Steelie Fly choice

[Zugbug66]

I have always fished by general fly rules; Larger flies in the winter when flows are larger, and smaler low water flies this time of year. But i have friends who fish intruder and stinger flies this time of the year, with success. I know that it is not the fly, but the presentation that catches fish. but i wonder if even in low water, will a large fly entice a steelie from its lie better than a traditional wet?
wayne

[Slow and Low]

sometimes. depends a lot on pressure and light conditions. I caught my first summer fish on a 5 inch maribou a-leach in about 30 inches of water. Ended up hooking several fish in that spot over the summer. Who knows maybe the fly didn't matter but it did hook fish.

[Grantspastor]

I would add that it's also time of day for Summers, and most important...fishing the right holding water. IMO these things are even more important than fly selection (Although I have my favorites). On the Rogue I am a big fan of small flies for Summer fish. I fish size ten double-hook flies

[C-lice]

I have always fished by general fly rules; Larger flies in the winter when flows are larger, and smaler low water flies this time of year. But i have friends who fish intruder and stinger flies this time of the year, with success. I know that it is not the fly, but the presentation that catches fish. but i wonder if even in low water, will a large fly entice a steelie from its lie better than a traditional wet?
wayne

To answer you question, yes. I believe that, at least on the North Umpqua, (donning flame-proof underwear) that using traditional wet flies will definitely cost you fish. Clear water and higher temps do not require small flies. I have caught a ton of NU Summers on big leeches and big (Size #1) nymphs in the middle of sunny days. Big flies make the effort to chase them down worth it. Small ones don't.

[Nomoreflyguy]

black or purple leech. works every time. winter or summer :twocents:

[Zugbug66]

Good, I'll go back to the black and blue metal detector!....but i'll keep a few night dancers for when a fish just won't come back.
thanks for the input,
wayne