Drift Fishing For Steelhead

Drift Fishing For Steelhead

Drift Fishing for Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest

If you’ve ever stood on the bank of a misty Pacific Northwest river at sunrise, rod in hand, hoping for the unmistakable tug of a steelhead, then you already know: there’s nothing quite like it. And when it comes to catching these elusive fish, drift fishing remains one of the most time-tested and effective techniques out there.

At Fisherman’s Marine & Outdoor, drift fishing is in our DNA — and we’re here to help you dial in your setup for success.

What Is Drift Fishing?

Drift fishing is a bottom-contact technique where your bait or lure is presented naturally as it tumbles downstream with the current. The idea is to imitate a free-floating egg, worm, or baitfish — something a steelhead might casually grab as it drifts by.

You cast upstream at a slight angle, allow your gear to sink and drift along the river bottom, and follow the drift with your rod tip. The key is feeling the bottom — that light “tick-tick” as your weight bounces along — and recognizing the difference between rock and bite.

Essential Drift Fishing Gear

You don’t need a boat or fancy electronics — but you do need the right setup:

Rod:

  • 8’6” to 10’6” medium-light or medium power

  • Moderate-fast action (think: sensitivity and backbone)

  • Popular pick: North River 9'6" ML Drift Rod

Reel:

  • Spinning or baitcasting reel with a smooth drag

  • Line capacity for 8–12 lb test

Mainline:

  • Monofilament is most common (10–12 lb)

  • Braided line can work with a mono leader

Terminal Tackle:

  • Pencil or slinky weights

  • Size 2–4 bait hooks

  • Swivels and snap swivels

  • Leader (8–10 lb fluorocarbon)

Best Baits & Lures for Drift Fishing

Steelhead aren't picky… until they are. Be ready to change it up:

Natural Baits:

  • Cured roe

  • Sand shrimp

  • Nightcrawlers

Artificial Baits:

  • Soft beads (12–14mm in pink, orange, peach)

  • Yarnies

Drift Lures:

  • Corkies

  • Cheaters

  • Spin-N-Glos

Best Water Conditions for Drift Fishing

Drift fishing shines when the river has:

  • Moderate flow (2–6 feet/second)

  • 2–6 feet of visibility

  • Defined seams and current breaks

  • Tailouts and riffle edges

Steelhead often sit on the soft edges or just inside the seam — not right in the heavy current. A well-placed drift through these travel lanes can be the ticket.

Top Drift Fishing Rivers in the PNW

  • Sandy River – Great bank access and winter fish

  • Wilson River – Classic coastal water

  • Clackamas River – Close to Portland, sneaky good

Wherever you go, match your presentation to water clarity, and don’t be afraid to move. Steelhead are wanderers — and so should you be.

Final Word

Drift fishing for steelhead is a blend of feel, patience, and instinct. It’s not just about gear — it’s about reading the water, adjusting your depth, and staying persistent.

Hook up this winter or spring, and you’ll know what makes this fish — and this technique — legendary in the PNW.