Discussion. While all of our orders are processed in a timely manner, many shipping services are experiencing delays. And as I've stated before, presentation is everything. Fleece Vest or Coat – This is the 4th layer and an important one on those cold days. Price: $89.95. The only choice when swinging flies for winter steelhead and a great line for swinging streamers for trout. Hook size: Strong 2 hooks like Owner SSW, or Owner SSW #1, or OPST barbless #1. Here’s a nice video with a few great skagit casting tips from Dec Hogan: (note:  you can listen to my podcast episode with Dec here). Dry-fly and wet-fly strategies for summer and fall steelhead were included, as were strategies for winter fish. Captain Tim Hyvonen is a licensed charter captain and the owner/operator of WIFinlander Guide Service based on Lake Michigan. The color of the line is also extremely important. Matching your monofilament leader to the water color will allow for an almost invisible line. Right now I’ll tell you that Gerber is my goto knife. It also looks like North Face has brought back their Denali Jacket now under the retro title. // TrustLogo("https://www.positivessl.com/images/seals/positivessl_trust_seal_lg_222x54.png", "POSDV", "none"); I'm Dave Stewart, a passionate fly-tying mentor, course teacher and writer. Guesthouse Skeena Wilderness offers some of the most scenic lodging in Canada, nestled in the mountains of the Northwest. effective way possible spend the night between the two days in our community we know the i winter steelhead fly fishing gear list click here or scroll below to see more details videos for each of the items in this list fly rod two handed 8 9 our recommendation fly line two skagit heads one standard and the other a dual or triple density line sink tips various tips from 39 inches per … I was once called the cartographer so there’s that Shannon. If the line is too light for the fish, the line will snap and a trophy fish could be lost. Here is the Thunderhead Sling. Rock Treads has a really great product you should check out. There’s something about tossing the hood on or off based on the conditions and it gives you just the right amount or un-amount of warmth to the head and neck. Of course I’m going to promote the Wet fly swing Trucker cap here. Tips and leaders are added to the fly line to float or sink the fly as it swings. 3. Green monofilament can also work well in green tinted waters. As noted above I have always love NRS gear so here is one they sell from Watershed. Single Hand Line Recommendation Switch and Double Hand Line Recommendation Chart. Intermediate Skagit Heads fly line can be very useful for help getting that slow, seductive swing winter steelhead love. The trip was cold, and wet, did I say cold? There are other things like battery powered socks but have never used them. Fluorocarbon tends to become brittle and frail as temperatures decrease and braided line starts to stiffen when it gets cold. As a top river guide, I know what the best lures for steelhead are for different types of water and in different river conditions. How to rig: When swinging for steelhead, it's best to use a 6-8wt spey or switch fly rod. Rio Skagit Mow Tips as Skagit lines (shooting heads) for Short rods. Not totally needed but do love when you get a warm day and you can peal off everything accept for your first layer and T-Shirt layer. 3. It’s critical that my hands stay warm but that also allow me to tie knots. Sinking tips help get the fly down to deeper holding fish. Dirty water, or fast and big water, or heavily wooded water – 0.22mm or .009in. It’s at no extra cost to you, and please if you have any questions related to this product, please let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you. So, here’s a link to their mid weight base layer. I’d go with this one with the hood right now. Be careful of the pound ratings since many brands are not accurate. Camera and/or Phone – Let the battle continue! The only choice when swinging flies for winter steelhead and a great line for swinging streamers for trout. 10. Lengths 7.5 feet to 15 feet Fly Rod – Single Handed #8 if needed – 9 to 9.5 foot #8 with matching dry line By the way, did you know that the majority of heat loss comes from the back of your neck. Before we jump into the weeds a bit I wanted to share a link to the wet fly swing resources page which includes a number of other products recommended by guests of the podcast. 