At Get Out And Fish (GOAF), we’re always looking for ways to provide our community with the best fishing insights, and we love collaborating with experts in the industry. This month, we’re excited to partner with Thurston Bait Company to bring you some essential tips and tricks for winter steelhead and salmon fishing. Whether you're fishing in low or high waters, these expert-recommended baiting techniques will help you maximize your success on the water.

Keynotes for Winter Fishing Success

• Understand Water Conditions: Adapt bait size and color to match water clarity.
• Presentation Matters: Keep it natural in low water and bold in stained water.
• Scent Boosting: Adding scent increases attraction, especially in high waters.
• Rigging Best Practices: Small details like bead positioning can make a big difference.

Adjusting Your Bait to Water Conditions

Winter fishing presents unique challenges, and adjusting your bait selection based on water conditions is key to enticing steelhead and salmon. Here’s what Thurston Bait Company suggests:

Low Water Conditions:

• Keep presentations smaller and more natural-looking.
• Best color choices: reds, pinks, oranges, and natural tones.
• Subtle movements and smaller profiles mimic the natural environment, increasing your chances of a bite.

Stained or High Water Conditions:

• Size up your bait to make it more noticeable in murky waters.
• Use bright and flashy colors like greens, chartreuse, and hard pinks.
• Adding Smelly Jelly or other scent enhancers can help attract fish in these conditions.

Pro Tips for Rigging Baits Effectively

• Sequins, T-stops, and small hard beads are useful for keeping soft beads positioned correctly, typically a few inches above your hook.
• Experiment with different sizes and colors to find what works best on a given day.
• Pay attention to how the fish are reacting to different presentations and adjust accordingly.

Why Thurston Bait Company ?

Thurston Bait Company has been a trusted name in the industry, providing high-quality baits designed to improve your fishing game. Their expert recommendations and proven techniques help anglers land more fish, even in the toughest winter conditions.

Let’s Hear from You!

Have you tried these baiting techniques? What are your go-to methods for winter steelhead and salmon fishing? Share your experiences with us and tag @ThurstonBaitCompany and @GOAF when you post your catches!

A big thanks to Thurston Bait Company for collaborating on this month’s blog. Be sure to check them out for all your bait needs, and stay tuned for more expert fishing insights from GOAF.

Ready to put these tips to the test?

Get out and fish!