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[hrenya]

Hi , I`m a complete newbie in steelhead fishing , and I was wondering about few things :
1) what is the recommended length of leader ? I was reading a lot that no more than 12 inches
2) I really like to use snap-on/lock with terminal tackle so I wonder if I have prettied leader with swivel and a snap-on/lock below weight/float on a main line - will using this combination effect my success ? because I`m trying to look ahead and the weather is pretty cold so I want to avoid tying I can skip .
3) I read a lot about using bait in slow water and artificial stuff in quick water - is this right ?!
4) using 17mono as main and 15 as leader will do the trick ? (I usually use 10/8)

[SilverChaser]

1) I usually run a 12"-18" leader. If you are short floating roe or whatever, any leader over like 24" kind of defeats the purple  (In my opinion).
2) Pre-tying leaders and storing them can be quite helpful. As well, invest in a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm and tying easier.
3) Honestly when it comes to steelhead, fish a presentation that you have faith in, and fish every type of water. Obviously roe (or natural) presentations will stay on better in a slower moving water, and fall off easier in a faster moving water.
4) I use 15/10 but everyone is different

Honestly, its all about finding a setup that you find comfortable with. Good luck and get 'em 

[hrenya]

ty will try , but bait selection is varies : I have cured shrimps , I have single eggs from 2-3 different sources (some cooked so they can be use as singles , some fresh , some from my bud with cure on them) I will tie sacks with them , I also have some salted roe with borax , cured/salted roe(I like to add salt so it doesn't freeze) , but the problem is how often I can change it

[Fish Assassin]

Leader length depends on water clarity. The clearer the water, the longer the leader.

[hrenya]

Leader length depends on water clarity. The clearer the water, the longer the leader.

so as SC mentioned above no longer 2 feet though ?

[leapin' tyee]

Learn how to read the water.

[Fish Assassin]

so as SC mentioned above no longer 2 feet though ?

I usually go from 12-24"

[243Pete]

Leader length to clarity and speed of water that you are fishing. For most water I run 18 inches but if its slow and gin clear I will go as much as 24"+
17main and 15 leader is fine, just keep an eye on your main cause when you snag the chanses of breaking off everything are just a little higher.
More time on the water will give you the experience you need, all the tips and tricks you read will give you some idea but get out there and fish.

[fishallday]

i usually use a 1 foot leader when fishing roe and 14 inch when using anything artificial

[NothingToSnagAbout]

i usually use a 1 foot leader when fishing roe and 14 inch when using anything artificial

So a roe/wool combo would have to be 13 inches?

[typhoon]

Jigs 18" or less - Just enough to ensure the jig is seen by the fish before the weight.
Eggs 1 foot - you want your presentation in the zone set by your weight. A longer leader just means you have no idea what depth you are actually fishing based on currents. Weight should be 1 foot off the bottom, not ticking.
Blades 18-24" - with the swing I like to get some distance from the weight, and it helps with line fankling.

[Steelhawk]

Hi , I`m a complete newbie in steelhead fishing , and I was wondering about few things :
1) what is the recommended length of leader ? I was reading a lot that no more than 12 inches
2) I really like to use snap-on/lock with terminal tackle so I wonder if I have prettied leader with swivel and a snap-on/lock below weight/float on a main line - will using this combination effect my success ? because I`m trying to look ahead and the weather is pretty cold so I want to avoid tying I can skip .
3) I read a lot about using bait in slow water and artificial stuff in quick water - is this right ?!
4) using 17mono as main and 15 as leader will do the trick ? (I usually use 10/8)

1) The length of leader depends on kind of water you fish, generally 12 to 18" will work for normal condition. When you fish the pocket waters in the rapids, you want it short so the turbulent water there won't cause the leader to float up too much above where the lead is and most likely where the fish is. When you fish the low & gin clear water (especially in March & April), you may want to go to 24" with a small presentation such as a single egg, small spin & glo or small worm.
2) With varying length of leaders and varying types of presentation (egg, shrimp, worm, jig, spinner, spoon etc), it makes sense to use a snap-on swivel below the lead, as you are expected to keep changing your leader length and terminal gear based on the water in front of you. That is what I do to have a leader board pre-tied with different stuffs and different leader lengths for quick change up. For example, if I fish the lower run in the morning with roe on tea colour water, I will use 18" of 10-12lb Fluorocarbon leader, then when I move up to fish the rapids, I will use 10-12" of 15lb leader (don't have to be Flurocarbon as fish are not leader shy in highly oxygenated pocket water in the rapids). Quick change ups will be best done by snap swivel below the lead, and pre-tied leaders with swivel to snap on the main line snap swivel.
3) Slow water is better fished with bait (roe, shrimp etc), whereas faster water don't need them. The fish is more aggressive and the baits got beaten up fast in fast or turbulent rapids water. With this in mind, I recommend the pencil lead to be mounted in a tubing. This way you can also change the weight fast. Slower water will be drifted better with a smaller weight.
4) The 17/15 main vs leader ratio is good but I prefer to use 20lb blue label Seaguard fluorocarbon as main as 17 & 15 are a bit too close. In the rapids, I will put 15lb leader just so I can still have some control for a big steelie in the fast water. In the lower, 10-12lb fluorocarbon will be better suited as you have more room to play the fish on a lighter leader. Hope this helps.

[hrenya]

that`s a great answer covering everything I asked
ty a lot Steelhawk , hope meeting up soon and fish

[FlyFishin Magician]

The interesting thing I've experienced with steelhead is there is no #1 (first string/starting) bait or lure that I'll use.  I've caught steelhead on roe, roe bags, jensen eggs, pink worms, wool ties, and flies.  I've hooked fish on all of these baits/lures equally.  Sometimes it pays to observe what others are using, then use something else.  Now that I'm tying jigs, I'll be sure to try them as well!

For leader material, I'll typically use 10 lb fluorocarbon leader when fishing baits or Jenny's in slower moving water.  Otherwise, I'll move up to 12 lb fluorocarbon leader in faster water with artificial baits or blades.  My mainline is usually 12 to 15 lb maxima ultragreen.

If you can find the book "Westcoast Steelheader", that will be a great read for you to lean the basics.  Good luck and have fun!!!

[Chehalis_Steel]

Length should be around 18-22 inches depending on clarity. But compared to coho or summer steelhead the winter runs are really not very leader shy. I think you're better off going with heavier FC (like 12 to 15 lb) than risking breaking off that 20 pounder.