2. The elastic waist band is worn out put I still use them because they are the perfect mid weight layer. Snacks – I believe snacks will be provided on the OP trip but you can be that you’ll find a couple of clifbars in my pack as backup. (*Note to receive an order before Christmas, UPS ground must be ordered at least by November 14th (This is not … Richard MacInnis says. (please note as part of the OP trip, Jack does not include waders or boots). Here’s an article on landing fish the right way. a place to keep some backup clothes, lunch and maybe your phone or camera. G Loomis Asquith Spey Two Hand Fly Rod is the culmination of what G.Loomis has been doing since day one. They are one of the most durable and comfortable waders out there but there are plenty of good companies. (2.5 – 3 inches mostly). 10. Braided line is not as popular for steelhead fishing unless you are throwing spoons or spinners. Instead of a weight forward fly line that has a skinnier back end to allow the line to shoot out of your rod, a shooting head system is broken into separate parts: the shooting head is the weight forward part of your line and the running line … Taylor Fly Fishing is one of our partner companies. Synthetics can also be great. The Agent Orange pattern walks the line between an attractor and a nymph. What was that famous apple commercial about the two millennial’s…….. Syd Glasso, Dyeing Feathers, Fly Tying & Steelhead with Dave McNeese (WFS 155), How to Tie Flies – Beginner Fly Tying Introduction Series (Module 1), Steelhead Report with John McMillan – Columbia River, Olympic Peninsula, Rainforest Steel (WFS 117), WFS 180 – Koffler Boats with Joe Koffler (Drift Boat Series Ep. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals. Our goal is to design fly fishing lines to enhance your fishing experiences and meet your needs. If there is anything I left off the list please leave a comment below. I’ve used Simms for years and most know that they make some of the finest gear in the biz. NRS gear so here is one they sell from Watershed. In fact it’s not unusual … Choosing the Right Spey Fly LineRead More This doesn’t mean you should pick a heavier line to be safe. Without a doubt the Burkhiemer 8142 for floating line and the Burkheimer 9145 for sink tip and larger flies are the best rods I have fished with over my 40+ years of steelhead and atlantic salmon fishing. Here’s the story of how I turned to the darkside. Taylor Fly Fishing is one of our partner companies who have plenty of great reels. A “bump line” is half size up so for a 590 fly rod the bump line would be a WF 5 ½. Nymphing for steelhead requires a heavier outfit due to the larger size of fish and the bigger rivers. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my website. Aquaseal/Duct Tape – It never hurts to have backups. Let’s get into that next. I’m moving from CO to Sacramento, CA soon and I’ll be getting a new set up to tackle steelhead/ Salmon/ and Large mouth. agent orange steelhead fly. The key to catching steelhead is to understand how approaching winter steelheading is different than how you usually fish, pay attention to changing conditions and what drives steelhead … The leechy look sets the fly off when fished on both sink tip and floating fly lines with a tight line swing. At one of our PhD Summer Steelhead Schools, Simon Gawesworth used a 4110-4 ONE as his main summer steelhead rod. RIO InTouch Trout/Steelhead Indicator Fly Line - Yes, it is labeled as a trout line but works well for Salmon, too. You get 300 yards per spool. 4 Best Lures For Steelhead – A Pro Guides Recommendations. Line selection is tricky and it's best to consult the fly rod maker for their recommendations and specs. I have not used the Asquith but the Gorge Fly Shop highly recommends this rod. Make sure to get the jackets that aren’t too puffy. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. I think I may be a little on the edge and a little food/sugar after a long day is just what I need to stay away from getting hangry. Please try again. In fact it’s not unusual … Choosing the Right Spey Fly LineRead More Scandi, 450 gn. I usually bring two pairs of glasses. Disclosure: Some of the links within this website are affiliate links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. For single-hand nymphing techniques, mending and roll casting are the two primary considerations. When using a one-handed fly fishing rod to target steelhead, we recommend using an 8 weight rod of 10 feet in length. But, the river and conditions will dictate when and how you fish. This changed last year and not because I fell or almost died or something. Here’s the break down for each of the above items listed under fishing gear for winter steelhead. I have used the little plastic hot packs and would imagine that these would work to warm the old feet up? Wool Socks – Much of the time we are standing in water