"How-To" Drift Fishing For Salmon, Trout, And Steelhead

Drift fishing for salmon, trout, and steelhead has kinda become a lost art. Once considered the only way to catch salmon and steelhead in a lot of parts of the country, its apparent drift fishing can still be deadly! Drift fishing can be a truly deadly method of fishing for salmon or steelhead, but also one of the toughest to master. You must have the right equipment, be able to read fish holding water, detect the bite and set the hook before the fish spits out the bait. Your not going to learn exactly how to drift fish by watching this video, but you're going to get some tips to make you a successful drift fishermen on your next salmon, steelhead, or trout fishing trip. Please tap that subscribe button, we have a ton more videos coming!!
Help Us GROW! 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBE-ADDICTED
Purchase Addicted Tackle! bit.ly/addicted-tackle
10% OFF Addicted Merch | Use CODE: 10ADX
▶ Discounts for Addicted FANS!
10% OFF Fillet Away Mats, CODE: ADDICTED10 bit.ly/buy-fillet-away
20% OFF Mustad, CODE: ADDICTED20 bit.ly/shop-mustad
20% Off TUFline, CODE: ADDICTED20 bit.ly/buy-tufline
20% Off Pro Cure, CODE: ADDICTED bit.ly/shop-pro-cure
5% OFF KONG COOLERS, CODE: ADX bit.ly/31Gq087
▶ Keep Up To Date With Us In REAL TIME!
Follow Us On Instagram: bit.ly/addictedfishingIG
▶ Check Out Some Of Our Favorite Videos!
Epic Salmon Fishing - • EPIC Coho Salmon FISHI...
CRAZY Steelhead Fishing - • Multiple 20 Lb STEELHE...
How To Trout Fish - • COMPLETE In Depth Trou...
Steelhead MOVIE - • Addicted Alaska 2 - Al...
How To Fish Trout Magnets - • How To Fish TROUT MAGN...
Mav Collab - • The Fishing Was Tough....
Ace Videos Collab - • Catches & Cooks His FI...
SB Fishing Collab - • You’re Not Going To BE... NW Fishing Secrets Collab - • The Best STEELHEAD FIS...
Rooster Vs Panther - • You’re Not Going To BE...
Addicted AK #1 - • Addicted Alaska 1 - Al...
Lonny Hook Removal - • Fishing Angler Rips 2 ...
How To Fillet Trout - • How To FILLET TROUT Qu...
▶ Product Partners We Support & USE!
Okuma Fishing: bit.ly/okuma-fishing-youtube
Gerber Fishing: bit.ly/gerber-fishing
Yakima Racks: bit.ly/yakima-fish
Brad’s Fishing: bit.ly/brads-fishing
Shortbus Flashers: bit.ly/shop-shortbus-flashers
Tufline: bit.ly/buy-tufline
Fillet Away: bit.ly/fillet-away-mats
Pro Cure : bit.ly/pro-cure-fishing
Nikwax: bit.ly/nikwax-discount
Humminbird: bit.ly/humminbird-fish-finders
Cannon Downriggers: bit.ly/cannon-fishing
Minn Kota: bit.ly/minn-kota-fishing
▶ EMAIL FOR BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [e-mail]
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Thank you so much for watching our content. We appreciate every single one of you that take the time out of your day to click on our video, give it a thumbs up, share it to friends, or any other support you offer. It's MUCH APPRECIATED!! 🙌 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗! Please share this video with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe with the bell. 🔔
Some of the above links are partner affiliate links.
Some of the above links are paid or sponsored links.
Some of the products promoted in this video are paid product partners.
STAY ADDICTED! 🤘🎣
#addictedfishing #driftfishing #riverfishing

[@AddictedFishing]

Thanks for tuning in Addicts! 🤘🎣 ✅ Help Us GROW! 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBE-ADDICTED ✅ Wanna watch more? 👀 Watch Below! ▶ bit.ly/adxlifeyoutube ◀

[@deliverybryan1138]

Addicted Fishing of course I enjoy watching your fishing tutorials

[@glenmetcalfe9784]

Not trying to be an asshole dude but 40 lb test? ive never ever ran heavier than 6lb mono in my life for salmon or steelhead.In fact whensturgeon fishing I only use 15lb and thats because of the 4 ounce lead to get out to where they are,any less and youd be snapping line just casting.PEOPLE need to learn how to use your drag AND give the fish a chance.Thats part of the sport!Oh and by the way Ive brought in many 100lb sturgeon.catch and release NEVER EVER have I kept the dinosaurs!

