RECIPE
Shake-N-Bake Salmon Nuggets
Battling Low Water
Low , clear water cause summer steelhead to change their behavior . It is during the hot summer months that steelhead fishing tends to slow down during mid-day making for early mornings and late evenings . The fish hide in shadows and under riffles as predator ’ s perch above in trees hoping to find the fish exposed in the shallow water .
To increase your chances of catching summer steelhead in low water you need to downsize your gear . Starting with baits , lures , and jigs in low , clear water , it ’ s best to use subdued colors such as peach or the ever-popular nightmare colors of red , black and white . Micro jigs of 1 / 32 ounce up to 1 / 8 ounce and a few small split shot on the leader to get it down into the zone quickly . For spoons try black or tarnished copper . Consider using a black Sharpie pen on a copper spoon to dull the shine . If you decide to use bait go with a night crawler or small pieces of prawn on double size 4 octopus hooks and a peach size 14 Lil ’ Corkie .
Leaders should be clear monofilament from 4- to 6-pound test or a good fluorocarbon line in the same strengths . I have switched over to using only black swivels but this is especially important for summer ’ s low flows . Float fishing is your best option as drift fishing can be very difficult to have enough weight to cast yet not stick on the bottom and become hung up in boulders where the fish will be hiding behind and sitting in the oxygen enriched waters . When fishing floats it ’ s really hard to beat natural cork as this looks like a piece of debris floating down the river and the fish don ’ t pay attention to it . If you can ’ t find cork bobbers then try floats that are made of clear plastic , but discolor the bright orange tops with a Sharpie marker to subdue them a bit . Stick floats work great and are often made of balsa wood , again giving a natural look .
The “ noodle ” rod is a very fun way to fish for summer steelhead , especially in smaller rivers and streams . These rods are very long and limber , from 10 to 12 feet and rated for 4- to 8-pound line . The idea of these rods is to use them as a big spring so the fish can ’ t throw the hook and it allows you to fish very light mainline which is perfect for low and clear water . Spool your spinning reels with 6- or 8-pound monofilament ; if float fishing use 10- pound braid . I still prefer to use a high visibility braid but once again break out the Sharpie and color the last 10 feet of mainline . Rub fly line dressing or some plain unscented ChapStick on the line to help it float better with its thin diameter . The long and limber rod also helps casts the light floats , weights , and micro-jigs . By being able to keep your offerings small you don ’ t make a big splash in the water so not to scare any holding steelhead .
While this year might not be a low water summer — thankfully — it ’ s smart to be prepared should we see a repeat of last year . Let ’ s just hope you don ’ t need to use these low water techniques . But should we see a streak of hot weather , plan accordingly . JASON BROOKS
Salmon are one of the best eating fish and for good reason . But if you are tired of baked and barbecued fillets , or just don ’ t have the time to cook salmon steaks then try this easy and quick recipe for seasoned salmon nuggets . A versatile and delicious way to cook your favorite fish , they can be eaten as an appetizer , a main dish or even used as a salad topping the next day when cold .
INGREDIENTS : 1 pound of salmon fillet , de-skinned and cut into 1-inch cubes ( cut out any bones as well ) 1 seasoning packet of Shake-N-Bake 2 Tablespoons of coconut oil
DIRECTIONS :
Place the cubed salmon and the seasoning mix into the plastic bag that comes with the Shake-N-Bake and mix it , coating all of the salmon . Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan until it is hot enough to fry the fish . Then fry the salmon pieces until done , about 3 to 4 minutes . Remove the salmon pieces to a place with a paper towel to drain any excess oil and serve .
Any left overs are great cold and can be used for a salad topping or mix with mayonnaise and dill pickle relish for a quick salmon salad mix .
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