Salmon Trout Steelheader Podcast

Host Lucas Holmgren reads a few sections from a biological paper about Salmon migration & spawning temperatures. Discussing optimal conditions for each species. 

Brought to you by https://thefurnitureshackstore.com/  This article, written by Bill Herzog is about fishing spinners for Trout in streams. It works for Rainbows, Cutthroat, Cutbows and Brown Trout alike and discusses Bill's favorite - the Rooster Tail. Also - hear a sneak preview of "Steelhead Highway" acoustic take - which you can listen to on Youtube, just search Lucas Holmgren or view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBuTq5vDKZI&list=RDhBuTq5vDKZI

To celebrate 100 episodes of the STS Podcast, I've recorded interviews with Bill Herzog, Frank Amato, Brandon Powers and Tyler Kraft. Thanks to everyone for listening and apologies for my constant interruptions of "wow" and "absolutely" - but I wanted to put together a longer episode that covers Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. Hear about Canadian Steelhead, spoon fishing tips, fishing for Trout with jigs, Winter Steelhead 24/25 report, Springer fishing tips & depths to target. Hope you enjoy! - Lucas

An off-the-cuff interview with The Closer himself, Roger Hinchcliff. Lucas Holmgren interviews Roger on the phone about Steelhead Jig Fishing and differences/similarities between Great Lakes and PNW jigs, with a few extra tips and tricks regarding water temperature. From Marabou to tube jigs - Roger discusses the almighty jig.

Going back to 1989, Lucas Holmgren reads Bill Herzogs article about catching several Steelhead over 20 pounds! Read more articles on www.salmontroutsteelheader.com and pick up a book about the Babine on www.amatobooks.com    Thanks to the Furniture Shack for sponsoring this podcast.

He's back from South of the Equator, Jordan Knigge gives us an update on fishing for trophy Chinook Salmon in South America. From the lures they've been keying in on, to the changes in water temperature this year, the exploration and guided adventures are the new destination for GIANT Kings! 

Yet another informative Matt Straw treatise on the role of trees in the development of riparian flood plains and even fish food. From drift techniques near the wood, to the amount of insects/bugs that use overhangs and feed fish, Matt Straw's GLA article is full of goodies & info. 

An interview with the hosts brother, Shane Holmgren, discusses learning to tributary fish in Southwest Washington when Steelhead runs were down. After spending several years working hard for less fish, Shane encountered the best year of his life fishing for Summer Steelhead in 2024. Both brothers discuss their Steelhead fishing experiences in the Vancouver WA & Portland Oregon areas throughout the last 7 years, and things learned along the way. 

Lucas reads Matt Straws article in GLANGLER.com "That Temperature Thing" which talks about how Steelhead react in the Great Lakes based on water temps. This information does relate over to the Pacific Coast Steelhead as well. 

This episode was recorded while out fishing with Tyler Kraft, guide from Tyler Kraft Sportfishing. It was an incredible morning landing some prime upriver Bright Chinook Salmon. In this episode Tyler talks about how he runs several different baits and goes with key color patterns to get more bites. The results are undeniable, if there is fish biting, Tyler is likely one of the people hooking them. 

An on the river episode with host Lucas Holmgren and Andrew Schnell. Something major happens near the end of the episode! Also loaded with great information about hook selection and stinger hooks for float fishing salmon as well as bobber sizing. 

One of the most incredible fisheries in the world is Sturgeon in the mighty Columbia River. In this episode, Guide Cliff Sallee discusses Sturgeon and the type of water he finds them in, as well as gives a run-down of early Fall Chinook Salmon Boat Fishing techniques. You can book with Cliff Sallee w/ Reel Adrenaline Guide Service by visiting his website https://reeladrenaline.fishing/

Use code: STSPOD to get the 1-year digital subscription to Salmon Trout Steelheader on www.salmontroutsteelheader.com - Read or listen to the entire magazine.  "My introduction to the effectiveness of using spawn sacs—clusters of eggs tied into a neat, little packages with mesh cloth—for steelhead came in very dramatic and impressive fashion. "  Hosted by Lucas Holmgren

So far so good...Summer Steelhead continues to be excellent! Lucas reads a small excerpt from "Run and Gun Steelhead" by Scott Haugen. 