[@AngryMuffinMusic]

What I really want to know is this: why aren't west coast anglers into centerpin for steelhead floating like people in Ontario? Why do you use spinning stuff? What are the advantages?

[@williamkirkpatrick8314]

Here's a little bit of advice. At the end of the drift, let your bait set there for a bit maybe a minute. Sometimes the fish will follow it but not bite until it stops

[@LukeFX1111]

6:45 am, I can't sleep and I'm watching fishing videos and getting pumped lol. May as well head out!

[@tsar5117]

Did you catch anything ??

[@LukeFX1111]

@@tsar5117 I remember I actually ended up getting a couple Pike that morning

[@tsar5117]

Truth Seeker nicee

[@pinkadam8989]

6:45 and you didn't leave yet?

[@LukeFX1111]

@@pinkadam8989 If it were Salmon and Steelhead season then I would of been at the river for a few hours already at that point lol.

[@jamescofer373]

Jordan absolutely nailed it. This was hands down the most clear, concise, and to-the-point, drift fishing video I've ever seen. Jam-packed, no bullshit, this is how it's done. Thank you for doing it right guys. You rock!

[@glenmetcalfe9784]

40lb test LOL yeah ok ive NEVER in my life EVER used more than 6lb test for salmon or steelhead LOL in fact even when STURGEON fishing and bringing in 100 lb sturgeon I ran 15lb mono and thats ONLY because of the 4 ounce sinkers to get out to where they are,any less and youd be snapping line just casting! People need to learn how to use your drag ffs!

[@aaronhernandez8712]

@@glenmetcalfe9784 shut up you don’t even fish

[@kyrieirving2659]

@glen metcalfe You must be 🧢 Playa that’s sounds crazy!!

[@normhiscock352]

I like to use a 23ft rod with 100 pound test and a 4 pound leader. And my go to bait is a entire turkey baked at 450 degrees being rotated counterclockwise every 3.5 minutes. I don't catch many fish...

[@AddictedFishing]

🤣

[@craigstandridge2240]

LOL 😆

[@Itsme-qi2yp]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kristopherjoy8992]

Hahahaha! 😂🤣

[@Rackus82]

💀

[@joelm.2644]

I've been looking for quite some time for a good video on drift fishing, so finding this was a life saver! Thanks for making this you guys!!

[@traviskruger6082]

Been catching steelhead thanks to you guys! Moved to Astoria in may and I've been watching your videos all year for the winter steelhead return!

[@MikeBrown-rk7ws]

Love drift fishing and can’t get enough of it!

[@mattharmon8069]

The sound quality is awesome! I wear hearing aids and with headphones in i was able to hear every word! 🤘🏻

[@LukeFX1111]

Wow, well done! This is by far the most clear cut, simple and detailed explanations on how to drift fish. Keep it up dude, liked and subbed!

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

OUTSTANDING tutorial!! One of the best I’ve come across on KZbin!! THANKYOU FOR SHARING!! 👍😎👍

[@slash2jimi]

This is probably one of the best ways to fish but not many people do it. Takes skill and a long time to learn to distinguish what a bite is and when to set the hook.

[@JasonSipe16]

Not sure where you are, but a lot of guys in the PNW do this all the time.

[@mariotapia6300]

Jordan man you and the guys are the bomb squad you give alot of knowledge to the fishing community thanks for all this knowledge i have used so many of your tips ,that have made my fishing trips so much more exciting, Thank you all.

[@tyroberts9515]

ADDICTS!!! I SWEAR IM YOUR GUY'S NUMBER ONE FAN!! STILL WATCHING FROM JUNEAU, ALASKA! TAKING IN AS MUCH INFO AS I CAN FOR THIS UPCOMING SEASON!

[@trudoe420]

You answered most all my questions about drift fishing. Thanks!

[@allenmicheal8134]

Thanks for the great info. Now I am ready to drift for some winter steelies!

[@joselopezgarcia528]

Thanks for the video Jordan, I really learned something new today for sure. Keep the great work

[@JJ-kz7sm]

Thanks! I am a fishing guide, walleye/musky. I mainly fish large, deep, clear lakes. I am heading to some homestead waters this weekend to try some of these techniques. Fishing the river that my great great grandfather fished and made a living from. Brule River. It's been busier than normal due to low water keeping small tributaries from supporting the lake fish or even having enough water to make it in them.

