How to Find Steelhead
Understanding how to read seams is critical to finding Steelhead. A seam is simply the transition line where fast current meets slower current. It is often visible on the surface as a distinct line between two different water speeds.
Why Fish Use Seams
Energy Conservation: Steelhead do not want to fight the heavy, fast current all day, nor do they like the stagnant “frog water” where they feel exposed.
The Happy Place: The seam offers the perfect balance. They can sit on the soft inside edge (slower water) with their shoulder just tickling the fast current. This allows them to rest while still having access to oxygenated water and food.
Identifying Seams
Seams are created by anything that breaks up the river’s flow:
Structure: Logs, boulders, root wads, or rock piles.
River Geometry: Gravel bars, inside bends, or where a riffle drops into a deeper pool.
Look for the Line: Visually identify the line where the water speed changes. You want to target the soft inside edge of that line.
How to Fish Them
Target Zone: Your goal is to run your lure or bait right down that transition line.
Bobber Fishing: Bobber fishing is excellent for seams because you can control a long, straight drift right down the edge.
Adjusting: If you are fishing a seam created by a mid-river obstruction (like a log), remember to fish both sides. The current will wrap around the object, creating seams on the left and right.
The Inside vs. Outside Seam
Inside Seam: The edge closest to the bank or slower water. This is usually the primary holding spot.
Outside Seam: The edge further out in the current or on the back side of an obstruction. These can be harder to fish due to conflicting currents (back eddies) dragging your line, but they still hold fish.
Tip: Keep your rod tip high to keep your line off the conflicting currents when fishing the far side of a seam.