Is it just a high-water year? OR could this be the start of an epic Summer Steelhead run? Thanks to Lamiglas Fishing Rods for sponsoring this episode! Make sure you check out the LX96MS, HS94MS and GP10MS (Or MC for the casting models!) The numbers at Willamette Falls are looking like we might have something special going on this year...are you ready?

An article by Darryl Choronzey explains their findings while watching Cameras underwater trolling the Great Lakes. Although this article is focused on Lake Trout - this section discusses other species habits as well for following trolled lures in the open Lake - Steelhead (Rainbow Trout), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon and Lake Trout are discussed.

Something often overlooked is recording what lures and methods did not work and how long you attempted to catch fish with these items. This is how my teammates finally convinced me that meat rigs weren't producing as well as I thought. Read by Lucas Holmgren

This interesting technique of drift fishing helps avoid driving hooks into sticks and rocks and allows for quicker detection of stealthy bites from Salmon and Steelhead. It's an interesting idea that is part of an article from the Salmon Trout Steelheader website. Read by Host Lucas Holmgren

Part of Bob Rees plug fishing article is featured, as well as some notes on recent fishing - including our latest video with Tyler Kraft and Tony Amato. Some phenomenal days have happened in 2024 for Steelhead - let's hope it's a good sign of things to come! Thanks for listening - Lucas Holmgren

**FIXED and REUPLOADED**   After a tough day of covering a long float on the Olympic Peninsula, Keith Andrew and Lucas reflect on the difficulties in finding fish behind other boats and how they approach it. Other topics like first steelhead are discussed. An excellent weekend of fishing - this episode was recorded the day after the previous episode.

A number of topics are discussed the night before a Steelhead trip on the Olympic Peninsula of Washingtons Pacific Coast. Keith, Andrew and Lucas discuss various Steelhead techniques, focusing in a bit on bobber-dogging 6 inch worms for Steelhead, which can be an excellent way to target big Wild Steelhead in higher water, which were the conditions of the day. One more episode to come from this same trip!

An inspired account of one large steelhead and the feeling of the catch. Something that any Steelheader who finds a large specimen can feel. Lucas discusses this article and landing big steelhead.

A long-time disagreement between various groups, hatchery supplementation and wild-fish only advocates have long been at war with each other. There can be a balance of ideas though when it comes to Broodstocking and Wild Steelhead rivers. This is only the opinion of the host and does not necessarily represent the opinion of Salmon Trout Steelheader.

The last episode I published had issues - so I've done a short update about early season Steelhead in Washington and Oregon. Thanks for listening!

With major expertise and experience in Mountaineering, Andrew Schnell brings Outdoor mastery to the sport of Steelhead Fishing. The demanding hikes and hard rivers to access are the ones that he loves to explore. His hard work researching and putting in serious wading and hiking time, has resulted in a large number of River Steelhead. Lucas interviews Andrew about his recommendations for covering serious water in the winter and catching Steelhead. 

Another great opportunity to talk with the Legend of STS! Frank Amato has been responsible for a massive amount of fishing content about Salmon, Trout and Steelhead especially. In this episode, I was able to meet up with the man himself in the office and talk about his early days of fishing. BONUS - learn about the brand new Lamiglas Spiral Wrapped Rod!

A quick thank you to all of the Podcast listeners, as well as a bit about my preparation for Winter Steelhead. Some Cutthroat talk and general ramblings about why I'm thankful for you - the listener.

The infamous B-Run of Coho (Silver) Salmon is full of aggressive, biter fish! In this episode, Lucas talks about their life-cycle and the current status of 2023 Coho. He also interviews his six-year old daughter about her experience catching a B-Run Coho Salmon in 2020. We are almost at 100K Downloads!! Please tell your friends and share your favorite episodes with them! Do you want us to continue? Email us at lucasholmgrenmedia@gmail.com to suggest ideas for future episodes!

