pins minnow steelhead

One of my favorite lures for trout is the yozuri pins minnow was wondering if anyone has ever done well useing them for steelhead i caught one once on a black and gold but i wrote it off as a fluke cause it was one of those days when it seemed the would eat a bare size 2/0 hook thinking bout trying them this year for something new

Yes, they certainly do work for steelhead.  I prefer to stand upstream, and let them "swing" down in front of a pod of steelhead almost letting the lure slowly roll in front of them, little to no retrieve, just a tight line.  Much of the way you would fish a flatfish or any other similar lure. Has worked before.

it was a fluke-----ya hooked em in the ars!!!! SNAGGGER

I've done well enough with them on Steelhead that I continue to use them , but originally I bought them for Walleye and have had much success with them using them at night well after dusk [ for 'eyes ] . The size I use for Steelhead are ~ 1 1/2" . Yes , they are expensive , but many of the finishes seem to be unique as I don't recall them used by other manufacturers .

Fishinguy

Where I have had success with lures in the creek is fishing them just how you explained, more than likely you will find these situations at the head or tail of a pool, and if fish are stacked there it can be a good bet that one will get aggressive enough to take it. I usually save the lures when I am fishing in the lower 1/3 of the stream, where you will more than likely find your freshest, and most aggressive fish. You will want to stand upstream and quarter cast downstream, allowing a tight line and a level rod tip. Steelhead won't usually leave a holding lie to chase down a retrieved lure (in most cases), so this technique of swinging it allows the bait to be presented where it gets a ton of action, and it stays in the strike zone a lot longer. It also reduces the potential for spooked or foul hooked fish as you are just rolling the lure in front of them. You will see right away what fish are there to play and those that are not interested.

Also, one thing that has helped me tremendously in having these lures "track" well on a swing, esp for the pins because they have a small lip and tight action, is to remove the front hooks and replace the rear treble with a single hook of your choice that fits the split ring correctly. It makes a world of difference.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the insight loomis. I fish small jigs in a similar way but usually cast upstream and just take up the slack as it drifts back to me, imparting only the slightest bit of movement from me. When it gets just past me is when it will swing right in front of a hopefully aggressive fish. Retrieving my way seems like it might avoid more tangles in a crowded pool... But will def try it next time I see the opportunity.