I have been fishing my entire life and have lived in Oregon less then one minute from the South Umpqua river. I am mostly a bass fisherman with the occasional Holy Waters/High Lakes trout thrown in. This summer however I caught my first spring chinook and I my first words were wow!

I have tried steelhead fishing in the past but havent put fourth my strongest efforts and didnt have the greatest gear for it. I am going to be trying again with a greater confidence and some better tackle (an actual steelhead rod and not just a largemouth rod substitute) terminal tackle though I am still at a loss in many ways. I also do not feel confident in reading water I did however watch the video on here and feel slightly better on the subject. Like is said before I live on the mid-upper South Umpqua and can fish it and the North easily. I am also moving to Corvallis soon and want to try some areas up there.

Any tips for a beginner as far as jig/yarn/corkie color, row type, or anything in general. My rod is 8' 6" a little short of float fishing but I am going to have to make it work. I am also going to try drift fishing as I have all the tackle for it.

Well, you've come to the right place for advice. There are plenty of knowledgeable fisherman hear willing to steer you in the right direction. The 8'6" rod is going to be a little short for float fishing, you will just have to fish seams that are close to you. The longer the rod the father away you can float fish effectively. That is a good size rod for drift fishing. I usually throw a yarn ball and roe, or a 6" pink worm when I drift fish.

As far as colors for yarn and corkys and jigs etc. go, it really just comes down to personal preference. Like I have particular color combos that I swear by, that some of my buddies hate, but they have always produced great success for me. And Corky size should geneerally match/ go with the size of the hook. I like to use size 2 hooks. I feel they are about the perfect size for steelhead and produce a nice hook set. So for corky size I usually go with a size 14 or sometimes sz. 12 depending on current/ depth of water. And you don't need much yarn either. A lot of people just starting use too much. As I've said before, most of your setup will end up depending on your own personal preference and what you like. I've learned that you just need to fish it with confidence and don't be afraid to try something different. If I come to a spot and see that everyone is fishing the same bait or the same way, I will almost always fish the exact opposite, cause most times switching it up can make the difference. I would HIGHLY recommend signing up on here and become a premium member because they have an extensive video library that will teach you a lot about getting started. Ok that's all I'm going to tell you! Don't want to give you all the secrets! ha ha just kidding. Yeah just most of it is just going to be going out and often and figuring it out for yourself

I got fair amount of gear today and jigs in all sizes and colors. I have a ton of corkies and other stuff already from salmon fishing. I am going to drift fish roe and yarn balls a great deal and probably be my primary tactic. I got floats and jigs like Bran said to switch things up plus it looks like a fun way to catch some fish. Thanks for advice I am going to be heading out tomorrow just hope there are fish in the river. It is still a little high and muddy. (South Umpqua)

If i remember what someone told me... 1500cfs is when the south is fishing pretty good... I may actually head up there next weekend if its still in good shape.

Cant go wrong buying any of chads jigs or contact REELTECH on here and he has a pretty good deal on jigs too.

Well I just tied my first yarn ball. Actually looks good but it helps already having a full fly tying bench. Going out this afternoon with a buddy who fishes a lot, maybe we will get into some.