Deschutes Idaho-Bound Steelies

rjs · 11-20-2007, 03:17 PM

Hi.

I do reasonably well catching Deschutes strain steelhead 6 to 8 lbs. with floating lines, mostly in the lower 5 miles of the river.

I have never caught one of the big "B runs" that hang out in the river for a while before continuing to Idaho. I regularly see the spin fishers get them. I want to catch one with a spey rod.

I would much appreciate any guidance on type of water, flies, presentation, general location etc. that might help me . I'd love to hear of anyone else's success stories.

Thanks.

cooky · 11-20-2007, 03:22 PM

Slow and Low. Reduce the distance they have to move as much as possible. You may want to invest in a variable weight sink tip. IMHO if you start hanging up on the bottom more you will likely start to hook into more fish- Bigger or otherwise. Albeit, I'm far from the best flyfisherman on the board.

Slow and Low · 11-22-2007, 05:55 AM

Slow and Low? Huh, imagine that.

I been fishing there a long time and have never caught one. I had a buddy hook, play and get spoled by a very big fish in the bucket above colorado. He was mymph fishing. Everything I have read states the same thing for big steelies, deeper slower water with a slow presentation. That being said I prefer to fish a dry line whenever possible.

Good luck on your quest.

bauer buoy · 11-22-2007, 06:48 AM

It takes alot of fish time and know how to look for those fish.
The 5 to 12lb fish jump out of the water alot more than the big ones.
But I can say that hooking on a 12 to 22lbr is AWSOME

On a 9'9" spinning rod and drifting flies. I can actually watch them roll on it close in.