Steelhead Fly Fishing Techniques

Fighting in a steelhead is one of fly fishing's greatest rewards. It's also a big challenge to know the right technique for the given location, the time of year, and both the speed and clarity of the water. If you learn about steelhead, study your river and spend time learning, you'll hook into a steelhead. It's a sudden and heart-stopping jolt, followed by a fight that can break your line if you're using the wrong gear. Here's general advice to try and specialize for your area.

  1. Arsenal

    • Keep in mind that you're dealing with a big fish--go with a heavy tippet so they won't break it. Come prepared with many flies for different situations. The traditional egg patterns and nymphs might work, and then you can try the Woolly Bugger or black Hares Ears. Check local online fishing networks and shops to see what people in your area suggest. If you have the time and money, spend a day with a guide who can show you good pockets, techniques and flies for your river. You're very likely to hook a steelhead with a guide, so be prepared to get addicted to chasing steelhead.

    Conditions

    • Fish the slack water, because steelhead move upstream in bursts, moving through the fast water and then looking for structure to rest in, or a deep, slower stretch of river. Steelhead tend to move along the edges of where fast and slow currents interact. If you know a certain spot is great for hooking steelhead, stay put and be patient. However, if you're not familiar with the hot spots, try moving upstream, since that's what the fish do.

      The river's condition has a big effect on how you'll fish at any given time. In most situations, a strike indicator will help you see even the subtle hits. The other benefit is you can adjust it to keep your fly in the strike zone--close to the bottom where the steelhead are.

      If you're not sure where to start and the water is high--like in winter--try fishing streamers. Michael Steiner wrote that he's had the most success with a stained B.H. Woolly Bugger. His favorite colors are white first, then black and olive. He also advises for muddy water to use bright, visible flies. If the river is at a normal level, dead drift with nymphs. If the water is fast, however, this won't work. In this case, slow-twitch your fly during the dead drift to add more movement and attract the fish. Remember that Woolly Buggers work well, too, and they move quicker at the end of the drift.

      In low, clear water conditions look for deeper and greener slots in the rivers. Steelhead will move through and hold in these areas. Low, clear water conditions also call for longer, somewhat lighter, leaders and smaller, more natural flies. Fish can be spooked easily in clear water, so moving to the next hole can improve your odds if you aren't having success.

      Fly fishing for steelhead can be tricky; fisher friends, guides and a good general knowledge of fishing and steelhead will head you in the right direction. It's good to know when not to fish, too, such as when the rivers are rising. Battling a steelhead into your hands is an achievement to be amazed by. The power and beauty of these mighty fish will leave even the most hardened angler thrilled and excited for more.