After the tragic passing of Tom Posey, Jose Ruelas has carried on the legacy of Dick & Tom Posey. In this interview we talk about the expansion of the brand into different areas of the country, various models and the future of the company. A new era has arrived, and Lamiglas is doing great things with design, fulfillment, customer service and legacy! Interview with Lucas Holmgren and Jose Ruelas. Mentions of Roger Hinchcliff, Sean Kearny etc.

With 35 years of Guiding Experience for Salmon and Steelhead, Scott Amerman has seen the ups and downs of salmonoid runs in Oregon State. He has begun a lawsuit against ODFW to maintain what they have promised in the past in regards to restrictions. Yet the Commercial fisheries of Alaska and Canada have over-harvested the Oregon Salmon Runs...yet the Salmon return in big numbers! You can contribute to his lawsuit to keep fishing opportunity available and donate through Paypal: siletzanglersassociation@yahoo.com Request a tax donation form by emailing the same address. Or mail a check to: SAA 82581 Rodgers rd Creswell, Or. 97426 You can contact and order eggs from Scott as well. Scott@amermaneggs.com

A discussion of the subject of fishing rod sensitivity. How graphite and fiberglass affect the "feel" of a fishing rod. This episode is based on the various factors that affect how you can feel a sinker or bite through a fishing rod. Based on 5+ years of work in the fishing rod industry, Lucas talks about this subject.

Keeping it simple for weight, color and style is gospel when twitching for trout. After doing research (reading all I could find) and taking journal notes for six years, two weights have worked best. Eight species of trout in 100 plus lakes, March through November. One-eighths and ¼ ounce will be your “working tools” in 90% of all conditions and situations. These weights are easily cast, sink at ideal rates and seem to fit into the attraction threshold- small enough to attract, but not too large to possibly repel.

Lucas talks about the perils of getting those lock-jawed early A-Run Coho (Silver) Salmon to bite! Although it can be tough, there are ways to get those fish to snap. Whether it be repeated casts, or switching up to various lures, sizes and colors, there is a chance to get those fish to snap. It is certainly not easy, but in this podcast, Lucas discusses certain methods that are worth trying to get a bite when A-Run Coho are rolling all around you!

Unfortunately, many people mistake a near-spawn Chinook (King) Salmon for the famed "Ivory" or "White King". In reality, there is a massive difference. All Chinook, whether red or white, will eventually lose nutritional value and turn a mushy, pale white color. The "Tules" of the Columbia River are famous for turning to white meat, even while they are still chrome on the outside. This can be confusing, but true Ivory Kings are still fatty and oily until they get close to spawn. This is info that is good to spread with your friends - please send them this podcast to clear this up! Support this podcast by subscribing to Salmon Trout Steelheader Magazine at www.salmontroutsteelheader.com

Lucas Holmgren reads an article by Scott Haugen about the Egegik River and Becharof Lodge. This fishery is phenomenal for numbers and delicious meat with generous limits. This is a great place to learn new techniques and enjoy hearty meals and good times with good people. There is a video on the STS Youtube channel about the Egegik River - just search "Fishing Worlds Best Coho River"

An article examining the idea of the "pink worm" and alternative colors that work very well. This is written by the host Lucas Holmgren, along with additional commentary about fishing experiences and some secrets shared along the way!

Steelhead are all the same right? Well...yes and no. There are two major "runs" of steelhead that are differentiated as "Ocean-maturing" and "River-maturing" meaning, some are ready to reproduce quickly upon entering the river, others enter the river with many months to go. In this episode, Lucas explains these differences, as well as the run-timings in the Columbia River as an example. They are varied, but all Steelhead are beautiful!

An article by Bill Herzog, read by Lucas Holmgren called "Fish Lips" featured in STS. This discusses the fact that moving steelhead can hold in the very back of tailouts, just before dropping into the next run!

This episode is based off a biological paper discussing barriers to salmon and steelhead migration. Many factors, such as temperatures, turbidity and dissolved oxygen can have an affect on whether or not salmon and steelhead continue upstream on their migration. These biological aspects of salmon and steelhead are helpful to understanding the species, and can play into an anglers toolbox for understanding when & where to fish. This episode is created, produced and edited by Lucas Holmgren.

