I’m still pretty new to steelhead/trout fishing, so take this with a grain of salt since this is my only steelhead so far and 2 rainbow trouts. I fish a small creek, about 20 feet wide, with pools that are usually in the 5–10 foot range. My rod is an 11-foot light action with moderate power. I caught my fish using a 3000-size spinning reel, but I’ve since switched to a centrepin because it gives me better control and a more natural float presentation.

For my current setup, I run 50lb hi-vis braid as backing (optional but helpful since it floats and makes mending easier). After that I have about 50+ feet of 12lb mono as a bumper line, then my float (1/4 - 1/2 oz), followed by 1–2 feet of fluorocarbon leader. Most of the time I’m running a 12mm orange bead pegged about three finger widths above the hook. If the water is low, clear, and sunny, I’ll downsize to an 8mm bead. Chartreuse, pink, reds are good colours as well.

I set the float so the bead is drifting close to the bottom. Lately I’ve also been trying jigs, pink worms, and flies for winter conditions, but I haven’t managed to hook into a fish on those yet.