Steelhead taking a trout fly?

Norm with his Steelhead.

A number of years ago my friend Norm Anderson and I made a trip in February to a small coastal stream in quest of winter steelhead. He was primarily a trout fisherman and a good one at that. He was also a very creative fly tier and could tie exquisite size 20 dry flies as well as size 6 realistic stoneflies. One of his patterns became a very popular pattern called Norm’s Stone. He was also an unorthodox fly caster because he would cast the fly using a lot of wrist action, but he caught fish. However, since he had never caught a steelhead, I wondered about his chances for success. 

As we rigged up our outfits, I suggested that he use a sink-tip line and a typical winter steelhead fly, but he flatly said that he’d rather use his dry line and one of his own patterns. I tried to offer him a pattern that I had caught fish with, but he politely thanked me and headed downriver.

I began fishing with a 10-foot sink-tip line with a Polar Shrimp tied to a 6-foot leader. To my chagrin after an hour I had nary a strike. As I began to tie on another fly I heard Norm yell, “Fish on, fish on!” I couldn’t believe his luck. I immediately went down to help him, but by the time I got there he was hoisting up a nice 7 to 8 pounder that he had caught on his Norm’s Stone.

Sometimes, when the water is low and clear, bright patterns can spook fish. But, if you switch to flies that are buggier and represent natural insects, steelhead will often take them instinctively. Caddisflies and Stoneflies are good examples. 

Stream Strategies - Pools

This is the last in a four-part series of identifying and fishing water types. 

Look for eddies that contain insects.

Pools are deeper waters located at the edge of the main current. They display a mirror-like surface which allows the fly fisher to spot fish. Light tippets and longer leaders are necessary for success. I normally use smaller flies. My favorite patterns are the Blue-Winged Olive and Griffith Gnat in sizes 16-20, Soft Hackles in sizes 12-14 and searching patterns such as Spiders and Bivisibles from 10-16. 

 

Keep a low profile when you are trying to spot fish in a clear eddy.

These wily creatures can be very analytical, so stealth, careful presentation, closer imitation and patience are necessary for consistent success. 

Stream Strategies - Pocket Water

The following photos are the third in a four-part series of identifying and fishing water types.

A glide flowing into pocket water.  

Pocket water is easy to identify because large boulders and rocks are dispersed throughout two- to four-feet deep water. It’s also a prime lie for fish because they have protection and quick access to food that currents wash into them. Many different types of flies will work in this water type. I’ve had good luck fishing an Elk Hair Caddis, the Adams, the Hare’s Ear and a Prince Nymph. Fly fishers have a clear advantage in this water type because the broken water helps conceal them from the fish.

Pocket water at the edge of rapids.  

Pocket water seldom requires long drifts since casts are usually short, and you can fish numerous pockets without moving. Be prepared to set the hook because the strikes are usually quick.