Steelhead Stalker Paulownia Wood Float

Float Fishing for Steelhead

The "Steelhead Stalker" floats are very effective for float fishing for steelhead. The basic concept behind drift fishing for steelhead is to use a float to present the bait or jig to the steelhead holding near the bottom in a natrual drift. The Steelhead Stalker floats are attached to your line using 2 o-ring rubber bands allowing you to adjust the depth (distance between the float and the jig or bait) easily until you get the right depth for the water you are fishing.

First, you want to match the Steelhead Stalker float with a jig head of the proper weight. The Steelhead Stalker floats' size designates jig head size you should use. With the proper weight, the Steelhead Stalker should float vertically with the yellow top above the water line. If the jig head is too deep (hitting the bottom) then the Steelhead Stalker will tip over. This indicates that you need to adjust the float so that the jig heads is above the bottom.

Here are some additional tips for drift fishing for steelhead using the Steelhead Stalker floats:

• Use a long rod so that you can keep as much line off the water as possible. You want to present your offering to steelhead in a natural drift. A rod length of 10 to 12 and even 14 feet is not uncommon.
• Learn how to "read the water" of the river you are fishing to determine where the steelhead are likely to be holding.
• Always pair your Steelhead Stalker float with the right size jig head or weight.
• Try using jigs decorated in pinks, reds, and whites.

For more information on float fishing for steelhead, check out Jig Fishing Techniques from Steelhead University.