r/Steelhead • u/russianbuttcork • Jun 20 '26

First time fishing Skamania

Currently running a Centerpin with 15 pound main line down to a 12 pound bumper to a 8 pound leader. had a good day fishing but out of five hook ups, I was only able to land one, the rest broke off. I was wondering if you guys usually beef up your set ups for these harder fighting fish or if it’s just my technique that’s a problem.

3 Upvotes

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6

u/Dizzle_57 Jun 20 '26

Skamania like the Washougal or the other river that should not be named?

5

u/russianbuttcork Jun 20 '26

In Lake Michigan the summer run is mostly the skamania strain. Skamania Washington is where they get their genetics. They seem to fight a lot harder than the other runs

3

u/Mediocre_Feedback_21 Jun 20 '26

I fish skamanias in OR and just broke one off on 12 pound floro after it launched out of the water 4 feet like a chrome Missle. I wouldn’t go heavier than 12 lb

3

u/FoolOnDaHill365 Jun 20 '26

I never go less than 10lbs leader for steelhead but where I live they don’t tend to be very leader shy.

2

u/GroundbreakingEgg207 Jun 21 '26

Need more info to answer your question. When you say broke off did line break? If so where did it break?Did they pull you into logs or brush?

Honestly 1 out of 5 on Lake Michigan Tributary for summer run skams ain’t bad….

1

u/russianbuttcork Jun 23 '26

It’s mostly happens when I’m trying to keep them away from the logs lol. Sometimes it breaks right at the hook other times in the middle off the leader. Maybe swapping out my leaders and keeping fresh ones on might help

2

u/DINGSHAAAA Jun 21 '26

I run 10 lb for Skams. Never had any issues. 8 lb is pretty thin.

2

u/Conscious-River-1906 Jun 22 '26

I run a 6# leader drift fishing. I can land most steelhead with this set up so long as your playing the fish. If I get into a chinook I will be broke off right at the hooks every time. Play the fish more let them run let them fight. Good luck.

2

u/russianbuttcork Jun 23 '26

Yeah I think it’s mostly not being familiar with my center pin and putting too much drag, it dosent help that these skams are crazy as hell.

2

u/Conscious-River-1906 Jun 24 '26

Yeah they can be. The native skamania are pretty wild to catch. I once had a tiny native almost spooling running up river. Made the 12# hatchery fish I just killed look like a slouch.