"COLD" steel

[longfin]

I was wondering what you all feel is the best presentation to steelhead when the water temp is 38 or below?
I like to use silver plated spoons myself.
Another question is should I try to slow the presentation down?

[cuttstosteelies]

bait.......

[dardevle]

Flash and action!

[Juan de Fuca]

I must admit that in years past I had very little luck in water temps below the 40's, and I usually sat it out till the temps increased. I once heard or read, that there is no point in fishing if your guides are icing up. That theory does have its merits, in addition river temp is way more important than air temp, but generally when my guides iced up, I found other activities. Due to weather circumstances this year I have learned that for my purposes the slowest swing I can get on a 2/5ths silver spoon has worked well, even when my guides were icing. I think I got one in 35 degree water, numerous in 36 degree and hooked 3 today in 38 degree water. After watching a few of these hook-ups occur, I have realized I need to slow it down as much as possible as well as cover more water. These fish seem to only react when the silver is within very close range only. The downside is that it takes much more time to cover the water. These results have been on a few different systems too. Under normal circumstances, I have been known to make an upstream toss and "jig' the spoon on retrieve (only when this is the only method to access a particular section, swing is always preferred). I wouldn't waste my time with an upstream toss when the water temp is in the 30's. The effort of a lethargic fish to turn downstream and chase, is probably not happening in 30 degree temps, but I could be wrong.

I even ran floats and jigs/worms through a few slots with no results, then hooked-up when chucking the spoon, 30 seconds later.

I don't often fish metal in other finishes besides matte silver, so I can't comment on other finishes.

With all that said, I am done fishing cold water this year, when it warms I shall retire the gear rod(s) and butcher my river time with fly flinging.

[Brian]

With all that said, I am done fishing cold water this year, when it warms I shall retire the gear rod(s) and butcher my river time with fly flinging

I love it!
Maybe I'll see you out there on some of my favorite fly water this winter Erik!

[Strike Rite Tackle Co.]

I like the dead drift; and it is just that, deadly. You are correct in thinking that you should slow your presentations down. You want to give the fish a good long look at your offering, as well as putting it right in front of them.

[Sky-Guy]

Like others have stated, So far this winter I have found that drifted eggs and spoons work best under the aforementioned conditions. I don't agree with the guides Icing up bit, I had one of my best days this winter a few days before Christmas....all by myself, standing in a 25 degree snowstorm, with a pod of fish in front of me. They bit eggs & spoons just fine.

[riverwader]

I caught one during the last cold spell drifting shrimp with a corkie and one with a silver spinner ,so? Like the one I gave you Brian.

[BigCohoTom]

Slow, silver, spoons !

[Fast- eddy]

I have done my best with Mylar wing Cheaters,in the smallest size available, with a shrimp tail on the hook,drifted as slow as possible and also fishing the late mornings and afternoons when the temperatures are as warm as they will get that day. If in a boat,Plugs can also be effective or bait divers with Spinning Cheaters and bait. 

[Todd]

Silver spoons, 50/50 spoons...slow.  Small baits, deep water.

Fish on...

Todd