Float Fishing for Steelhead – The Drift That Gets Bit

Here in Northern California, steelhead have a way of keeping us on our toes. One day they’re smashing swung flies in the tailouts, the next they’re buried deep in slow winter slots, barely moving. When those conditions set in, we like to switch gears to one of the most consistent producers out there — float fishing.

It’s simple, it’s versatile, and when done right, it flat-out works.

What’s Float Fishing All About?

Think of it like this — you’re drifting a bait, jig, or bead through prime steelhead water, but instead of dragging bottom, you’re suspending it just above the rocks where fish actually live. A float (or bobber) rides the surface, keeping your presentation in the strike zone and telling you exactly when a fish eats.

The beauty? You can dial in your depth to the inch, slow your drift down to match the current, and cover long runs without re-casting every thirty seconds.

Why Steelhead Can’t Resist It

Steelhead don’t always want to move far for a meal — especially in cold water. A well-set float rig keeps your presentation right in their face, traveling naturally with the current. The result? More bites, more hookups, and fewer snags.

Float fishing also:

• Keeps you fishing effectively in tough conditions

• Lets you cover every inch of holding water

• Gives instant feedback when a fish eats — that float drop never gets old

Where We Run Floats

When guiding, we look for spots that naturally funnel fish and slow the current:

• Soft seams along the main flow

• Tailouts at the ends of deeper pools

• Bouldery runs with soft inside water

• The first break below a riffle

• Any deep green slot that just screams “fish”

In higher or off-colored flows, fish push tighter to the bank. In low, clear water, they might be mid-run but hugging bottom in the deeper slots.

Go-To Baits and Rigs

You can get creative here, but our proven NorCal staples include:

• Marabou or feather jigs for that pulsing, irresistible movement

• Beads in natural egg tones for matching late-spawn feed

• Spawn sacs when fish want scent

• Pink worms for that “can’t ignore it” flash of color

• Cured shrimp or prawns for big scent appeal in colder flows

We fish these just above the bottom — close enough to tempt, but not dragging.

Pro Tips From the Boat

• Size your float to your water — big enough to hold your rig, small enough to drift naturally

• Adjust your depth often — steelhead won’t always be sitting where you think

• Keep your line mended — a drag-free drift is everything

• If your float pauses, dips, or twitches… set the hook!

Why We Love It

Float fishing isn’t just a “plan B” when fish won’t chase a swung fly — it’s a deadly technique in its own right. It’s hands-on, visual, and keeps your bait right where it needs to be for as long as possible. And when that float buries? It’s as electric as any grab on the swing.

If you’re ready to see just how effective this style can be, book a day with us. We’ll dial in the perfect drift, put you in the right water, and let the steelhead do the rest.