holmgren reads the "May" Chapter about Steelhead spawning behavior and ratios of female to male in resident and anadromous populations. More Steelhead biology for those of us that like to nerd out about fish...because the more we learn, the more interesting they get.

Finesse Salmon Plugging explained - Lucas reads an article from May 2020 issue of STS about fishing smaller plugs for big Chinook. From line angle to the drop-back technique, this is an effective way to get shy Salmon to munch. Read more articles about Salmon techniques on SalmonTroutSteelheader.com

Interview with Trevor Torppa of Chrome City Guide Service LLC - https://chromecityguideservicellc.com/  Discussing the Winter Steelhead and "In-betweener fishing" as well as his Alaska Fishing Guide Service, in Soldotna for Kings, Sockeye, Coho as well as Rainbow's that are gorging on flesh flies and eggs. You'll also hear the results of the January 8th Springer. 

Discussing the unicorn catch with Matt Gohlke of Music World Stores. An incredible surprise while backtrolling for Steelhead turns into what may be the earliest Spring-run Chinook ever recorded in the area. Matt reveals what color caught the fish and we talk about the story of the day, plus hatchery workers insights into why this can happen.

New song releases Tuesday Feb 3! "Doesn't Matter Caught A Fish" previewed in the episode. Search "Lucas Holmgren" on Spotify/Apple Music or other music apps to listen to this song and others. 

Some great moments have happened so far this year Steelhead fishing. In this episode you'll hear a few plus tips to search for Steelhead. Presentations like floated & dragged beads/bait, float fishing jigs/worms are discussed. Packing light vs. heavy on bank trips, fishing on the move and more...By the way - I've got articles in the Salmon Trout Steelheader digital subscription and you can support STS and subscribe for less than 10 bucks! Thank you to everyone who has already subscribed, and thanks in advance to anyone who does. 

Use Code: STSPODCAST to get yourself a year subscription for only 8.99!

https://salmontroutsteelheader.com/products/subscription

A chat with a favorite guide and friend of the hosts. Guide Tyler Kraft of Top Guides NW discusses the Winter Season and his many techniques and approaches to fishing for hatchery and wild Steelhead in the Portland and Vancouver WA area. Long-leader bead rig, spoons...conditions. He can be reached by text or call at 360-335-4664 although he may be on the water. 

Andrew Schnell, one of the most detail-oriented Steelhead anglers in the Northwest, discusses early Winter Steelhead tactics with Lucas Holmgren. Andrews techniques have paid off with incredible numbers and quality of fish all over Oregon and Washington. Soft beads, leader lengths and more discussed. Use code STSPODCAST on www.salmontroutsteelheader.com for an epic discount on the digital magazine subscription. 

Use Code: STSPODCAST to get yourself a year subscription for only 8.99!

https://salmontroutsteelheader.com/products/subscription

An interview with Tony Amato, multi-talented media producer for Salmon Trout Steelheader & Great Lakes Angler. Tony has done everything from magazine and book layout (many legendary fishing books - and the little Powerbait book I made) to producing STS Youtube videos and digital media.

 

For decades, Tony has been behind-the-scenes making fishing media non-stop that we all get to enjoy. Listen to Tony speak about early days fishing with his father Frank Amato and brother Nick Amato, as well as a bit about media production and a fateful day when a bird decided to end his drone trip!

 

For anyone who enjoys this podcast - your support of STS means the world to us - please use the code STSPODCAST and get a years subscription, access to articles from me and many other talented writers.

Article from Great Lakes Angler magazine about plugs used for Salmon Trout and Steelhead. Mark Romanack is the host of Fishing 411 TV and a plug fishing expert. Article read by Lucas Holmgren. Subscribe to Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader for on-demand articles you can read or listen to on your computer or phone anytime.

Access exclusive fishing masterclasses and more here: https://anchoredoutdoors.com/plans/premium-insiders/

In this interview with April Vokey, she discusses everything from Atlantic Salmon to Summer & Winter Run Steelhead in British Columbia.

April is the host of the Anchored Podcast and has featured on a multitude of media including Salmon Trout Steelheader with a cover photo and writing for the magazine. Learn more about the behaviours and bite tendencies of these legendary Canadian Steelhead.

Interviewed by Lucas Holmgren. 

https://aprilvokey.com/podcast/ 

In this article Bill Herzog wrote, host Lucas Holmgren reads Bill's thoughts on the higher but warmer water conditions of 2024 - such a contrast to 2025 Summer Steelhead. In it you'll hear about spoon and spinner selections as well as the unique conditions and holding water Summers chose during those conditions. In 2025, it's a completely different ballgame, but these conditions could come again - and it's a great reminder not to overlook non-traditional Steelhead water.

Check out the "Throat Ticklers" from River City Fishing Products for a plastic shrimp lure with amazing movement.

A beach fishing trip turns into an impromptu interview with the owner of Addicted Fishing and long-time friend of STS Podcast Host. Marlin Lefever talks specifics of plunking and running lines for Sockeye Salmon, specific to the Columbia River. From spin-n-glo colors to dropper lengths, bait and travel lanes, Marlin gives insight into how to catch more Sockeye from the bank. Also discussed are the state of Steelhead fisheries, reminiscing of epic Summer-run Steelhead Fishing as well as a brand new drop coming from Addicted Fishing. 

Light penetration and color selection for lures is discussed in this article by Capt. Mike Schoonveld. Host Lucas Holmgren reads this Great Lakes Angler article - pertinent to Chinook, Coho, Brown Trout, Steelhead and many more species.

Host Lucas Holmgren reads a few sections from a biological paper about Salmon migration & spawning temperatures. Discussing optimal conditions for each species. 

Brought to you by https://thefurnitureshackstore.com/  This article, written by Bill Herzog is about fishing spinners for Trout in streams. It works for Rainbows, Cutthroat, Cutbows and Brown Trout alike and discusses Bill's favorite - the Rooster Tail. Also - hear a sneak preview of "Steelhead Highway" acoustic take - which you can listen to on Youtube, just search Lucas Holmgren or view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBuTq5vDKZI&list=RDhBuTq5vDKZI

To celebrate 100 episodes of the STS Podcast, I've recorded interviews with Bill Herzog, Frank Amato, Brandon Powers and Tyler Kraft. Thanks to everyone for listening and apologies for my constant interruptions of "wow" and "absolutely" - but I wanted to put together a longer episode that covers Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. Hear about Canadian Steelhead, spoon fishing tips, fishing for Trout with jigs, Winter Steelhead 24/25 report, Springer fishing tips & depths to target. Hope you enjoy! - Lucas

An off-the-cuff interview with The Closer himself, Roger Hinchcliff. Lucas Holmgren interviews Roger on the phone about Steelhead Jig Fishing and differences/similarities between Great Lakes and PNW jigs, with a few extra tips and tricks regarding water temperature. From Marabou to tube jigs - Roger discusses the almighty jig.

Going back to 1989, Lucas Holmgren reads Bill Herzogs article about catching several Steelhead over 20 pounds! Read more articles on www.salmontroutsteelheader.com and pick up a book about the Babine on www.amatobooks.com 

 

Thanks to the Furniture Shack for sponsoring this podcast.

He's back from South of the Equator, Jordan Knigge gives us an update on fishing for trophy Chinook Salmon in South America. From the lures they've been keying in on, to the changes in water temperature this year, the exploration and guided adventures are the new destination for GIANT Kings! 

Yet another informative Matt Straw treatise on the role of trees in the development of riparian flood plains and even fish food. From drift techniques near the wood, to the amount of insects/bugs that use overhangs and feed fish, Matt Straw's GLA article is full of goodies & info.