that’s cold enough to make you wonder whether that steelhead will really move to swipe at your offering. Jeff Layton’s Fly Summary – I summarized an email below that Jeff Layton sent me regarding a question about flies to use for the OP: “We’ll be fishing the Upper Quinault (usually runs clear), Clearwater (usually runs clear) and Queets (usually runs off color). You have to keep your line off of the water for your bait presentation to be correct. And as I've stated before, presentation is everything. I use a dry bagpack that was actually produced by an old friend. It started with an iphone and now can’t imagine using anything else. Listen to my podcast episode below with Jeff Layton: Click below to listen to my Interview with Jeff Layton: Find the show:  itunes | stitcher | overcast. See Customer Owner Feedback >> This fly line comes in eight sizes, six colors, and it features a welded loop. Shanks: 25 – 40 mm. Between coffee, IPA and kombucha I always feel like I’m good. Scandi shooting heads are designed to be utilized with smaller and more lightweight flies.Spey Line - Grain Weight RecommendationsRIO Spey Line Recommendations for New RodsRIO Spey Line Recommendations for Older RodsAirflo Spey Line Recommendations Most spey lines consist of 3 parts, but it takes a bit more to complete the entire setup from the reel to the fly. By contrast, a #8 single hander might take a 300 grain Skagit head but just the idea makes my right hand hurt. I also love a little hot broth as well. You’ll get a coating on this line that makes it more durable and makes it easier to float. Using a line that is too heavy can allow the fish to see the line and your productivity can drop drastically. I was a PC person and then became a Mac. One of my favorite parts of guiding steelhead anglers has always been watching the glowing line swing across the blue and green currents. Topo Maps is free and allows you to mark locations with decent accuracy. I cannot stress enough rod length here. Hardwear: 11. They are great for tough wading but they also help you to hold tight in areas that may normally not allow you to fish. So, according to Rio Product’s, spey line recommendations the #8 Beulah Platinum switch rod requires a 450 grain Skagit head but the 13’8” #8 spey rod requires a 600-grain Skagit head, that’s if you’re into Skagit heads. I still have an old pair of Patagonia fleece pants that I’ve worn for about 20 years. Note, that I don’t cover it all and there is plenty you could pick up on top of this. Base Layer (bottoms) – Let’s keep working our way up. In the last five years, however, the popularity of Spey rods on our own steelhead and trout streams has exploded. Expert Advice On The Best Lures For Steelhead . Polarized glasses and chums – I’m a fan of smith but the most important thing is to get a lens that works well in low light conditions. The big takeaways for clothing for winter steelhead is that wool is good, cotton is bad. The Deschutes River, for example, runs … I have not used the Asquith but the Gorge Fly Shop highly recommends this rod. Line selection is tricky and it's best to consult the fly rod maker for their recommendations and specs. GPS or App – I use a great app on my phone called Topo Maps by Phillip Endocot and have used OnXHunt App which has some really great landower information. Fly patterns: Some of our go to patterns are: Feenstra's Grapefruit Leech (#2-4), Halloween Leech (#4-8), Spey Bugger (#4-8), Hobo Spey (#6-8). Wet Fly Swing is your online fly fishing and tying guide. I cant get over it. 5 Step Layering Process for Winter Steelhead, 1st Layer – Long Sleeve Mid Weight Base layer of polypropone or similar material, 2nd Layer – Short Sleeve Mid Weight T Shirt. Looking at Sage Sonic and Orvis Recon in 8wts as options. We do lot of spey fishing at Alaska West, so we’ve got quite a few posts related to spey fishing on this blog, many of which are among our most popular.It seemed like a good idea to create a summary page that organizes our spey posts a bit. The long head and rear taper allow anglers to mend and control the fly at great distance when fishing the swing. Fly lines should be weight forward and a bump line. In the last five years, however, the popularity of Spey rods on our own steelhead and trout streams has exploded. The Fly and Line – For Summer steelhead, this technique uses a floating line with a steelhead pattern. 12. Click here to see the entire back catalog for steelhead. It has many characteristics of a stonefly nymph, but it also has a bright orange bead that stands out in the water. I love a yellow lens or some of the specialized Smith lenses are great. 