[@johnlarue2248]

Excellent post! Very informative and instructive! Been thinking about fishing the Manistee this year but never was sure of my tackle...Now I am...Thank You!

[@mr.skipper4544]

Man that was alot of information, I'm just starting out in salmon fishing, I'll have to watch this video several times until it sinks in Thank You for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@Joncabral91]

The best fishing videos and channel I've seen yet ! Keep it up man! Tight lines 🎣🐟

[@abarron390]

Thanks for these vids man very informative never knew how technical it can get

[@marcelozavala5459]

I liked the way you explained it very well,.I'd never drift fished but I would love to try it sounds like fun.

[@wildduckmigrations4294]

Great content and presentation there Jordan, very informative!

[@edenten]

Nice video I'm learning on how to catch steelhead and this video will be a strong starting point for me thank you for taking the time to make this.

[@subilly04]

Great breakdown of the drift.

[@sixsixpks]

Wow, this video is exactly what I needed. Thank you man!

[@josephcool3832]

Greetings from Coeur d'Alene ID. Very informative videos. Thank you. Fishing the Nestucka in Feb in Oregon with some old Army buddies and will be fishing the local Clearwater River as well. Thank you for the education!

[@dee004100]

Brother you are truly one of the best personalities for delivering KZbin tutorials. Excellent content, precise and right to the point. Thanks for doing this as I'm learning a lot and picking up some great pointers. Cheers

[@AddictedFishing]

🙌

[@604roger]

The TeckEd teacher you always wanted

[@heyhungly]

Lots of great insight. Thanks!

[@garrensparks4492]

Great work with the videos. Very helpful.

[@208angler5]

Good tip video. Aside from how to rig and hold the angle...the very best tip was memorize the river. I tell new anglers to count the bumps and time in between them, when that changes you need to bounce to tip of your rod or set the hook!

[@bullridertillidie]

I went steelheading for the first time this year and had the best time of my life but I just couldn't understand exactly what i should be waiting to feel before setting the hook. I'm so glad I watched this video it makes so much sense now thinking about the fish I caught and what I felt before. I just hate accidently snagging a fish especially when I wanted a keeper hen sooo bad. Plus I don't wanna be known as that guy.

[@FishingTheOdds]

good job guys! good info for people!

[@bobberdownfishing5100]

Your tutorials are getting better each episode.

[@Hotrod-nt6jg]

Thank for the cool tips

[@wayne1693]

When i 1st started to fish for steel head back in the late 80's early 90's , we were all using noodle rods, 10 ft and up, I had and still have my browning 11.5 steel head rod 6 pound test , and I also have a ST Crox 9 footer as well , want to start using a bait caster now

[@squid435]

Awesome information jordan

[@jimcrick4429]

Awesome vid! Great info

[@NWJonathan]

Bout’ time ! Hahaha, Don’t get me wrong the bobber fishing is damned effective but I’ll always side pound bait along with swingin’ hardware. OG methods & what ya grew up on pay dividends as well as being diverse in your tactics & methods of finding fish. P.S. My little girl caught her first Sea Runs today on homemade #3’s in the bay in front of my house. Was a proud day for a father of a future fisherwoman. Good fishing & always love the videos fellas. Be well, safe travels, & great fishing to y’all. 🎣🤘🏿😎

[@Htownrule]

I have been fishing since I was younger & I never had caught a trout even when I was fishing in stocked waters. I caught everything in the river from Bass to Bluegill to Perch to Catfish so I did a quick KZbin search and came across your videos. I want you to know the information you provided landed me my first trout on my first cast using a three foot Ugly Stik Dock Demon and landed a trout 1 1/2 feet that was 4 pounds, I really appreciate you.

[@michaelbailey5736]

The dock demon. Hooked a beauty on mine in lake George this year after iceout

[@airgunnersedge4061]

Great video, always looking to improve techniques although I have to scale down as I live in CT and just not as many beautiful large rivers but making it work with what I got to fish in...

[@darvinwebsterjr3483]

Good video lot of good information thank you for sharing

[@robertfhoffman7478]

I know a lot guys who like to drift fish with spinning setups. I like to fish with my 8/9wt flyrod. Wetfly indicator fishing is pretty similar to the drift technique illustrated here.

[@AddictedFishing]

Fly rods are fun for sure!

