Drifting a small sand shrimp tail through a shallow run, Jim Martin coaxed this late-season, low-water steelhead into biting. Photo by Scott Haugen

It was early March, and we had the river virtually to ourselves. Low water and warm days had convinced many anglers that winter steelhead simply weren't going to show. Despite the expected 75-degree temperature -- far from the classic perception of winter steelhead-fishing conditions -- and warming waters, the fish were in, and they were biting. By the end of the day, we'd landed 11 chrome-bright fish, all on bobber and jig rigs.

Moving to another river, the following day found us side-drifting through shallow, fast-moving funnels, with good success. By the end of five days of fishing, we'd covered multiple streams, applied an array of techniques, and landed more than three dozen steelhead.

Some anglers may question whether fishing in March can be productive, but serious steelheaders know that it is prime for both winter and summer fish. Depending on the stream and run timings, anglers can catch fish from both runs in one day. The key is reading the water, locating fish visually, and then finding the terminal gear that turns them on.

LOW-WATER HOTSPOTS
Fishing in low water can be a bit overwhelming, but if you break down the water, learning where to fish becomes fairly simple. Start by eliminating water where you know fish are not present. Shallow, slower-moving main currents, where steelhead may hold during normal flow levels, are often abandoned in low conditions. These zones may not offer the protection they do when more water is moving, which is why fish move away from them.

If water temperatures remain fairly cool during the day, look for fish to hold on the sides of main riffles, where broken water surface adds further protection. Side channels can be good holding zones, and it doesn't take much water for fish to gather in them.

Search for habitats close to ledges, cut banks, brushlines and near big boulders, where slight depressions offer fish a place to lay up. These depressions may only be a foot or so below the normal river bottom, but that's all it takes to offer relaxed holding water, while faster currents move above them. At the same time, these micro-holding zones are often shadowed, offering added attraction to the fish.

Keep in mind that winter steelhead have a slower metabolism than freshly-arriving summer steelhead, so they may not occupy the same water. In low, cool water, summer steelhead can be found in heavier, faster flowing stretches. As water levels drop and temperatures rise -- the change may be only a degree or two -- the summer steelhead bite can be triggered. A slight warming of the water can also put summer fish on the move, meaning covering water in search of fish can be your best ploy.

As for winter steelhead in low water, don't overlook deep, slow-moving holes. Temperatures at the bottom of these holes can be a couple of degrees below that of other sections in the river, which is one reason fish will congregate there. I've seen schools of more than 200 fish kegged into such pools, and the fishing there can be outstanding.