In search of one species...and met with another! This two-man fishing and filming team of Jordan Knigge and Lucas Holmgren is out on the river in search of Coastal Cutthroat Trout. The Pacific Northwest has a few species available in many rivers in the winter-time. From late Coho and Chinook Salmon, to Winter & late Summer Steelhead - not to mention, Whitefish, Rainbows, Suckers & Cutthroat Trout!
Ultimately, the goal was to find Sea-Run Coastal Cutthroat in a stream that had spawning Chum and Coho Salmon. Finding these anadromous fish often happens while you're targeting Salmon or Steelhead. You'll have an aggressive strike and then set the hook into a Cutthroat on Salmon gear. When you're using the sized-up heavy rods, braided line and strong drag they may not be as fun to reel in. However, if you approach Cutthroat Trout with Ultra-light rods and light line, they are an absolutely gratifying sportfish to catch!
In this case, Jordan and Lucas both went out with rods in the 2-6, 4-8lb range between 6' and 7'. This range of rods allows you to cast even 6lb test mono (as Lucas had on his rods), or a braided line with bumper like Jordan was using. Instead of finding the target species, another species altogether was on the bite!
In cold and low water, many fish won't move far for a bait or lure. In these cases, one of the most subtle, effective and enticing lures is a 1/8 or 1/4oz hair jig. Although small pink worms, spinners and spoons were used, the Coho were lethargic and liked the unobtrusive jig as an easy meal!
As you'll see in the video, Jordan has some rapid-fire success on his Trout twitching jig. Lucas follows up with a fish on the Santa Clause pattern (Check out the pattern here.)
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