Flys for Steelhead

[Wind Knot]

I am new to fly fishing. I plan on fishing for steelhead on the Clack, Sandy, Deschutes and on the Grand Ronde. Some ideas of the fly’s and sizes that I should have with me as well as any other advice would be appreciated.

[Blue Tip Spinner]

i use egg patterns- sometimes use small nymphs too.

[mandinga]

eggs, nymhs, caddis, classic steelhead patterns(green butt, freighttrain...etc)
You will catch more fish with eggs....IMO.

[Mark Vickers]

You've got a million choices, but I think we can boil this down to two easy options:

Egg patterns or those that are kinda similar like a polar shrimp (or Navigator's mind blowing Babine Special).

Big poofy things that look like the commonly used gear fisherman's marabou jigs. This would be popsicles and the like.

[Abalone]

This is what I have been told about Steelhead patterns for winter fishing.

A lot depends on your technique, as there is more then one.

Some people use a two fly setup. I don't because I don't like it when a fish gets all wrapped up in the second hook.
Seems like they roll right up and can't fight worth a darn.
Not to mention the harm is can do to the fish, rip an eye or whatever.

Egg sucking leaches are popular in some waters, but I use Teeny flies. Jim says go in this order.

Black, Purple, Ginger. Of course water color will have an effect on choice.

But what I hear the most from people I know that are very successful at it. What is most important is select a pattern you have confidence in. As keeping you confidence is probably the biggest thing to overcome.

So if egg patterns make you feel like you are fishing use them or anything else that makes you believe it will catch a fish. I believe Steelhead will strike at anything if it is presented correctly.

With some techniques pattern choice is more a matter of getting the fly to the right level more then any thing else.

But what do I know cuzz I aint never caught a Winter Steelhead on a fly.

:dance:

Not yet anyhow..

So whadya think, have I got it all wrong guys... ? Hmmmmmm

[mandinga]

abalone...you forgot one thing....cast...cast cast cast cast over and over and over again until your arm falls off... :grin: