Garrison Fishing Guides Introduces... Steelhead Guided Trips!
It is officially Winter Steelhead season here in Northern California, and Garrison Fishing Guides is stoked to announce that we are now offering guided drift boat Steelhead sessions in 3 of northern California’s premier central valley rivers.
Anadromous steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are a seriously unique species of fish. Steelhead start their journey as eggs laid in oxygenated, flowing, fresh water. Upon hatching some of these fish stay in their freshwater habitats and become known as rainbow trout, while some migrate into the open ocean where they spend a majority of their lives. These ocean-run fish often become much larger than their freshwater relatives because of their abundant and varying food sources. The wintertime brings large tides, swells, and storms that raise the flows of rivers making it easier for migratory steelhead to begin their journeys to their native birthplace to reproduce and carry on the circle of life.
It is not entirely known what causes this rainbow trout to venture and live in the ocean but the abundant nutrient options allow for much more robust growth and a coveted chrome tint. It is on the steelheads return journey to their spawning grounds that anglers test their luck and skill to hook into these beautiful, powerful and acrobatic fish.
Steelhead fishing is a unique balance of being in the right place at the right time. These ocean run fish, on their return to the rivers, are not there to feed, they are there to move up the rivers on the journey to where they were born. These fish move instinctually when the temperatures of air and water, tint of the river, and other factors are just right. When steelheading we are looking for places on the river or ‘holding areas’ where fish can rest after traveling through turbulent water or rest in preparation to push through turbulent water again. There is a balance of finding these areas and effectively putting your flies in all potential areas of holding water. Because steelhead anglers are often waiting for rain to increase the flows on the rivers it is not uncommon to be out on the water braving the elements in biting cold, pounding rain, or even flurries of hail and snow.
The Garrison Fishing Guides steelhead drift trips are with awesome and experienced Guide Stan Jorgensen. Stan has been fly fishing these waters for two decades. He uses a drift boat to navigate a variety of anadromous rivers and is an expert on productive locations. You can find Stan targeting numerous fish species on our rivers including steelhead, striped bass, and shad. Your day will be filled with education, tactics, and methods Stan has used to find and fight these world-class fish.
What to expect:
Meet at a specific designated location near the river to connect with your guide
Drinks and light snacks provided as well as some extra cooler space for lunch (not provided)
High-end rods, reels, and flies to make sure you are dialed in with the best tools for the job ( feel free to bring your own gear as well)
Top to bottom instruction on the history of the fisheries, casting techniques, rigging opinions, conservation, safe fish handling, and more.
Lifelong memories and good times spent on one of California’s most precious waters
GFG absolutely loves going out for Steelhead. We would to help get you out on the water and hooked on his special type of angling. You can now book your steelhead adventure directly from the guide services page on www.garrisonfishing.com. Send us a message if you have any questions or would like to learn more about this awesome opportunity.
