Summer steelhead fly question

Skunked · 03-23-2009, 01:39 PM

I'm starting to tie up some flies with summer steelhead near pdx in mind. This is a smaller/darker/unweighted version a fly I've had some success with this winter, a pretty basic fly but it moves great in the water.
I don't have much experience with summer steelhead catching so I'm not sure where to begin with pattens. What do you think, would this make a good summer fly or should I go smaller/brighter/darker? Any advice appreciated, Thanks

Wild Chrome · 03-23-2009, 01:42 PM

I'd try that fly, but I'd make sure to have some smaller flies too, especially if the water's low, warm, and clear. That looks like a good winter/spring pattern to me.

steel_beaver · 03-23-2009, 11:13 PM

That fly would hurt some steelies, no matter what time of year

slinger · 03-24-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steel_beaver

That fly would hurt some steelies, no matter what time of year

Yes. Yes it would. Tie up about 4 dozen of those from 2-4" long, weighted and unweighted, and never worry about fly choice ever again.

Horsecreek · 03-24-2009, 07:10 AM

I agree...should work...also as said......maybe smaller.....lighter tippet, but most important a stealthy approach...if you can see them first, before they see you...to your advantage..if not..... usually the game is over!

santiamflyguy · 03-24-2009, 01:21 PM

Tie those in sizes from 6 to 3/0 and you could get away with fishing nothing else all year.

Of course, that would be boring... but you could do it.

C-lice · 03-24-2009, 02:33 PM

That will certainly work as is, but don't be afraid to go bigger. Much bigger. If you can still cast it with a flyrod, it isn't too big.

BigSteelyHead123 · 03-24-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skunked

I'm starting to tie up some flies with summer steelhead near pdx in mind. This is a smaller/darker/unweighted version a fly I've had some success with this winter, a pretty basic fly but it moves great in the water.
I don't have much experience with summer steelhead catching so I'm not sure where to begin with pattens. What do you think, would this make a good summer fly or should I go smaller/brighter/darker? Any advice appreciated, Thanks

Steelhead are steelhead no matter what time of year it is. They like the same patterns. It just matters what the water conditions are that change what pattern to use, for the most part. When summer comes and the water drops and gets warm, then small, subtle patterns work best.

Zugbug66 · 03-24-2009, 05:59 PM

Some other paterns that are productive during the summer around here are standard wets (GB Skunks & Macks Canyons), Bunny leeches & my favorite...Muddlers. But I'd continue to fish your fly as long as you're hooking fish.
Good luck,
wayne