The river stretched out like a dark, cold ribbon between snow-covered banks as we launched the driftboat. High above us, two bald eagles perched on barren treetops, watching silently as we set out. Despite the chill in the air, the excitement of the day ahead kept us warm, as we made our way down the Salmon River in search of steelhead.
The previous days had brought sub-zero temperatures and lake-effect snowstorms, which had slowed the steelhead fishing to a crawl. Chris Mulpagano, one of the top guides on the Salmon River, knew that the best time to fish for steelhead is when the weather is stable and the barometer is steady. But with Chris at the helm, we were undeterred. Even in these tough conditions, we knew we could catch several steelhead—thanks to his knowledge of the river and our center pin reels.
The Power of the Center Pin Reel
Chris was quick to point out that finding steelhead in the colder months requires adaptability. On this particular day, the fish were holding in shallow pools or narrow channels of swifter water. To catch them, you need to know exactly where to look, and you need the right tools for the job.
A center pin reel was just the right tool for the task. Chris smiled and assured me that this day would present a challenge, but with the right setup—namely floats and center pin reels—our chances of success would increase dramatically. I had heard about the effectiveness of center pin reels but had never used one before. By the end of the day, I had a newfound respect for these reels and the unique advantages they offered.
Understanding the Center Pin Reel
For those unfamiliar, center pin reels resemble oversized fly reels, about four and a half inches in diameter. However, unlike traditional fly reels, the spool on a center pin reel is offset to the side of the rod handle, and the reel turns freely with no drag or bail system. The key feature of a center pin reel is its ability to allow the line to flow off the spool freely, much like a spinning reel. This unique design makes it possible to cast and drift the line effortlessly, without any resistance from the reel.
The reel’s design makes it perfect for float fishing. The center pin allows for a natural drift of your bait, whether you’re casting or letting your bait flow downstream. With no drag, no bail, and no need to mend the line, the center pin reel offers a seamless, controlled drift, which is key when fishing for steelhead.
The Right Setup for Steelhead Fishing
Chris had us set up with a standard Salmon River fishing configuration: a float and a bait or lure, such as an egg sack, bead, jig, or nightcrawler. While the casting motion with a center pin reel may seem awkward at first, Chris demonstrated how to sling the floats and beads with remarkable precision. His expert knowledge of the river and his deft handling of the gear became apparent as we hooked into several feisty steelhead, ranging from five to eight pounds.
Casting with a center pin reel does require some practice, as you hold your hand to the side rather than in front, a common tendency for those unfamiliar with the technique. Chris noted that learning to cast with a center pin reel is a key hurdle, but one that can be mastered with practice. He recommended learning the Wallis Cast, a technique that gives superior distance and less line twist, a vital component of successful steelhead fishing.
Floats and Center Pin Reels
One of the biggest advantages of using a center pin reel is the precision with which you can present your bait. Float fishing, where a float is suspended above the bait, allows for a controlled drift through the fish-holding areas of the river. By adjusting the depth of the bait, you can cover more water quickly and keep your bait in the right zone, right over the fish. Unlike traditional drifts, where the line may be pulled by the current and drift too fast, using a float ensures that your bait drifts naturally and remains in the fish’s strike zone.
In the past, steelhead anglers used lighter leaders in low, clear water, often opting for 2- or 4-pound test leaders. Today, with the rise in center pin reel popularity, anglers can use slightly heavier leaders, such as 6-pound test fluorocarbon, which gives them a better chance of landing a steelhead. The use of split-shot between the float and the lure also gives more precise control over the bait’s depth, a technique that Chris favors over the use of a three-way swivel for adding weight to the line.
Difference Between Center Pin and Standard Fly Reels
For anglers unfamiliar with center pin reels, they may appear similar to oversized fly reels from a distance, but a closer inspection reveals distinct differences. Center pin reels are typically about four and a half inches in diameter, with a unique design: the main spool is offset to the side of the rod handle, and it turns freely without the aid of a drag system or bail. The open side allows the line to flow off the spool unhindered, much like a spinning reel. This design ensures that whether casting or drifting, the line flows smoothly without any drag or resistance, making it ideal for certain fishing techniques.
Bait and Lures
The center pin reel setup is most commonly used for drift fishing with bait or lures, such as egg sacks, jigs, beads, or nightcrawlers, suspended beneath a float. This setup is particularly popular on rivers like the Salmon River. While casting with a center pin may initially feel awkward to newcomers, seasoned anglers—like the expert I observed, Chris—can cast with incredible ease and precision. His extensive knowledge of the river and his refined casting technique soon paid off as we successfully hooked several feisty steelhead.
Casting
For many anglers, the most challenging aspect of using a center pin reel is mastering the casting technique. Unlike fly casting, where the line is typically controlled by a forward motion, center pin casting requires holding your hand to the side while releasing the line. It can feel counterintuitive at first, especially since the normal instinct is to hold the hand in front or simply let the line slip off. Chris, however, smiled knowingly, explaining that with practice, the technique becomes second nature.
