Flyfishing for steelhead can be one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, experiences available to fly anglers today. Steelhead are actually sea-run rainbow trout that spawn in clear freshwater streams and rivers. Hatchlings then migrate to the ocean, where they live for many years. As adults, they eventually return to the streams from which they came to spawn again. Knowing the time, location, river structure, gear selection and fish behavior will help you land steelheads.
Choose the Right Rod
Steelhead can be fished on a range of rod weights, but those in the 4 to 7 weight range and 8 1/2 feet to 10 feet in length are usually best suited to the task. These rods are substantial enough to cast long distances while sensitive enough to detect even the lightest steelhead strike.
Learn the Run Times
Steelhead typically migrate into streams and rivers in the late fall and remain there through early spring. The time that migration occurs may vary from region to region and even from stream to stream. There are even summer-run steelhead. Learn the run times for the river or stream you wish to fish to ensure that you are ready when the fish arrive.
Locate Holding Water
While steelhead are migrating back to their spawning grounds, they select areas within rivers to rest. Called holding water, this usually consists of water from 3 feet to 6 feet deep and of varying width, flowing slower than the main channel but faster than slack water. These areas provide sufficient oxygen, while flowing slowly enough for steelhead to rest properly. Holding water bordered by deeper areas up to 15 feet deep can be especially productive. Steelheads appreciate deep water that they can retreat to if they they feel threatened. Learn to read the river for these holding areas.
Fish by Sight
Flyfishing for steelhead is largely a matter of fishing by sight. Polarized sunglasses can help to minimize the glare on the surface of the water allowing you to spot fish more clearly. Once you have located steelhead in a river run, observe them carefully to get a better idea of their behavior, what fly to use and how best to present it.
Use a Wide Selection of Flies
Steelhead typically slow down feeding during migration. It can, therefore, be hard to determine what fly steelhead will strike. Have a good selection of dry, wet and nymph flies, as well as streamers and poppers. Blue Charm, Muddler Minnow, Coachman, Lady Caroline, Spade, Purple Peril and Night Dancer are among the many fly patterns that will work on steelhead. As a general rule, choose brighter and larger flies with plenty of action in rivers with limited visibility. When fishing clearer waters, use smaller flies with dull colors to keep from spooking steelhead.
Consider Weather Conditions
During warmer conditions, summer-run steelhead are more inclined to take dry flies on floating line. In cold winter streams and rivers, steelhead tend to stay close to the bottom. A wet fly is usually the best choice in this situation. Also, use a sinking-type fishing line to get your fly down to where the fish are.
Try Pattern Casting
When you have located holding water or another area where steelhead are likely to congregate, position yourself upstream and begin casting. Use a pattern of casting, moving across the water at increasing degrees with each cast to ensure that you cover the area completely with your fly presentation. Once you have selected a fly, try to stick with it until you get a strike or have completely covered the area you are fishing.
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