4-7-11 WI Tributary Steelhead Action!

The steelhead are definitely on the beds in the southern WI Tributaries. Though this is definitely a year leaving many scratching their heads and wondering when or if the major surge of fish will reach the upper limits of the river.
I was joined by fellow IDO’r Wade B, for a couple days to fish the Pike and Root River in Kenosha and Racine Counties. It was both interesting and puzzling to see the stark contrast of conditions both between the Pike and Root, as well as comparing data to previous years.
In less than 1-1/2 weeks, the Pike went from a high dirty flow and plenty of fish, to a clear running stream. Displayed, was the scattering of empty beds in the gravel with the only disruption coming from schools of suckers making their way up in the pathway of the steelhead that entered the rivers before them. The presence of suckers in the river generally indicates the tail end of the steelhead run. Making the best of the situation, we adopted a game plan to run-n-gun a number of high percentage areas of the river. In doing so, we covered a few miles of river, and found the few available fish. Tromping through fields and woods to seek out areas that was least traveled by other fisherman paid off – but with little dividends. It was very evident the majority of fish in the Pike River had become either a victim of “catch and take” or continued their journey back to the lake. Like every trip out, there is always a highlight. The first morning was no exception as we watched a red fox cross a parkway area and trot across a foot bridge that we had just walked away from.

Needing to get on a better concentration of steelhead, we deserted the Pike and headed up to the Root River. There, very different river conditions were presented. The water level is still above average, and is still slightly dirty.
We started with basic tactics that had been producing well in the prior weeks. Glo-bugs or spawn sac set beneath a float and drifted through the deeper runs. Unlike fishing most rivers, the slack water in a pool usually represents shallow water. These fish are designed to be in fast current, and mostly travel up the main “stream”.

It didn’t take long to identify the steelhead are changing their mindset on the Root also. Drifting spawn, small spinners, hair jigs,… in the pools are all great tactics for fish while making their journey up river. However, when they decide its time to get busy making beds and completing the spawning ritual, presentations change dramatically. During this period, most fish are not actively feeding. They are protecting their beds and generally hitting out of aggression.
We followed suite and changed our presentation to a “spot-n-stalk”. Since the mid 80’s, the Root River has been a very popular destination with many angler. Consequently, these fish also become pressured and extremely spooky as Wade had learned. Knowing the Root as well as I do, we were able to concentrate on a number of areas that frequently get over-looked by other anglers. It appeared as that paid off well for Wade, as he got to observe some very quality fish and a buck mink just doing their thing.

Fly fishing is probably the most popular method used during this period. When I am highly mobile seeking fish, I want to be set up as light and versatile as possible. The preferred gear for me is a 7’6 to 9’ spinning rod in a medium light to medium with a fast tip. Cajun braid in the 10 to 15# with a 8# mono or floro leader. Quality reels with a great drag is highly recommended. I like the Quantum Catalyst 20’s or 30’s for this application. These fish will appear to be worn out and can quickly explode, dancing their way down stream or using the current to their advantage.
Tackle is again kept simple. I like the Gamakatsu #4 split-shot hooks for spawn sacs, a verity of split shots, and small floats. Glo-bugs (yarn fly that represents spawn) in a variety of shades of orange and chartreuse. I have a verity of medium streamer tied in a few key colors. White, black, purple, orange, olive green, and chartreuse are my go-to colors. Close observation of the fish’s body language will indicate what color they want. (To minimize line wear from your float, remove the spring, place two small segments of rubber tubing on your line, and insert the top and bottom of a stick float into the tubing segments)

For anyone that has not fished the tributaries before, the current water levels present a perfect learning opportunity. Beds are very visible, as the debris and silt is fanned away from the gravel. Many are up to 6 feet in length and 3 to 4 feet wide. Quality polarizing glasses like Fitovers are a must have item for sight fishing. When fortunate to identify multiple beds in a concentrated area, it is easy to be entertained. It is fascinating to watch the buck chase other fish away or off of its beds. Much like bedded smallmouth; but on a much, much larger scale.

I never like ending a report on a negative subject. However, I felt compelled to express my thoughts on keeping these fish. It is entirely legal to keep your bag limit, and no one has the right to tell you that you can not. But releasing these fish will give the same opportunity you had to many others. Please consider releasing these fish and only keeping what you may actually need if you desire them for eating. Wade and I walked by an area that had four guys camped out on it. We observed them putting their fish on stringers, and that was perfectly legal. But on our second day, that area had countless number of beds, and not a single fish! This river is a highly pressured waterway, but we can all enjoy it to the fullest extent if catch and release is practiced.