Found throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Russia, and the Great Lakes region, Steelhead are considered one of the most prized fish to catch on a fly. These migratory fish return to their native rivers every year, bringing with them a cult-like following of anglers in pursuit of them. Although not known to actively feed during their journey, many think they may hit a fly out of aggression. Others believe that feeding on aquatic insects and salmon eggs as juveniles they become genetically programmed, and so they continue to do so as adults returning to spawn.
Spey Flies
Originated on the river Spey in Scotland using heron feather, Spey flies have become increasingly popular for Steelhead fishing. They are commonly dressed with feathers that protrude beyond the shank of the hook, with a wing of bronze mallard, and fished using a floating line and long leader. These large flies pulsate in the river current enticing strikes from aggressive steelhead.
Winter Flies
When the rivers in the Pacific Northwest begin to swell with the winter rains it becomes more difficult to get your fly down to a holding steelhead. This is compounded by the fact that the temperature of the water has cooled dramatically making steelhead lethargic. Seeking out holding steelhead takes a lot of patience and half the battle is keeping your offering in the strike zone: an assortment of large heavily weighted patterns in a variety of colors are usually the ticket during the doldrums of winter.
Low Water Flies
During peak times in March through to the fall when the rivers have subsided, and warmed up, the steelhead turn on. Anglers can now put their big nasty stuff away for another season and begin using more traditional patterns which are generally sparsely tied to fish on floating lines with long leaders or a light sink tip.
Marabou Flies
Marabou is one of deadliest materials for Steelhead flies bar none; with long Pulsating fibers it makes it almost impossible for a to steelhead not to hit. Made popular by the ‘popsicle’ style flies for salmon in Alaska, marabou patterns have become a staple in every fly box. With endless color combinations, don’t be caught without a few in your steelhead box - you’ll be glad you had them.
Bunny Leeches
Like marabou, rabbit fur has excellent movement. It pulsates with every little movement of current enticing aggressive steelhead into striking. Specifically, the articulated style of leeches has worked well for me in purple, black, and pink, which are all productive colors. This is a great fly to probe a new piece of water with.
Dry Flies & Skaters
Made popular in British Columbia, dry fly fishing has become every steelhead anglers passion, and hands down the most exciting way to fish for these huge sea- going trout. The best time to target steelhead with a dry is from late August right into November with waked, dead drifted or skated offerings, which aggressive fish will take in almost any condition.
Egg Flies
In most rivers where a steelhead run occurs, there is usually a decent population of salmon. Egg flies are extremely effective patterns in early to late fall and even into winter when the salmon spawn and also during steelhead spawning periods. In fact, you could catch a fish on an egg pattern even when there is no spawning activity. With several colors to choose from, it’s best to stick with natural hues.
Nymphs
Nymphing for steelhead was introduced in the Great Lakes region using standard trout patterns tied larger with heavier hooks, and fishing it much the same way. An extremely effective way to catch fish an angler can have many hook ups in a day if done correctly.