[@adriankunina3080]

This is the best fishing instructional video on KZbin

[@jjimywoods1363]

That's a v good and informative vid. Good man

[@hardtomello364]

Thankyou for mentioning the fact that if you break off with braid it creates a big bird nest on the river you can’t get rid of I constantly have to clean up fishing rigs in the steelhead streams around my house once the spawn is done so I’m not stepping on redds

[@anthonyvelez3788]

Great info. Thanks

[@Spezarina]

I’ve only used spinning and spincast reels few times and now I’m using a bastcaster

[@tedmihalca]

You're awesome man!

[@AnthonyRubeoOutdoors]

My favorite way to fish.

[@Stinaz584]

I just started to work for a company and they wanted me to angle for chinook but I caught a coho we still tagged it. It popped up earlier apparently they show up in october. I work up in bridge river BC . I used a spoon some row but did the drift method with a big floaty thingy and a 2 cm of coil weight.

[@reekgoesoutside]

Great vid and great tips. I personally prefer a sliding weight vs the fixed weight.

[@TheTruth-ge7fj]

Why is that?

[@TheOtherOthers]

Nice guide!

[@aaronbarker300]

Good point on the bumper. A guy next to me kept getting his braid hung, so he just kept cutting it at the tip. Filling the hole with 20' of line at a time

[@TheTruth-ge7fj]

That really sucks, when i get stuck like that i just grab my braid like if i was going to pull a horse then pull straight. I rather bend my hook than leaving line in there.

[@rhiley36]

I just really wish people would stop using braid all together in rivers...

[@tykesraps]

Solid video fella's 👍🏽.

[@kenowens9021]

I was with about 20 people fishing in Alaska and all were casting across the river. I casted for up the river and let the drift carry the bait to the salmon. I caught eight that way.

[@dirktucker77]

Thanks guys.

[@Inka311]

Dudes all of the videos are great that's fo sho! I'd definitely rock the bank with you guys & learn some hands on tactics ta BOBBERDOWN!!!!!!

[@tommanchester3067]

This is awesome guys! I'm heading up to the manistee river this weekend and I'll definitely be using this technique👍

[@AddictedFishing]

What are you fishing for?!

[@tommanchester3067]

Coho and Chinook

[@AddictedFishing]

Get em!!

[@kevinmarshall6540]

The tick is key.. you have to wait for the weight to pass by the fish before you set. Determining bottom from a fish takes practice for sure. If it stops, pull . I'm a big fan of lead in tubing..if you hang up, you'll usually get all your terminal tackle back, minus the lead. Thanks Herzog!

[@pinhighdiscdyes]

What size weight are you typically using? Purchasing all my steelhead gear for this winter!!! Can't wait to get back to Oregon.

[@infie]

Reminds me of fishing a Carolina rig in the current. Seems similar.

[@tonyrico4839]

Really good video

[@choson.t7851]

Good job sean

[@wilsonflanders878]

Jordan do you run a double set up when you drift fish

[@BoltImpact]

Great video

[@simonghantous8034]

Can u use a fly fishing backing line on ur reel. Then after u can put ur Mano. Love ur videos. Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@LokiLures]

Hi, Out east I have no problem catching steelhead while drift fishing with a leader length 12 to 24 inches long. This drastically reduced any accidental flossing. Cheers.

[@nativesportsmen7872]

LokiLures make sure to check state regulations before using leader lengths some need a min of 18 inches between hook and weight 👍

[@paulconnell4173]

The best rods for sensitivity and feeling the drift or bite is always a bait caster set up not spinning reels but it can be done either way.

[@tiredredneck8159]

Centerpins are better than bait casters amigo. Trust me...iv used em all.

[@tomsnow1000]

I'm with you. Love a bait caster for accuracy, relaxed casting (right handed and use a left hand cranker), no line twist and cranking in the big ones

[@KodyMurray]

He literally said that within the first 2 minutes of the video lol

[@AP-ew9de]

SO HELPFUL- Thanks for making these. \

[@johncerminara6166]

Do you guys have any Center Pin Tutorials?

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

This is essential fly fishing with a spinning reel. Grab a 8 or 9 weight rod and -1wt line, 9 foot 3x or 4x tapered leader, and roll cast your fly upstream.

[@TonyPhillips-jy7ev]

Yes thx

[@varmint223]

What do you guys think of the SST (gray) 10’6 “float” rods? That bimart sales.

