Steelhead Float Rig

Float fishing is how Ontario steelheaders fish the Niagara, Ganaraska, Saugeen, Nottawasaga and Credit. The float suspends the bait just off the bottom; a tapering shot pattern keeps the bait drifting slightly ahead of the float at current speed; and a short, light leader fools fish in gin-clear water. A centrepin reel feeds line for a perfect drag-free drift, but a 10–13 foot spinning rod works. Roe bags, beads, pink worms and marabou jigs are the standard baits.

What you need

• FloatFixed balsa or foam drift float, 6–15 g, sized to the water
• Float caps / stopsSilicone caps or rubber stops to fix the float on the line
• ShotA tapered pattern of split shot (e.g., AAA, BB, #1, #4) in "shirt-button" style
• Micro swivelSize 10–14
• Leader18–30" of 6–8 lb fluorocarbon (4–6 lb in low, clear water)
• Hook#8–#12 wide-gap egg hook or a 1/32–1/16 oz marabou jig
• BaitRoe bag, plastic bead (peg it 1–2" above the hook), pink worm, or jig
• Main line8–10 lb mono or 10–14 lb float-fishing braid

How to tie the steelhead float rig

1. Fix the float on the main line with silicone caps at a depth slightly greater than the water you'll drift (the bait should tick bottom occasionally).
2. Below the float, pinch on split shot in a tapered pattern: largest shot nearest the float, smallest just above the swivel. Total weight should sink the float to its coloured tip.
3. Tie the main line to a micro swivel.
4. Tie an 18–30 inch fluoro leader to the swivel and the hook (or jig) to the leader.
5. Bait up with a roe bag or peg a bead 1–2 inches above a bare hook.

How to fish it

Cast upstream, let the float drift downstream at the speed of the current with the line off the water, holding it back slightly so the bait leads. Set the hook the instant the float dips, stalls or lies flat — a sharp, short lift downstream. Adjust depth until the float ticks bottom now and then.

Tips

• Trot the float slightly slower than the current; that is what makes the bait drift naturally ahead of it.
• Change leader length and bait every few drifts before changing spots.
• Beads with a small hook 1–2" below are legal and effective when eggs aren't.

Common mistakes

• Floating the bait too high off bottom.
• A leader too heavy for clear winter water.
• Letting the line belly downstream ahead of the float.

FAQ

How do I set up a steelhead float rig?

Fix a drift float slightly deeper than the water, taper split shot down the line below it, add a micro swivel and an 18–30 inch fluoro leader to a small hook with a roe bag or bead.