The Steelhead Angler

Much of the time you will need to go wading if you plan on having success at steelhead fishing. You do not have to be a fearless wader but you do need to be comfortable with your wadding skills. Even you veterans out there with many years under your wading belt will need to use extra caution during the spring where the flows are extreme. If you are new to the sport of fly fishing I would recommend not wading out in water over your knees until to become familiar with wading in the current and just how much force the water can generate and how to keep a stable footing. For those who do not wish to wade, casting from the boat is also an option.There will be times where you need to casts well over 100 feet so practice when ever you have a chance. It is also import to be able to read the water or at least have some one that is capable of reading water. It is important that you are on the best casting side of the river before you start.

Fishing is done with rods from 6-8 wt, sinking lines, and a reel with a good drag system. The North Central Idaho Clearwater native steelhead are notorious for their size and power, testing the anglers ability and tackle on every blistering run. Steelhead are resting fish when they have returned to their home river to spawn so you must present your fly immediately in front of a fish if you are going to entice him into striking. The Main Clearwater River is large and having the ability to wade deep heavy current over very slippery ledge rocks as well as the ability to cast 90′ feet are among the reasons for this rivers difficulty. The upper section is much more fly fisher friendlily and the South Fork of the Clearwater is among my favorite rivers to fly fish for steelhead these B-Run fish are known for their size and often weigh in at over 20 pounds.

Get a good night’s rest you will need it if you are going to be wading most of the day, and put your wet waders on your boot dryers so when you wake up the next day you have nice warm waders to put on. I don’t believe there is any thing worst then to roll out of bed and have to stick your foot into a wet soggy boot and it will drain your energy much faster also.

It is always a good idea to check the flows for your favorite river; you can check the flows of most river systems by taking advantage of information available on the Internet. The United States Geological Survey, USGS, is the agency responsible for posting real time data related to the affects that weather plays on our river systems (you and find them at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis).

By: RR Smith
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 Steelhead fly fishing is like playing the lottery: the more casts you make in the rivers, the better chances you have of hitting the right combinations. Steelhead fly fishing is a true sportsman’s game it will encompass the full range of emotions from joy and excitement to confusion and despair. Steelhead fly fishing is only for those fishermen that are totally committed to this sport; if you are looking to catch a steelhead on a regular basis fly fishing may not be the sport for you. On the other hand if you are looking for a sport that will challenge your very being and give you the thrill of a life time when everything comes together then fly fishing for Steelhead maybe your winning ticket.

Very few of us will actually catch steelhead with flies on a semi-regular basis, when fly fishing for these great fish there is no such thing as a regular basis. When fly fishing for steelhead you need to know about the species you’re after, where they’re found, when they’re in the rivers, what techniques will work, how to read the river, which flies to use, casting techniques, and then if everything flows into place you may land a fish or two and yes I did say may.

Fly fishing with nymphs is probably the most productive technique used on these often temperamental fish. Flies that have proven effective for me are the Egg Sucking Leech (purple/orange) and (orange/black) the Silver Tear is another that has worked well along with the green butt skunk patterns. Fly fishermen consider winter steelhead fly fishing to be hardcore fly fishing and involves enduring hours of casting in cold and freezing waters, hoping for that little tug that lets you know a steelhead has finally picked up your fly. Early fall and late spring are my favorite times to fly fish for steelhead the fish are active the weather is bearable as long as the river conditions are not out of wack from heavy rains and run off.

Steelhead are mystical creatures; irreplaceable fishes, and are a true sportsmen’s fish. Fly fishing for steelhead is one technique that I’ve yet to solve. It is however one that has given me years of enjoyment, excitement, and anticipation of the years head think of what I might be able to try on these truly magnificent fish.  

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com