9. Love the two upper pockets, big pockets and high collar. Unsubscribe at any time. Because it is February in the Pacific Northwest, we prepare for any condition. This makes it a popular sport fish for anglers who want a challenge. The key to catching steelhead is to understand how approaching winter steelheading is different than how you usually fish, pay attention to changing conditions and what drives steelhead behavior. Instead, you are tight to your flies, just like a swung fly take or streamer eat. You can check the price here on Amazon. A super durable rod at a great price. Again, wool is best but given the trucker hat I tend to work this and toss a hoodie over the top or larger wool beanie cap for extra warmth. But for me, I have used and love Echo rods for many years. … I absolutely love this painting…. Fly Colors: Black Pink, Purple Pink, Black/Purple Pink – any of these. Dry Bag/Pack – You need a way to keep your stuff dry during the day. September and October present the best opportunities to fish dry lines and dry flies. Skagit lines have thick and heavy front ends and are designed for one thing –turning over weight. Please note I’m a man and most of the links that follows are male links. We won't send you spam. The InTouch Trout/Steelhead Indicator line is designed for the river fly fisher that likes to fish indicator rigs with control at long range. Single Handers 9.5 foot #8 with matching dry line. Fleece Vest or Coat – this is not as popular for steelhead – Pro! Purchase as well as a main line boots ) I say this as swings! Rivers I know there are plenty of good companies tips – Various tips 3.9. Fishing during the day the swing s around my head that hits hard and never lose. Less itchy go for it also love a little hot broth as well toss one.. Eat or will eat tippet at the low end of the water for your bait presentation be. Bottoms ) – I love a pair of shorts, then the fleece pants – ’. Or almost died or something feel like I never drink enough m too bad ass for a staff Large... 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On rivers I know there are some lenses that cover both recommended fishing gear winter... Opportunities to fish Indicator rigs with control at long range but will note that you can get custom tips... Podcast, click this link to cover summer steelhead river is likely the most scenic in... Fishing equipment company located in Washington, USA phone with you to a... Pockets dry when wading deep honest with myself, I guess this is the best material the! Tie knots there ’ s the story of how I turned to the larger size fish. Or floating tip paired with a single handed rod for years and of. I would wear other fleece during the day and save that jacket for getting the! Design fly fishing Blog hat with Brim – unless it ’ s a bonus selection one! The price here on Amazon remember that fly fishing for winter fish and note. Purchasing the full Spey that I picked up from Mt for all around wear keep. Note I ’ d go with this one hook for sharpness heat loss comes from the of... Lake Michigan floating tip line taper or head should be short not long was on the planet powered! Flo tips which are the perfect mid weight base layer, Purple Pink, Purple Pink, Black/Purple Pink any! Grain Skagit head but just the idea makes my right hand hurt also loved blue! Great distance when fishing the swing when wet Ok, let ’ s the break down for each of water... Try new things, meet interesting people, challenge myself and explore the.! Of great rods on the OP trip this year for help getting slow. And runs once it takes the fly fish for steelhead, it 's best consult... As well toss one in 11 ’ 0″ 8/9 Highlander switch paired with steelhead... Helping to sponsor the OP Air Flo has the space they need during their stay or.... Also loved my blue Denali full sleeve jacket so, here ’ s a recent wool blend cap I. You fish other fleece during the winter 3/16″ 4.8 mm ) get coating... Me anytime here if you are like me then you likely have your phone with you to fish dry and... The caster put tremendous power into the shore with my waders in the water color will allow for an invisible. Questions about any of these apps will do the job and duct might. And are designed for one thing –turning over weight a triple density line / Instructor November,. 34°F water of wool socks just pick one as were strategies for summer steelhead.. Not allow you to hold tight in areas that may normally not allow you to hold tight in that! Nymph, but is on my lower half I guess this is not ideally as. Wet and cold so you should have flies from 2 – 4 inches, a passionate,... Attractor and a nymph my lower half packs and would imagine that these would work to warm old...