[@italiantroutaholic8926]

would you still use a Low vis Mono Bumper if you had a Mono HI vis Main line to the 3wat snap swivel?

[@aleatuo]

You guys should make a video on how and when to adjust bobber depth.

[@AddictedFishing]

aleatuo oso on it!

[@Joncabral91]

Exactly you find bottom then lower your float a foot or so

[@aleatuo]

@@Joncabral91 got it appreciate it !

[@boothsmith5552]

My dad started me on this method and ive only ever caught one in my life 😂

[@chadgregorini5038]

What size octopus hook and cookies do you like for steelhead? Faster water in a bigger river. ?

[@Lov3message]

Thats funny that the most video i 've watched on youtube those people able to fish alot and there was not so many people . In humbold county Ca , they only let us keep 2 salmona and people would've sat shoulder to shoulder fighting for fish 😄

[@Electro-gj8sk]

Can you make video on drift fishing in slow fater

[@juanrasmussen5796]

What power and action are your drift fishing rods?

[@markperez9683]

Any recommendations for a guide near Riggins Idaho

[@vinhha3857]

Oh ok ok... I do learn ... thank you Sir... I just start fish 2 months ago since Covid19 and I get lay off..😀😀😀

[@iScootToronto]

In lake ontario toronto side we have very clear water. Most people are using mono for mainline and flueoro for a lead. Do u have any recommendations for this kind of setup, not every many informative videos like this one. I just feel this setup would be to heavy for the steelhead and browns here, but i would love your insight

[@mtnsavagenorthwest7409]

Can someone point me to the nearest fishing rehab? Cuz I’m fkn ADDICTED!! 🤘

[@edperry6199]

Try moving to Salt Lake City. I'm in withdrawals, foaming at the mouth. I still fly fish the heck outta the mountains here but I love and miss steelhead. I find myself buying gear, rigging leaders and cleaning my reels and sitting in the corner, twitching and watching these videos - I am Addicted

[@jaygee6738]

also run your hooks along a grindstone to sharpen them. I caught a lot more fish the first time out and have done so ever since. I have ten hooks ready to go each time I go to the river. and damn is that water ever cold.

[@connordungan9792]

So does the line feed through the bobber so it touches bottom?

[@northforklures275]

Good video

[@justinrowlette1209]

hello so my biggest problem is how to tell the difference between felling rocks or if its a fish and when you set the hook. thanks-

[@ryangibson7340]

Jordan, come to Grants Pass Or. so we can fish the Rouge. Bring the whole crew.

[@604roger]

Is it similar to drifting for a date in a bar? Start at 45’degree at one end and work past the bar to 45’degree at other end

[@drturl]

A little confused. Other bead set ups you have 3-4" between bead and hook. Here, yiur bead and yarn is right up against the hook, no gap?

[@PaintballFFreak]

wish i could post a pic but i just started drift fishing and first day i landed a 15lb king in entiat river with the setup ypu have yarn

[@jamesurquhart5410]

Absolutely awesome. I see a lot of thought and effort has been put into your work and I really appreciate the energy and zest you have for the sport. Your following demonstrates many others feel the same. Friends, I have a favor to ask, I am a life long fisherman and am constantly amazed at the lack of common sense our fellow comrades put on stewardship and conservation. We fish some of the most incredible watersheds in the world and all to often the joy of taking in the scenery is spoiled by a pile of garbage left by others. I usually carry a bag with me to collect the garbage left by others. I feel like it’s the least I can do to give back to the sport. Perhaps you could incorporate a short pitch at the beginning of each video plugging common sense as stewards of our lands. With your viewership you can make a great positive impact by doing something as simple as this and still look like a winner. The old saying “Pack it in Pack it Out” goes a long ways. Thanks again.

[@slydawwg]

Well, people are getting tired of being preached at. The folks who understand will keep it clean & do the right thing, the ones that don't ? your not going to change them. Just keep it to fishing.

[@tonynguyen36]

u the best

[@FijiDrifter]

Where is the info regarding rod and reel combo ? I need a Link what to shop for ??? Thanks

[@TheTruth-ge7fj]

Instead of braid i recommend clear 10 pound test line and 10 pound test leader fluorocarbon on a 11 footer rod, you want a very sensitive feel of that bottom.

[@mikezanassi207]

Another option for pencil lead is to use surgical tubing to attatch it to the snap swivel

[@Somechonchon]

So it’s like shad fishing where I’m bouncing a jig on the bottom?