Best Knots for Steelhead Fishing

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return to freshwater rivers to spawn, entering coastal rivers primarily in winter (winter run) and summer and fall (summer run). They are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in freshwater North America, combining the power of a large trout with the condition of a fish fresh from the Pacific Ocean or Great Lakes. The fishery spans rivers from Northern California to Alaska, across Idaho and British Columbia, and throughout the Great Lakes system. This guide covers the best knots for every steelhead technique.

Steelhead at a Glance

The Steelhead Knot System

Knots by Steelhead Technique

Drift Fishing with Roe and Yarn

Drift fishing is the foundational steelhead technique — presenting roe (cured salmon or steelhead eggs), yarn flies, or ghost shrimp along the bottom of current seams and tailouts where steelhead rest on their upstream migration.

Setup:

• 10-20lb braid main line
• 3-5 foot leader of 8-15lb fluorocarbon
• Split shot or pencil lead on a dropper 8-12 inches above the hook
• Size 2-4 single hook for roe and yarn, 1/0 for shrimp

Terminal knot: Palomar Knot for most hooks. For very light tippet (8-10lb fluoro on a size 6 hook), the Improved Clinch Knot is easier to tie on small hook eyes.

Leader-to-braid: FG Knot pre-tied at home. Carry extra 3-5 foot leaders tied to a small barrel swivel — if you break off the leader in a snag, clip on a new leader and swivel using an Alberto Knot in the field.

Float (Bobber) Fishing

Float fishing for steelhead — particularly with a centerpin reel — allows a completely natural drift through long runs and pools. The float suspends bait or jigs at the exact depth of the holding fish.

Setup:

• 8-12lb monofilament (centerpin) or 10-15lb braid (spinning)
• Slip float with bobber stop set at the correct depth
• 12-18 inch leader of 8-12lb fluorocarbon below the terminal weight
• Size 2-4 hook with roe or a 1/8-1/4oz jig

Terminal knot: Palomar Knot for hooks and jigs.

Jig fishing under a float: Small 1/8-1/4oz marabou or rubber jigs in pink, white, or cerise are highly effective steelhead presentations. The Palomar Knot keeps the jig head aligned for proper swimming action on the drop.

Back-Bouncing

Back-bouncing is a river boat technique where the sinker touches bottom in the current and is lifted and allowed to bounce downstream, presenting bait to holding fish at the bottom of deep current seams.

Setup: Same as drift fishing but with heavier pencil lead (1-3oz) to maintain bottom contact in fast, deep water.

Fly Fishing for Steelhead

Fly fishing for steelhead is divided into two distinct styles: swinging flies through runs with a two-handed spey rod, and nymphing with an indicator (similar to trout nymphing with a strike indicator).

Swinging:

The classic steelhead technique. A large streamer or intruder pattern is cast across the current at a downstream angle and allowed to swing through the run as the current bends the line. Takes are hard, pulling strikes.

• Leader: 9-12 foot sink-tip or floating leader, 12-15lb fluorocarbon tippet
• Fly knot: Non-Slip Loop Knot — gives large intruder patterns and tube flies maximum movement in the water
• Leader butt: Perfection Loop for loop-to-loop connection to the fly line

Nymphing with indicator:

Presents egg patterns, stonefly nymphs, and small flesh flies under a strike indicator at a precise depth through likely holding water.

• Leader: Standard 9-foot tapered leader, 10-12lb tippet
• Fly knot: Improved Clinch Knot or small loop for egg patterns
• Tippet extension: Surgeon’s Knot (quick) or Blood Knot (slimmer)

Steelhead Setup by Technique

Winter Drift Fishing Setup

Summer Low-Water Float Setup

Steelhead Fly Swinging Setup

Related Guides

• Best Knots for Salmon Fishing — salmon share rivers and many techniques with steelhead
• Best Knots for Trout Fishing — the trout knot system applies to many steelhead presentations
• Best Knots for Fly Fishing — complete fly fishing knot system for spey and indicator fishing