How to Tie Steelhead Flies

Steelhead is a specific species of salmon that run in the rivers of the northwest and parts of the northern United States. Fly-fishing for these fish is considered one of the finest fights for North American species. Tying flies for steelhead requires knowing what the steelheads are hitting on in your river. This varies by the time of year and the insects that are in the nymph stage during this time. While the color choices may vary, the basic formula for tying steelhead flies follows a straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

  • Forceps
  • Fly vise
  • Clippers
  • Black or tan thread
  • Marabule (color depending on season)
  • 4/O - 8/O hooks with barb
  • Tinsel (gold)
  • Ostrich or peacock herl
  • Deer fur
  • Oval tinsel
  • Jungle cock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a hook into the fly vise. Point the barb down and the shank outward. Thread the forceps with the gold tinsel and wrap it around the shank.

    • 2

      Place the thread into the forceps and wrap it around the shank, overlapping the tinsel but keeping it partially exposed up the length of the shaft.

    • 3

      Place the marabule onto the back end of the shank and wrap it to the hook, using the thread.

    • 4

      Place the ostrich or peacock herl onto the butt of the shank and wrap three coils of thread over the end of the butt. Fluff out the herl or feathers to simulate wings.

    • 5

      Wrap the oval tinsel around the shank, keeping the gold exposed (think of it as a very small candy cane with rotating spirals).

    • 6

      Place the fur toward the curve of the hook and wrap three times with thread. Fluff to give the fly a head.

    • 7

      Place a piece of hackle feather at the neck of the shank and wrap three times around the feather. Clip excess thread from the fly and remove from the vise. Go land that steelhead with your custom fly.