Fortunately, learning to cast with a center pin reel has become increasingly accessible. As more and more river guides, especially on popular rivers like the Salmon River, adopt center pin reels, there’s no shortage of experienced anglers willing to share their knowledge. One particularly effective technique to learn is the Wallis Cast, a method where the line exits the reel from the side, resembling the action of a spinning reel. This cast not only offers superior distance but also minimizes line twist, making it ideal for longer, more controlled drifts.
The Perfect Drifts
Chris Mulpagano, a seasoned expert on river fishing, explained that one of the primary reasons the center pin reel has gained such popularity is its ability to deliver the “perfect drift.” Unlike traditional reels, a center pin reel allows your bait or lure to flow naturally through the water without the need to manually operate a bail or constantly mend your line. This seamless drift ensures that your presentation is as natural as possible, mimicking the natural flow of food sources, which is crucial when targeting species like steelhead and salmon.
The design of the center pin reel eliminates many of the common obstacles that anglers face when trying to achieve a perfect drift. With no drag or bail to worry about, the line flows freely, ensuring that your bait moves through the current without interruption or resistance. This ability to present your bait naturally and consistently has made the center pin reel the go-to tool for many serious anglers, especially those who focus on float fishing techniques. While center pin reels have been around for years, their rise in popularity can be closely tied to the growing use and understanding of float fishing for steelhead, salmon, and other river-dwelling species.
Float Fishing
Float fishing, which involves suspending a bait or lure beneath a float, has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness and versatility. The float acts as both a strike indicator and a mechanism that controls the drift of the bait through the water. By adjusting the depth of the float, anglers can tailor the drift of their bait to target specific fish-holding areas. This method allows the angler to cover more water efficiently and with precision, making it easier to find fish in varying conditions.
One of the key advantages of float fishing is that it enables anglers to present their bait in a more controlled manner. Unlike traditional drifting techniques, where the bait often floats past fish without attracting attention, float fishing keeps the bait hovering directly in front of the fish, making it more likely to trigger a strike. This method also allows for the use of slightly heavier leaders, which can be beneficial when fishing in fast-moving or deep water where stronger, more visible lines are necessary.
With the center pin reel providing a smooth and effortless drift, and float fishing offering unparalleled control over bait presentation, this technique has become the preferred choice for anglers targeting species like steelhead, trout, and salmon. The ability to make subtle adjustments to your setup, cover a wide range of water, and present your bait naturally all contribute to the growing popularity of this style of fishing. As more anglers discover the benefits of float fishing and center pin reels, this method continues to revolutionize how we approach river fishing.
Salmon River Fishing Setup
In recent years, advancements in fishing tackle have led to significant improvements in how anglers approach leader strength, particularly in clear, low-water conditions. One of the key changes is the shift from using very light leaders, such as 2 or 4 lb. test, to stronger 6 lb. test fluorocarbon leaders. This change has dramatically increased the chances of landing fish, especially in clear, low-water situations like those often encountered in the Salmon River. The stronger fluorocarbon leaders are less visible in the water and offer greater abrasion resistance, making them ideal for steelhead and other species, which are more easily spooked by lighter lines.
While some anglers prefer using a three-way swivel to add weight to a dropper line, Chris Mulpagano favors using split shot placed between the float and the lure. This setup allows for more precise control over the depth of the bait, enabling the angler to keep the presentation in the strike zone for longer periods, improving the chances of a successful catch.
Large Diameter Fly Reel
Center pin reels, which are commonly used for drift fishing, typically range in diameter from 4 to 5 inches. These reels are designed to hold a substantial amount of backing and line—usually 100 yards of 25 lb. test backing and 200 to 300 yards of 8 to 10 lb. test monofilament. However, it is important not to overfill the reel, as doing so can cause issues with line retrieval and performance. On the day I fished with Chris, he was using a 2-foot leader for targeting steelhead. Depending on water conditions and the specific fishing area, he often adjusts the leader length, sometimes shortening it to better suit the circumstances.
Finding the Salmon River Fishing Setup
There is a wide variety of center pin reels on the market today, ranging in price and quality. While steelhead anglers are the primary users of these reels, their effectiveness has been recognized by anglers targeting a variety of species, including salmon and even carp. When selecting a rod for use with a center pin reel, nearly any rod can work, but specialized float rods, such as the Bart rods Chris uses, offer distinct advantages. These long rods, typically ranging from 13 to 15 feet in length, are excellent for casting and provide the added benefit of acting as a shock absorber when fighting acrobatic fish like steelhead. The longer rods help control the fight, reducing the stress on the line and giving the angler better leverage when reeling in a strong fish.
Chris Mulpagano, a longtime guide on the Salmon River and surrounding streams, has been at the forefront of evolving fishing techniques and adapting to changes in fish behavior. His experience and cutting-edge approach to the sport make him a valuable resource for anglers looking to improve their skills. If you’re looking for more information or would like to book a guided trip, you can contact Chris at (315) 387-2623.
The Right Tool for the Job
Original Article By Leo Maloney and Chris Mulpagano
About The Authors
Leo Maloney was once the editor of Lake Ontario Outdoors Magazine. He enjoys many types of fishing, especially for steelhead.
Chris Mulpagano is owner of Get The Net Guide Service (315) 387-2623 and is a veteran guide on the eastern end of Lake Ontario and its tributaries.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
