Top Places to Go February Steelhead Fishing in Washington & Oregon

February 18, 2014 By Gary Lewis

Finding a place to wet a line is easy, but what you want to know is where to find the best fishing — where it's hot, when it's hottest in Oregon and Washington. Here are our recommendations for 36 — three each month — of the Northwest's top angling destinations. Let's take a look at the options available for February Steelhead Fishing in Washington and Oregon.

Here's a sample of some great destinations to help you plan your next fishing trip and be sure to check out the solunar fishing calendar on In-Fisherman!

FEBRUARY

Steelhead

Umpqua River, OR

The biggest winter-run fish hit the river this month. These are steelhead that can run 10 to 20 pounds. Intercept them in the Elkton reach.

Side-drifting, or some variation thereof, works best for the boat angler. Cured roe and yarn remain the favorite bait, but jigs and beads are good alternatives, especially in clearer water.

One bait that is gaining fans is the pink worm, which can be drifted on traditional drift setups or run beneath a float. Hold the boat slower than the top current and let the baits or weights tick the bottom.

For a guide, call Jody Smith Guide Service (www.jodysmithguideservice.com) or River Secrets Guide Service (541-670-9451).

Other Choices

www.t-reignoutdoor.com

Anglers like their tools close by. And it's even better if it's connected to you so it doesn't go in the drink. T-Reign retractable gear tethers hold onto your pliers, hemostats or landing net. Several size options. Carabiner connects to D-ring, belt loop or strap, or use the stainless steel clip on belt or pack.

Suzuki DF15A/20A EFI

www.suzukimarine.com

MSRP: $3,329/$3,738.

Suzuki's two new four-stroke, two-cylinder portable outboards have a compression reduction system for easier starting. The 20hp tiller model weighs 97 pounds the eletric-start model weighs 106 pounds. Single overhead cam, four-valve engine with Suzuki's Lean Burn Control and bat-tery-less electronic fuel injection. Built for running in skinny water, both motors come with five tilt pin positions and 15- or 20-inch shaft.

SCATTER RAP

www.rapala.com

MSRP, $8.99.

Rapala is hoping the new Scatter Rap Series lures and their 'evasive action ' will be as popular as the original 'wounded minnow ' style action that the company is famous for. The new lure has a 'Scatter Lip ' that creates an evasive, erratic, aggressive sweep-ing action. Ideal for multispecies gamefish, the Scatter Rap Series is available in 14-16 classic and new color patterns. Baits 5- to 9-feet deep.

GEAR GRABBAR

www.geargrabbar.com

MSRP, $18.95 per pair.

The original Gear Grabbar is a unique way to hold lures and tools at the ready in boats. But the new Lure Hangar is a step beyond. This is a 12- by 16 1/2-inch plate,m ade to mount on your gunwhale, that holds 16 or more lures. There's enough room for a selection of jig, plugs, topwaters or whatever other baits you want to hang.

HONDA OUTBOARD

www.marine.honda.com

MSRP, $24,025.

Honda Marine's BF250 outboard is a 24-valve 3.6-liter V6 that uses varia-ble valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC). Programmed fuel injection delivers the precise amount of fuel and air to each cylinder for easy starts and instant throttle re-sponse. 20-, 25- and 30-inch shaft models.

TACKLE TOTE VEST

www.fishandhunt.com

MSRP, $19.99.

If you wade when you fish, Fish-N-Hunt Pro Gear designed a Tackle Tote Vest that to keep gear accessible but dry when you're standing in deeper waters. It's adjustable, sturdy, has lots of pockets and a modest pricetag.

FLEX 'N GO TACKLE SATCHEL

www.planoMolding.com

MSRP, $24.99-$29.99.

On-the-go anglers will find a lot to like in Plano's new Flex 'N Go Tack-le Satchel. It features adjustable built-in storage with a deep bin on one side and framework for the pair of swap-pable Plano 3600 StowAway boxes on the other, each Stowaway held with a flexible strap.

CABELA'S RAINGEAR

www.cabelas.com

Jackets MSRP, $249.99-$269;
Bibs, $229.99-$249.99.

Cabela's Guidewear raingear now comes in four distinct series. Bass Angler (pictured) jackets and bibs are built with the tournament bass angler in mind. Xtreme parkas and bibs will help anglers fishing Northern lakes and rivers. Tidal jackets and pants offer lightweight, waterproof and breathable protection. River Runner jackets are perfect for wading anglers.

BERKLEY JAR BAIT FOLDER

www.berkley-fishing.com

MSRP, $14.99-$19.99.

Anglers who use jar baits know it's a pain to carry more than a few. Berk-ley now has two Jar Bait Folders to keep the baits at hand and make them easy to transport. Model 1170 holds 10 jars. Model 1490 holds 16. Both have various pockets and a D-ring for pliers.

BERKLEY TRILENE XL

www.berkley-fishing.com

Berkley says they've improved a classic. New Trilene XL lines are now 10 percent stronger 20 percent more flexibility then they had been. Knot strength has also improved, said the company. Trilene XL has been around since 1972.

AV MICRO

www.Aquavu.com

MSRP, $299.

The new AV Micro is a complete underwater camera system that is the same size as a smart phone. On the boat or off the dock, use it to see where fish are hanging out. 3 1/2-inch diagonal display. Built-in rechargea-ble lithium ion batteries.

SMITHWICK ROGUE

www.smithwick-lures.com

MSRP, $6.99.

Smithwick Rogue's has been a stand-ard in bass-anglers' tackle boxes for years. Now they've got a new twist on the famous jerkbait. The Perfect 10 Rogue has a new lip de-sign, to get deeper, quicker than other jerkbaits.

SIMMS WEATHER GEAR

www.simmsfishing.com

MSRP, jacket $349, bibs $299.

Simms designed its Contender Gore-Tex jacket and bibs for anglers who need reliability when they are motor-ing on the water at 70 mph in rain and wind. Waterproof and breathable. Cuffs are water tight and adjustable.

Where are your favorite fishing spots in Washington and Oregon? "Like" us and share your opinions on G&F Facebook!

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