JD Richey discusses the importance of using sinkers when flat-lining plugs in certain areas of the river. Especially important are low and slow holes with uneven bottoms. Sometimes a sinker on a dropper can get a plug like a Flatfish, Kwikfish or Maglip into the zone, and this holds true for Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook, Fall Chinook and Winter Chinook! When you can't get your flatlined plug down, consider using one of these subtle sinker methods to get in the zone, without anchoring the bottom.

This is an editorial from a past STS issue about dealing with snags and hangups, written by Nick Amato and narrated by Lucas Holmgren. It may seem a simple subject, and it is, but it is one we have all dealt with as anglers. Sometimes it's good to bring perspective to basic concepts. In this article you'll hear the standard techniques behind dealing with hangups and snags.

Two advanced anglers discuss the details surrounding Spring King Fishing. Although this is directed at Columbia River Fisheries, it really does apply to Coastal Salmon fishing and even the Great Lakes. Jarod is a wealth of knowledge and knows his fisheries well. Bill is a talented angler, but not afraid to ask questions and learn more from the young giant! The best way to support this Podcast is to subscribe to STS!

Cameron Black from Addicted Fishing & Gone Catchin' Guide Service discusses the top three most important tactics to catch more Kokanee. Sometimes people pay too much attention to factors that aren't actually as important to catching fish. In reality, speed, depth and lure size are often the biggest factors. Listen as he discusses these factors - narrated by Lucas Holmgren

Utilizing wood structure for Steelhead is key to understanding where they lie in a river. Sometimes even a little twig sticking in the river can create a line that steelhead hang behind. Roger explains the importance of fishing wood structure and examining it during summer low-water months. Lucas narrates this Great Lakes Angler article from the magazine!

Are the anglers that fished back decades ago really that talented? Or are they the beneficiaries of excellent runs of fish when any half-way decent angler could catch fish back-to-back? In this episode, Lucas describes his experiences fishing with Bill Herzog and what he noticed about his expertise.

There's no better feeling as a parent as watching your children reel in salmon or steelhead! I've had the pleasure of watching my 5 year old daughter reel in a big Coho, and my 7 year old son reel in a gorgeous Winter Steelhead! In this episode I talk a bit about that, as well as our new LIVE FEED from Salmon Trout Steelheader. You can watch it live on Tuesdays on Facebook, or catch archived episodes on Youtube! 

Duane Inglin, the host of Fish Hunt Northwest is interviewed by Lucas Holmgren about his show as well as some great information on bait. Duane discusses the proper care of eggs, freezing, thawing them, how long they keep in the fridge and a few tips of when and when not to add scents. Check out Duane's podcast and TV show Fish Hunt Northwest and tell them STS sent you!

Roger Hinchcliff is interviewed by Lucas Holmgren discussing both fixed floats and slip floats. Also discussed is steelhead water, colors, metabolisms of steelhead and the fall run of 2022 in the Great Lakes. Roger is a wealth of information who does more steelhead seminars than anyone in the Great Lakes. Learn little details to add to your knowledge arsenal and catch more fish!

Lael Paul Johnson and Keith Johnson break down past steelhead fishing experiences and talk about the 2023 winter steelhead run including trophies caught already! From gear fishing to swinging flies for trophy steelhead, there's a lot discussed on a February evening right before another day of steelhead fishing! New info on FYSH Foundation! Please let us know what you think by commenting and sharing with your friends! www.flygyde.com

The art of reading steelhead water is one of the most important factors for actually catching steelhead. Once you find steelhead, as long as they're not spooked, they are actually pretty aggressive toward baits, but fishing places they don't hold is a sure way to catch less steelhead. The highly talented angler Tyler Kraft discusses his favorite areas to find steelhead depending on conditions. Lucas Holmgren asks questions and provides some input as well. If you like this episode please share it with friends and comment!

An article written by Josiah Darr speaking about his first experience fishing beads for steelhead, and how he came to examine different aspects. Discussed are subjects like mono vs. flouro, pegged or sliding, soft vs hard bead? This is some good insight into the basics of steelhead beads, but much more can be found in Randy Bonners book "The Bead Bible" available from Amato Books.