Salmon Trout Steelheader Podcast

COHO: Finicky Fish Alternatives - by Terry J. Wiest

There are many ways to fish for coho. Be open to alternative techniques if your go-to method fails! I’ve only listed a few that have been successful to me. You may have better options. The idea is to use the technique the fish want.

In the last column we talked about twitchin’ for coho, which is my absolute favorite method to use for several reasons. But just because it’s my favorite does not mean it’s going to be the most effective when I hit the water. There can be several factors which tells me not to twitch, such as the speed of the current, depth of the hole, bottom structure, or those damn fish just won’t bite my jig! In these circumstances I need to expand my arsenal and figure out the best method and lure for that particular day. If not a jig, that means most likely a spinner or spoon, but there are many different types to choose from so we’ll go through those in this month’s column.

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”In-Betweeners” - The Target Species of Fall (Lucas Holmgren)

There’s those lucky “in-betweeners,” as I wrote about in a recent issue of STS. The times when salmon and steelhead occupy the same river system, at the same time.

The typical “target” species could really be a variety where I live. In South-west Washington I’ve lots of options, from the tidewater of the Columbia River, to the tributaries that flow into it. With that watershed to play with, it’s hard to go anywhere else.

At the same time, though fall can be very productive, it can also be tough to dial in the timing on the fish. Not that you can’t find them, on the contrary, fall salmon are typically the easiest to find as they will usually make themselves known.

Jumping out of the water doesn’t mean biting though. That’s where things get tough.

Remembering Tom Posey of Lamiglas w/ Roger Hinchcliff

Lucas and Roger Hinchcliff remember Tom Posey and talk about their experiences with Tom while working for Lamiglas Inc. Tom was the President of Lamiglas and made a number of changes and updates to the company that revitalized the brand and rods. Tom came from a real estate background and reinvented the brand through innovation and an updated business model. He was a big-time supporter of Salmon Trout Steelheader. Sadly, he passed away in June of 2022. He will be missed.

Steelhead Details w/ Roger Hinchcliff

Talkin' about the almighty steelhead. Roger Hinchcliff of Lamiglas Rods and Steelhead Manifesto is interviewed by Lucas Holmgren about the different traits of steelhead that make them unique, Great Lakes vs Pacific Northwest Steelhead, and beads/jigs/bait. Roger discusses colors, sense of smell, hearing and sight with our favorite fish. Roger is one of the most well-traveled and consistent seminar leaders when it comes to salmon and steelhead fishing. Listen as he has a conversation about his favorite fish.

The Stability Zone for Kings by Matt Straw

The Stability Zone "Shangri-La for Kings" by Matt Straw

 There is another dimension, between time and space, between the swells and the lake’s floor. It’s the middle ground between emptiness and bait. It’s a place called…the Stability Zone.

Learn about King Salmon and Ideal Temperatures for stable salmon fishing.

Browns & Rainbows in Idaho & Montana | Interview w/ Jared Cady

Fish with Jared Cady - www.bigskyanglers.com. Jared talks the techniques and holding water of Brown Trout and Rainbows in storied watersheds like Idaho's Henry's Fork and the Madison River. From the size of the flies to the species of bugs, listen as Jared talks one of the best trout fisheries on planet earth.

Boom or Bust - Salmon Runs & Challenges

Written by Lucas Holmgren, this episode addresses the challenges that Salmon Face just to get back to the spawning redd. This and other articles are available to read on www.salmontroutsteelheader.com

Being a Good Netman - Randy Bonner article

"Being a Good Netman" is an article written by Randy Bonner, author of "The Bead Fishing Bible". Learn a few of the tactics that make for a successful net job when the time comes for you to take that role.

Big Dave Podcast - Early Spring Chinook live at PDX Sportsman’s Show

Lucas caught Big Dave at the Portland Sportsman's Show where he asked Big Dave Manners about Spring Chinook Fishing. 

Fishing & Humility - Why I love Fishing

The reason I love fishing, is it keeps my egotistical ass humble. 

What about you guys? Let us know at customerservice@amatobooks.com

Beyond the Twitch (More than just a Coho Crusher)

From a deadly niche-technique, to a West Coast phenomenon, “Twitching” has added a new tool in many coho (silver) salmon anglers arsenals. This technique has been covered in STS before, and there are many excellent resources to learn more about the basic twitching technique.

Basic Twitching

Here is a quick breakdown of basic twitching.

• Cast into your target water
• Do not allow your jig to hit bottom, instead twitch at least 12 inches from bottom and up.
• Lift the rod tip quickly and drop it immediately. Your line should fall slack for a natural drop. Do not slowly drop your rod tip.
• Reel after the drop and twitch again. If you’re in danger of touching bottom (for instance, when casting upstream) reel in more line. If you’re upstream of your jig, you may not need to reel much at all. Just make sure you don’t let it snag on bottom.
• Cover water quickly and try to cover the hole from a few different angles.

