Thanks to sponsor Wild for Salmon

If you can’t make it to Washington’s rivers to catch your own salmon, I’ve got you covered. Check out Wild for Salmon—an amazing company that ships fresh, sustainably caught salmon right to your door; be sure to use the discount code ChefCorso2024.

The Quest for Washington Wild Salmon

Meeting up with my guide, the host of Hook, Line, and History, I knew I was in for a treat. She's lived in the area for years, deeply connected to the land and its waters, and knows the ins and outs of fishing in these parts. We set off on a bumpy, overgrown road—a real Pacific Northwest experience! But the destination made it all worth it: the mighty Queets River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, where wild coho salmon are making their annual journey to spawn.

This time of year, the river is calm, wide, and teeming with life. You can feel the energy of the fish as they prepare for their upstream migration, and I couldn’t wait to get my line in the water.

Spinner Fishing: My First Time!

Fishing is not new to me, but spinner fishing was a whole new ballgame. My guide explained the technique—using spinners with a weighted body and blade to attract the salmon. The crazy Alberto knot was our secret weapon, helping me cast with precision. It was a blast learning the nuances of the gear, but honestly, just standing in the river, feeling the current, was an experience in itself.

With every cast, the anticipation built. The spinner would cut through the water, and my heart raced every time I heard a splash. Then it happened—fish on! Unfortunately, it wasn't a salmon…it was a classic trout, which was still a good eater and a keeper.

Preparing Pan-Seared Trout with a Chef’s Twist

Once we had our catch—beautifully cleaned and prepped—it was time for my favorite part: cooking. We kept it simple, using ingredients anyone would likely have at home. A quick, easy sauce with cilantro, honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt was the perfect complement to our pan-seared trout. The key to cooking outside is keeping it fuss-free yet delicious, and this dish was just that.

While the fish cooked, the scent filled the air—pure heaven. I had also foraged some wild blackberries earlier, and their sweet, tart flavor paired perfectly with the richness of the trout. A squeeze of lemon and the berry garnish and we were ready to eat.

A Catch and Cook Meal to Remember

Sitting on the riverbank, sharing this freshly cooked trout, we honored the fish and the land it came from. The fish was delicate, flavorful, and had no “fishy” taste—just the clean, fresh essence of the Pacific Northwest. The bright pop of the berries added a refreshing contrast, making every bite feel like a celebration of the natural world around us.

As a chef, I always aim to connect people to their food. This experience was about more than just catching and cooking—it was about embracing the place, the culture, and the history of the Pacific Northwest. For me, this is the magic of cooking outdoors. Every meal becomes an adventure, and every bite tells a story.

Order Wild for Salmon

If you can’t make it to Washington’s rivers to catch your own salmon, I’ve got you covered. Check out Wild for Salmon—an amazing company that ships fresh, sustainably caught salmon right to your door; be sure to use the discount code ChefCorso2024. You can have that wild, fresh taste of the Pacific Northwest in your own kitchen. Whether it’s black cod, coho, or king salmon, they’ve got it all. And trust me, it’s way better than what you’ll find at most grocery stores.

This trip to the Queets River reminded me why I love what I do. From the thrill of the catch to the joy of preparing a simple, fresh meal and sharing the experience with a new friend. I can’t wait to head out on my next adventure, learn more, and, of course, cook up something delicious along the way. Until next time, happy cooking!

Honey Dijon Sauce

• Cilantro – 1/2 C
• Honey – 1/4 C
• Dijon Mustard – 1/4 C
• Lemon juice – 1/4 C
• Salt – to taste
• Optional – Garlic Powder – 1/2 tsp
• Scale up as needed

The post Catch and Cook Wild Trout appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Master float fishing with jigs remains a highly effective method, especially for newer anglers looking to hook into their first steelhead. In this guide, I dive into the essentials of float fishing with jigs for steelhead. It is of my opinion that mastering this foundational technique both hands you an effective method NOW and will give you a foundational advantage as you progress and begin to include other skills.

