Spring-run steelhead can be difficult to catch in rivers when flows run high and dirty. In high water, steelhead tend to hold longer in areas of reduced current such as the inside turn on a bend, the slow side of a long run, a shallow flat out of the main flow, or any other type of current break. Most high water situations call for bottom rigs. A simple rig consists of a #2 to #4 hook tied to the mainline with shot placed on the line about 18 inches up from the hook. Bait the hook with bright colored eggs or a steelhead worm and work the baits along bottom in likely locations. To fish flats, try bright softbaits on a 1/8- to 1/4- ounce jig below a float.
