Rods: 9 and 11 feet.
Waders (neoprene, 5mm for winter), wading belt.
Korkers (cleats for shoes).
Fishing vest.
Sunglasses. "A good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you determine the depth of the river and see rocks on the bottom of the riverbed."
Hooks (No. 4 egg hooks for sacks).
No. 10-12 imitation egg flies.
Pliers-clippers.
Swivels.
Leader line (4-pound-test).
Fingerless gloves.
Camera.
Split shot (variety of sizes).
Egg sacks in chartreuse, pink, blue and orange.
Net.
Pitt said that preparation is very important.

Dean Pitt begins his pre-season preparations by making the baits he uses for bottom-bouncing the river's deep holes.

"Once you have all the necessities, its time to do some serious fishing. Just remember it's going to be freezing cold out there, and you will need to stay warm and dry. Layered clothing and rain gear are a must."

FINDING STEELHEAD
Pitt and his friends begin fishing at their favorite pool, the Staircase Run, which is below the tall bridge in the town of Pulaski. There's plenty of parking close to the river. The Staircase Pool is filled with 4- to 5-foot pockets that are ideal holding areas for steelhead, including one 18-pound fish that, Pitt said, made all that preparation worth the work!

"The Staircase Run is one of my favorites," he said. "But so is the Schoolhouse Pool off Route 13 in Altmar, at the northern end of the river. It's a popular hole for many anglers because it has plenty of parking and covers a wide area where anglers may play and land a steelhead without getting in the way of other fishermen."

The Sportman's Pool is one of the finest on the Salmon River among anglers, Pitt added, because, the hole has deep water and a rock bottom. Egg sacs fished under a float are an ideal tactic for this pool.

The Old Trestle Pool is also off Route 13 and is accessible to both sides of the road with plenty of parking.

"This pool has some deep pockets on the north shore and is ideal for winter steelhead fishing," Pitt noted.

One more to mention is Ellis Cove in Altmar on Church Street. This spot has many pockets for steelhead, it bends and has the most gravel on the river and you'll have fewer snags.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE
"Always bring two rods," Pitt said. "One may be used for dries and one for nymphs or streamers. I like to use a sinking line with a 5 1/2- to 6-1/2-second sink rate. Sink-tip line is ideal for fishing nymphs, steelhead flies or streamers in fast or deep waters, along with some split shot.

"The faster the sink line, the less likely the fish will be spooked."

Chromers, as steelhead are often referred to, are far from easy to catch.

"You will need a light line and a deliberate, persistent approach to be successful in landing one of these fish," said Pitt. "I cover a lot a water in search of steelhead and I find it often produces the best results.

"Drifting line, backtrolling or bottom-bouncing are my favorite methods.

"Once I've tricked a steelhead into striking, I secure my footing and hold on! It's not uncommon for a chromer to peel line off your reel for 30 to 45 seconds, jumping five to 10 times. And they can fight hard for over 10 minutes. Just when you think they're ready to land, they'll try to wrap the line around an obstacle."

SAFETY TIPS
Take the time to assess the water conditions and pools you want to fish, Pitt advised. Balance yourself careful, flexing your knees to create a wide base on slick surfaces. Caution will prevent you from falling.

Go with the flow of the river or stream, he added. It's easier and safer to move with the current.

Try to move ahead or sideways for the best footing. When landing fish, find a spot away from other anglers to avoid tangled lines.

"If you've done your pre-season preparation and think safety, you'll have more than enough action on the Salmon River," Pitt concluded.

"You'll eventually discover your favorite method of fishing, as well as your favorite holes, where you can do battle with these unforgettable winter fighters."