Understanding Steelhead Behavior

Before we delve into the specifics of float fishing with jigs, it's crucial to understand the behavior of steelhead. These anadromous rainbow trout spend most of their lives in the ocean before returning to freshwater rivers to spawn. During their migration, they seek out safe passage as they return to their spawning grounds which includes coverage, structure, oxygen-rich holding spots, and movement driven by river volume and weather. Understanding these factors will help you pinpoint where steelhead are likely to hold in a river.

Choosing the Right Gear

Float fishing with jigs requires specialized gear to effectively present your bait to steelhead. Here's what you'll need:

Rod and Reel

Opt for a medium or moderate action rod, around 9 to 10 feet in length, paired with a quality reel capable of holding 8 to 12-pound test line. I advise getting accustomed to a casting rod/reel set up, but more important use what you will feel confident with.

Floats for Fishing Steelhead

The right float, while in action, provides key information you need aside from the obvious bobber-down. The float tells you if your presentation is set too deep and it tells you if you have too much weight in your presentation. With a more discerning eye, the float will tell you if deeper currents are moving faster or slower than your surface current. Consider using an inline-float with a bobber stop that allows you to adjust the depth easily. Sizes may vary depending on the water conditions, but you can fish most PNW rivers with a 3/8oz or ¾ oz float effectively. When you choose a jig/weight to go underneath this float make sure the total weight under the float is equal to or less than the weight of the float.

Jigs for Steelhead

Choose jigs in various colors and weights to match the conditions of the river you're fishing. Common sizes range from 1/8 to 1/4 ounces. Experiment with different colors, such as pink, orange, or chartreuse, to determine what the steelhead prefer on any given day. A nightmare jig is a great all-around jig choice.

Leader and In-Line Weight

Use fluorocarbon or monofilament leaders in the 8–12-pound test range to reduce visibility in the water. You leader length is generally 18”-24”. Use an in-line weight around ½ to 3/8oz. Too much weight will prohibit your float from, well, floating seamlessly in the current.

Techniques for Success

Now that you have the right gear, let's discuss the techniques that will help you effectively fish with jigs for steelhead:

Drift Presentation

The key to successful float fishing with jigs is presenting it naturally in the current. Cast your jig slightly upstream and allow it to drift downstream, following the speed of the current. Keep your line taut and be prepared for subtle strikes.

Adjusting Depth

Steelhead can hold at various depths depending on the conditions. Use your float to adjust the depth of your presentation until you find where the fish are holding. Pay attention to any indicators of strikes, such as the float dipping or moving erratically.

Covering Water

Steelhead are known for their roaming behavior, so don't hesitate to cover water by moving to different spots along the river. Focus on areas with structure, such as boulders, logs, or deep pools, where steelhead are likely to hold.

Be Patient

Steelhead fishing requires patience and persistence. Don't get discouraged if you don't hook into a fish right away. Stay focused, keep adjusting your presentation, and eventually, you'll be rewarded with a hard-fighting steelhead on the end of your line.

For now, just focus on getting this technique down. Find areas that make sense for this fishing, generally water than is no faster than a comfortable walking pace and get a feel for how this method works. Adjust by switching jigs, moving to different spots, and learning to read when you have set you float too deep or too shallow. These are the building blocks that will help you incorporate other techniques when you are ready.

By understanding steelhead behavior, choosing the right gear, and mastering key techniques, you'll increase your chances of success on the water. So, grab your rod, tie on a jig, and immerse yourself in the timeless pursuit of steelhead fishing in the wild rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Happy fishing!

Safety and Conservation

You are a critical feature of the environment, consider right and respectful relatioins with the natural world while steelhead fishing. Always check local regulations, acknowledge the land you are on (Native Land), and obtain the necessary permits before fishing. Practice catch-and-release whenever possible to ensure the sustainability of steelhead populations for future generations to enjoy.

Send me photos of your efforts and your fish!

Steelhead Fishing Gear List

Below is some of the gear I use for steelhead. Some of these links are sponsored links, so many thanks for any and all support!

Rod- Fenwick Steelhead Casting Rod

Reel – Abu Garcia Zenon

Jigs- Marabou Aero Jig

Float- Beau Mac Floats

Waders – NRS Sidewinders 

My Videos

Please feel free to check out my YouTube Channel – Bad Ash Outdoors and subscribe!

The post Float Fishing with Jigs for Steelhead in Pacific Northwest appeared first on Hazeadventure.