Tips for Steelhead Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for steelhead has grown into one of angling's greatest challenges. The unwillingness of steelhead to feed during winter months draws fisherman into icy waters to test their skills. A variety of tips can be utilized to increase angling success throughout the year. These techniques provide anglers with an increased knowledge and skill set to better their chances at landing a steelhead.

  1. The Swing

    • Swinging a fly into a steelhead's field of vision is a popular presentation among fly fishermen. The technique requires a down current cast using sink tip line and a weighted fly. After a brief pause, the fly is dragged across stream and then stripped upstream. This movement is used to trigger a steelhead's feeding instinct. The process is repeated until the fly is successfully placed in front of a hungry steelhead. This method is an effective technique utilized specifically with a fly rod.

    Good Water

    • Fishing the right water is essential for steelhead fishing success when using a fly rod. Steelhead utilize the slowest currents to save energy while collecting food. These currents are found in tail-outs behind boulders and in deep pools. Eddies and banks offer large steelhead protection from fast moving currents, and are possible casting positions for stealthy anglers. Steelhead fly fishermen often move miles and fish for days without hooking a single fish. This difficult task requires patience and an understanding of good water. Presenting a fly into these areas will yield the best chance at a hook up.

    Sink Tip Lines

    • Choosing the right tackle is imperative when steelhead fly fishing. A variety of rig choices are available and it's important to match the tackle to the fishing situation. When using a fly rod, anglers have multiple line choices. A type three or four sink tip line is most productive along large river expanses with uniform bottoms. The slow sink rate of these lines is adequate, as the fly has plenty of time to sink before reaching the fish. In faster, deeper water, a type five or six sink tip line works best. This quick sinking line presents the fly to the fish in turbulent water requiring heavier weights.