Wanting to fly fish for Steelies

[divebumor]

I am very new to fly fishing and yesterday as a b-day gift I recieved a book about flies to use in the NW. I would really like to learn to fly fish for stealhead and salmon. Is there any one that could give me some recommendations for equipment and if I should take a leason or not.
I have fallen in love with fishing again and currently use spinning and bait casting gear but am starting to fall in love with fly fishing also. Any help would be greatlly appreciated
Thank you all for your help
Divebumor

[FLGator]

My recommendation would be for you to find a mentor before you spend any money on fly fishing equipment for steelhead. If you do not know any accomplished steelhead fly fishers I recommend you spend at least a day on the water with one of the highly regarded steelhead fly fishing guides on your chosen waters. Many of the steelhead fly fishing guides offer steelhead schools as well. You could also stop in and talk with the local fly shop staff and pick up some good advice. However, there is no substitute for time on the water with someone with experience.

In regards to tackle you'll need to decide if you would like to single hand or two hand for steelhead. Depending on where you fish, the size of the rivers, the fish, and the method used to chase them each of the styles can be effective. In fact, you may be able to use a fly rod that you have now!

If you decide on going with a two hander I highly recommend you attend one of the spey claves next year. They are priceless! There are also many spey focused shops with incredible selections and customer service (Red Shed Fly Shop, The Fly Shop, Irish Angler, River Run Anglers all come to mind). These guys also offer "test drives" and or days on the water to try line and rod combinations. Also, before you pull the trigger on a spey rod take some casting lessons in order to be able to evaluate a rod when you cast it. Also, by fishing with a guide or a mentor you can get an idea of the different types of spey styles and spey lines that are available for your specific fishing application. There are A LOT and it can seem overwhelming and confusing at first. The speypages can help sort a lot of the confusion out.

Enjoy the journey...it is an incredible addiction!

Take care,
Chris

[divebumor]

Chris, Thank you for your time and advie. I do not have a mentor but I will get out on the water with a guide and also take some classes.
You seem to be an advocate for the spey rods I am not sure if I want to be a two hander or if I want to stay single or traditional. I fish the Clack and Eagle Creek a lot but that is with bait casting gear so I am not sure if the spey rod would be better.
Thank you again for your advice and as for any others with advice I am still looking especially for a guide and school with clackamas river experience.
Thank you again
John

[FLGator]

John,
Check your PM.
Take care,
Chris

[divebumor]

Chris,
Thanks for the PM.
PM Sent
John