This could be expounded upon dramatically, but let’s move past the standard twitching technique to look at some other ways to fish twitching jigs.

Why change it up? When I started twitching I rarely saw other anglers using the technique (I was the first!!! Just kidding…), but now almost every angler I run into has a rod tied up for twitching. By utilizing some other styles, you can give the fish something different to look at.

Fishing 360 Flashers for Salmon (Interview w/ Tyler Kraft)

An interview with one of the best 360 flasher anglers in the Northwest. Not a guide, just an excellent angler. We talk about the details that makes 360 flashers special. Either Pro-Troll, Shortbus or even the new Brads Flashers....it's an excellent technique to catch loads of chinook and coho on a trolling setup. You can even anchor with a 360! Tyler has figured out the technique and perfected it. He catches loads of fish on the Columbia River with 360 flashers...so listen up!

How to Catch Coho in Low Clear Water | Q&A w/ Lucas

Question & Answer with Lucas. A listener asks about catching Coho Salmon (silvers) in low clear water. It's a great question and has a few answers depending on the conditions. A-Run coho can be notoriously difficult to get to bite, but it can happen.

Between plugs, spoons and a whole lot of repetitive casting you can get a chance, but the later Coho still bite great in low water.

Thanks for the question! Send your questions to customerservice@amatobooks.com - subject: Podcast Question

Close Encounters w/ Bear & Moose - George Joy Interview

The wild Bear Guide from Becharof Lake (Egegik River) area. George Joy has chased Coastal Brown Bears in the Alaska Bristol Bay region - he has had a few close encounters of the bear kind! From hunting the wild Grizzly's of Alaska to Moose hunting in the Alaskan Tundra...guiding Salmon & Commercial Fishing in the Ocean...George is a true outdoorsman who has experienced the wild in a serious way. 

A high-energy guy and the co-owner of Becharof Lodge!

Scott Haugen Interview - Coho Salmon Behavior & Fishing Techniques

A long-time guest of the Becharof Lodge & Egegik River, Scott Haugen (Outdoor TV Personality & Writer) discusses fishing for coho (silver) salmon. Everything from jigs, bait, beads, plugs & more are discussed.

Scott talks about the opportunity to try new things on an especially epic Alaskan River that flows into Bristol Bay. Even though Bristol Bay is known for epic Sockeye Runs...the Coho (Silver) Salmon fishing is World Class!!

Listen as Lucas interviews Scott about the intricacies of fishing coho in the lower 48 and Alaska.

Building A Fishing Lodge on the Best Coho River in the World - Mark Korpi interview

Mark Korpi, co-owner of Becharof lodge, discusses the logisitics of building a fishing lodge in the middle of nowhere, where zero roads and electricity exist. The river has zero habitat interference, and the salmon are ridiculously plentiful. From propane and generators, to hot showers and amazing meals - somehow they make it work!

Listen as Lucas interviews Mark Korpi about the Becharof Lodge on the Egegik River and watch for footage with Scott Haugen on our Youtube channel!

Salmon Temperatures & Triggering Bites w/ Jarod Higginbotham

Big Jarod is a massive resource on salmon and steelhead fishing. In this podcast, we catch Jarod at the NSIA Banquet, talking about salmon fishing and how temperatures affect salmon fishing. All is not lost when temps got too high, you've just got to adjust your program. Listen as Jarod talks about the Yakima Bait Mag Lip and doing R&D fishing with Buzz Ramsey.

Interview w/ Justin Wolff of Angler West TV about Filming Fishing Shows

Justin Wolff has produced close to 500 episodes of Angler West TV - a West Coast fishing favorite on TV and Youtube. His career has brought him all over the world, although he's always loved Salmon, Trout & Steelhead. Listen as Lucas talks to Justin about the opportunities he's had, previous radio shows & what he does behind the scenes to make the show Angler West TV happen.

Check out Justin's store in Woodland Washington - Angler West TV Store which has all sorts of great fishing tackle and bait. Justin is often in the store and you can meet him if you stop by at the right time. Let us know if you enjoy his show!

Nick Amato Interview - Summer Steelhead & Early Fall Salmon

Nick Amato is interviewed about where Summer Steelhead hold in the rivers in early season and dead of summer. Nick discusses his experiences looking for steelhead as well as early Chinook and Coho under low water conditions.

 

Nick is the editor of Salmon Trout Steelheader and Great Lakes Angler Magazine.

Coho & Chinook Movement in Tidewater - Ruben Estavillo Quinault Guide

Ruben Estavillo makes breakfast and talks about the fishing opportunity with Coho and Chinook Salmon on the Quinault Reservation. Ruben has guided the Quinault and Queets for decades and is dialed in on the tidal movements of Coho and Chinook - he discusses those in this short but interesting interview.