How to fish Steelhead using spawn bags

I have been getting some questions on how to fish steelhead using spawn bags. There are a number of artificial spawn products being offered. Bottled spawn, colored yarn and rubber eggs just to mention a few. At times they will work. But fresh is always the best. Most sport shops in the areas where the steelhead run will sell pre tied fresh spawn bags. This will get you started. Once you catch a female steelhead you can tie your own bags. I use a salmon colored netting along with some colored Styrofoam pellets. The pellets add some color and help keep it off the bottom a little bit. Rig your line with a slip sinker and a number 4 or 6 bait holder hook. I also use a small split shot in front of the slip singer and give the spawn bag about a foot of free line to the hook.
You can use either fresh salmon eggs or steelhead spawn. I freeze some of the spawn for later use. You can also treat the spawn by mixing it with borax. The borax gives the eggs a rubbery texture which makes them great for single egg use. The picture above will give you an idea of the type of material I use.

Needed:
Netting
Styrofoam pellets-colors your choice
Thread-to tie the bags
Slip sinkers and split shots
Number 4 or 6 bait holder hooks

There are a lot of books written on how to fish steelhead. But sometimes keeping it simple works the best. If the spawn is not working get out the night crawlers. At times they will hit on the crawlers when nothing else will work. If you have any questions put them in the comments area or feel free to email my at larry@fishhuntexplore.com.

For more imformation see my other article on steelhead fishing.

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