How We Fish Vol. 1: Pulling Plugs
Pulling Plugs for Steelhead
On the Salmon River, one of the most effective methods for fishing from a drift boat is called "pulling plugs." For newcomers to Steelhead and Salmon fishing, this technique may seem unusual at first. Unlike traditional bait fishing, we're not enticing these fish to feed; instead, we’re triggering their natural instincts to strike. This approach can lead to unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping encounters as we poke and prod a reaction out of these powerful fish.
When a steelhead bites, the rod buckles, and line screams off the reel in an insane display of power. There's nothing quite like that moment—one that leaves many anglers forever hooked on steelhead fishing. If you crave heart-pounding moments, then pulling plugs might just be the technique for you.
| Ready to experience the thrill of plug fishing? Salmon River Drifters specializes in plug fishing for steelhead! Book a trip with us today and see firsthand why this technique is one of the best ways to target steelhead on the Salmon River. Call us at 208-507-8447.
What is a plug?
A “plug” is a buoyant diving lure designed to float until tension from the current and line forces it underwater. Plugs come in many shapes and sizes. Once they start diving, plugs dart and wiggle, introducing an unnatural and irritating stimulus underwater, sure to make a fish mad! When the plug is working correctly, you’ll notice a steady wiggle at the tip of your rod—a key indicator that the plug is "swimming" just right.
| Tip: Positioning the plug correctly is essential. We don’t want it dragging along the bottom, but we aim to keep it at a consistent depth where fish are most likely to strike. Adjusting line length to match current speed is a crucial step to keep the plug in the strike zone.
What Does It Mean to "Pull Plugs"?
“Pulling plugs” is a proactive technique where, instead of trying to convince a fish that our gear is food, we’re actually working to provoke them. This is especially effective with migratory species like steelhead and salmon that are less inclined to feed in freshwater.
The Setup
To get started, we deploy our plugs 40-60 feet downstream from the boat and place the rods in rod holders. The current grabs the plug, pulling it down to the bottom where the fish are holding. At this point, we lift anchor and begin slowly rowing backwards, allowing the boat to drift downstream very slowly.
Triggering a bite:
With the plugs working below the surface, we guide the boat into, over, and around spots that experience has proven to us hold fish. Spots including but not limited to; underwater rocks, ledges, tailouts, and current seams—areas where fish feel secure and are most likely to react to the plug's movement.
This method taps into the "fight or flight" instinct of the fish, provoking them to strike when the timing and placement are right. If everything aligns, you’re in for a heart-stopping takedown and the fight is on!
| Tip: A big “no-no” of plug fishing is grabbing the rod and setting the hook! When that rod starts to bend, sit on your hands! Once that fish commits and turns its head, the hooks will bury! If you grab the rod out of the holder and set the hook like you’re in the tryouts for a Bassmasters tournament, you’ll see that plug come flying out of the water without a fish attached to it!
What gear do we use?
Here’s a rundown of the standard gear used for pulling plugs:
Reels: A levelwind trolling reel (with or without a line counter).
Rods: A 7’6” to 9’0” medium-weight fast-action rod. It’s crucial that the rod then tapers to a heavy butt section for the strength needed to set the hook and handle the fish.
Line: We use 30-50 lb braided line for its strength and sensitivity. Some anglers add a 10-20 ft monofilament leader, while others connect the braid directly to the plug.
|Author's Preferred Setup: For steelhead fishing on the Salmon River, we prefer an 8'6" 8-12 lb Medium Weight/Fast Action Lamiglas X-11 Rod, paired with a Shimano Tekota A-300LC Low Profile Reel and 30 lb Power Pro Braided line.
This setup combines the sensitivity for allowing the plugs to work, with the power needed to handle aggressive fish.
Choosing the Right Plug
Every angler has a preferred brand or style, and confidence in your plug choice is key. Our personal favorites include:
Luhr Jensen Hot Shots
Storm Hot n Tots
Each plug has its own unique action, some dive deep and dart side to side, while others stay and vibrate in place. After you’ve fished plugs long enough, you’ll find that even if you have 5 identical plugs of the same color pattern, one of them out-fishes the others ten-to-one. Set that one aside and make sure not to lose it! It has the ideal "wiggle" that steelhead find irresistible!
Some plugs excel in shallow, fast waters, while others are better suited for deep, slow-moving runs. Learn how your plugs react to different water depths and speeds to get them into the strike zone.
Popular Plug Colors
Steelhead are often drawn to vibrant colors. The following plugs are commonly found in a guide’s tackle box:
Classic metallics: Pink, Green, Blue, Gold, Copper, and Purple.
Classic patterns: “Captain America”, “Green Pirate”, “Mother-Of-Pearl”, “Slammer”, “Dr. Death” just to name a few!
Some anglers paint their plugs at home with a marker and nail polish for quick adjustments. Dedicated plug fishermen send them to professionals like our friend Carlos Rodriguez at Character Lures for a fresh & bulletproof custom finish.
|Pro Tip: Applying scent can enhance your plug’s appeal. Popular choices include Pro-Cure Super Gel or Atlas Mike’s Gel Scents. There are many options, and you’ll always find scent on our plugs!
Final Thoughts
This isn’t meant to be an all-encompassing guide to plug fishing; rather, it’s a basic introduction to help you know what to expect when you’re in a drift boat with us fishing for Steelhead!
Pulling plugs is an art form that combines experience, finesse, timing, and the right equipment to find success. For those willing to learn, it can be an exciting and rewarding technique on the water. With each strike, you'll be reminded of why steelhead fishing is an unparalleled experience.
|Want to experience the excitement of plug fishing firsthand? Our guides at Salmon River Drifters specialize in plug fishing for steelhead on the Salmon River. Book your trip with us! Call or text 208-507-8447 and get ready for an unforgettable day fishing plugs on the Salmon River in Riggins, Idaho!