Though it looks like we will finally get some rain and warmer temperatures by mid-week, there is still at least a day, maybe two, of ultra-low, clear, and cold water steelheading to be done. And, no doubt, we'll face these conditions again before too long anyway.
I thought an interesting question might be: what hardware do you like to throw when the water gets like this?
For jigs, drift gear, and bait, the rule seems to be "go smaller" (I definitely use lighter jig heads, though still fairly thick plumage). For spinners, though, I've always heard just the opposite. This probably goes back to Davis' book, where, if I'm remembering correctly, he specifically addresses low, clear, and cold water, saying that big and bright is still the way to go, noting that sunlight only sweetens the deal from his perspective.
I know there was a fair bit of discussion on the Davis book awhile back, and I think I've concluded that he overgeneralizes some topics. I'm just not sure if this is one of them. I've been sticking to #4 silver spinners for the most part this winter (kind of going by Davis), and I've definitely been hooking up, but, like always, I've found myself wondering if I'm fishing as effectively as I could be.
Some guys might even use a #5 silver under these conditions, but there really just isn't enough water in my stream to allow for that without hanging up frequently. Conversely, one of the best spinner fishermen I know will drop down to a #3 brass without hesitation, even a #3 tarnished brass in sunlight, and he's hooked a lot of fish doing it.
Of course, then,as with most methods in a certain condition, a number of variants will work. But, in your experience, which one works best? I don't have enough experience with spoons to address that one, but you guys that do, feel free, and relate it to spinners if you're so inclined.
Thanks!
Andrew
