The only logical thing to do is dip the rod in the river to clear the ice out of the guides because the water is the warmest thing around. This ice-clearing procedure will usually last for two or three casts until it refreezes. In order to keep fishing you have to repeat these steps over and over until the sun rises high enough to shed a little warmth on the situation. Steelhead fishing in a river usually requires standing in the river. The trick to surviving a cold river is to pick a spot where you won't have to spend much time in the water.
Winter steelheading, if it's done right, can be very enjoyable and exciting.
After all, hooking into one of the winter's mystical beauties is what it's all about. Drew Harthorn serves on the pro angling staffs of Beau Mac Enterprises and Dr. Juice products.