Early Season BC Winter-Run Steelhead Float Fishing

December 1st marks the beginning of Winter Steelhead season here at the store, signalling their presence in our local waters. However, this isn’t typically the peak time for Winter Steelhead fishing. Most river systems see stronger runs toward the end of December or early January. That said, this is the perfect time to scout the rivers you plan to fish throughout the season. Seasonal changes like the Summer Freshet or Fall rains can alter a river's dynamics—depths shift, and certain areas transform. The more familiar you are with these changes, the higher your chances of success.

Putting in time on the water early in the season not only sharpens your skills but also builds confidence, setting you up for peak season success. Steelhead fishing is often referred to as a “game of inches” for a reason—every factor, from water conditions to presentation, matters. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are, the better your results will be. In this article, we’ll break down strategies to help you become a more effective early-season angler and, ultimately, a more skilled Steelhead fisherman overall.

Effort, motivation, focus, confidence, and time—these five principles are the foundation of success in Steelhead fishing, particularly during the early season. Remember them, practice them, and you’ll see a notable difference in your results. In the world of Winter Steelhead fishing, 10% of anglers catch 90% of the fish, and this is especially true during the early season.

 Early-season fishing for Steelhead can be challenging. The weather is often unpredictable, river conditions can be tough, and fish are typically scarce. To maximize your chances, it is best to put in a full day of fishing and cover as much water as possible. Steelhead, especially early in the season, can be found in nearly any type of water at any given time. While there are areas where they are more likely to hold, their movements are often unpredictable.

 When working a stretch of river, focus on slower-moving, walking-pace water, but don’t overlook faster troughs or shallow pocket water. The key is to cover all types of water. Start at the top of your chosen stretch, casting close to the shore and gradually working your way farther out. At the same time, move downstream, taking a few steps after every couple of casts. If you feel you haven’t thoroughly covered an area, suspect a fish might be present, or believe you missed a bite, don’t hesitate to repeat the process. Often, additional casts or a change in presentation can entice a strike.

If you think you’ve missed a fish, try varying your approach. Cast multiple times into the same spot, and if there’s still no bite, switch to a different lure or bait. This change frequently triggers a response from the fish. Early-season Steelhead are often aggressive—they’re fresh and haven’t been exposed to many presentations yet. With persistence and a methodical approach, you’ll improve your chances of success.

When targeting early-season fish, focus less on the specific lure or bait you’re using and more on the water you’re covering. Standard presentations will usually work during this time, but they’re rarely the deciding factor in whether a fish strikes or not. Early-season fish are often eager biters, and many will take your offering on the first drift through their holding spot. If you don’t hook them on the first attempt, don’t worry—they’re likely to bite again. Based on water conditions like height and clarity, we recommend using brighter, medium-to-large presentations to draw their attention.

The most critical factor for success in this fishery, however, is fishing at the *correct depth*. One common mistake we see is anglers fishing too deep for the section of water they’re targeting. Remember, you don’t need to drag your gear along the bottom to catch steelhead, especially early in the season. While steelhead typically hold close to the bottom, they’ll often rise to strike your presentation. The ideal depth is about one foot off the bottom. This approach maximizes your chances of hooking fish while avoiding the risk of snagging or spooking them by scraping your gear along the riverbed.

What to Use

Plastic/Artificial Baits:

• Plastic Eggs: Troutbeads, Mad River Eggs, BNR Soft Beads, Cleardrift Soft Beads, Mad River Soft Beads
• Rubber Worms: Hawkeye Worms, Mad River Steelhead Worms, Cleardrift Ultra-Light Steelhead Worms, Cleardrift Dirty Worms 
• Jigs
• Yarn/Wool (Pink, Cerise, Chartreuse, Orange, Fire Red): The Bug Shop Glo Bug Yarn
• Blades/Spinners (Silver, Gold, Multi-Colours):  Compleat Genuine Silver Dimpled Colorado Blades, Compleat Angler Genuine Gold Dimpled Colorado Blades, Compleat Angler Copper Colorado Blades, Gibbs Colorado Blade, 

Natural Baits:

• Roe
• Roe Bags
• Shrimp
• Prawns (Raw or Cooked)
• Ghost Shrimp

Float Fishing Set-Ups

Early-season BC steelhead fishing offers an opportunity to target these iconic fish in their pristine winter habitats. With the right gear, techniques, and a strategic approach, anglers can maximize their chances of success while enjoying the beauty of British Columbia’s rivers. Whether you're a seasoned steelheader or new to the sport, the early season promises an unforgettable adventure. Ready to gear up and hit the water? 

Increase your odds by signing up to our Winter Steelhead Gear Fishing Class with intructor Andrew Redmont.