Steelhead fly fishing is something very special. To some its a seasonal event that brings them outdoors when they hear the river is full of silver fish. To others its a year round adventure that brings us ever so close to the life cycles that exist in the non perfect world of nature. We are lucky to operate out of an area rich with steelhead and trout. We learn from these fish by watching them and how they utilize the rivers and streams they call home. It seems you could benefit from hiding and watching the water you intend to fish for hours before ever wetting a line. If you had weeks to study the water even better. There is something great about sitting on the fall leaves under a Sycamore tree in the shade and watching the water for silver flashes. Or a minnow being pursued by an adult steelhead on the surface. By watching the water and making mental notes you have begun your personal steelhead fly fishing journey. You can map out mentally your first casts and how to present that fly perfectly into the zone you know fish hold and feed.
Understanding the life cycles of the your local bugs and minnow life cycles will be of great value to you on any water in the world. Why not start to apply this to not only steelhead and trout fly fishing but beyond into the exotic waters of the world. You will find great enjoyment in flipping rocks to unveil the the nymph and stonflies that will become flying insects when spring break hits. Steelhead like trout do feed on natural selection menus. The can actually compete for food sources so being a good trout fly fisherman puts you on a solid steelhead path. If you are just getting exited about this as a new sport, well be exited! You have searched out a rightous path sure to reward you through natures powerful glory. Just to be on the water is a great privilege and take that to heart.
Around here at Irideus we like to practice this one very important tactic. never put your feet in the water until you have fished the edges of the runs you intend to focus your efforts on. When left alone steelhead and trout will feed and venture into areas that may surprize you. Make note of these spots and try to find a good rock to stand on with an effective casting zone. Start out with short casts. As you fish more often and become more skilled you may also evolve into spey casting fly rods which is our true passion. Even with a spey rod the shallows are scoped out and patrolled with flies tight to the bank before the big casts start rolling out. We also enjoy fighting these fish with spey rods. The lower handle gives you an anchor to hold onto. If you catch a few steelhead you will soon learn the meaning of the two words hang on. Trying to describe the event is hard. Each fish is a whole new chapter in learning,adapting and embracing. it is a wonderful thing that deserves great respect. Catch and release is a given for us and nets are only used under certain circumstance's. You need to keep these fish in the water facing up stream. Wet your hands before ever touching any fish,
Now for the hard part. The wind will blow you off the water. Your biggest fish will become the one that got away. They will break your hard and make you cheer for joy in the same breath. This is life in the raw. Open up your self to the water in a new way. as you become one with your surroundings you will fly fish to be at one with what is truly going on right at that moment in front of you.
Your gear may need to be beefed up. Many people like fly fishing with 6wt fly rods for steelhead. We like to beef up to a 7wt or a 6/7 spey or switch fly rod. If we go to the coast or Alaska we will step up the an 8wt. The fresh coastal steelhead are gear breakers. They will teach you a thing or two about life. It seems landing or losing a fresh steelhead like that will bring as close to yourself as you may ever be, so enjoy it. Remember it and cherish it and that beautiful fish that came to your fly.
If you need to pick up some fly fishing equipment for your steelhead fly fishing give the Irideus line up a new home in your gear bag. Our fly fishing boxes made in Chico California from recycled material materials are one of a kind. Even after many years we are the only company we know of making this effort. Our fly fishing flies are a reflection of our own personal steelhead,trout and salmon fly fishing journey's. They really can not be compared to. Its a must to take a look through the fly menu. This will soon be updating on our website to put a personal touch on things. Our spey rods broke the ice for many great things in our sport. It was a complement to seee similar rods made by other companies in the fly fishing industry. We have exclusive Scandi and Skagit shooting head fly fishing line designs that are available only from Irideus. These shooting head fly fishing lines will balance many of the fly fishing rods on the market if you all ready have one. In any case the gear is here for you to enjoy when you go out to hit the rivers.
We have enjoyed sharing with our friends and customers and customers over the years. it seems through life's ups and downs we all ways have nature, family and friends. Its the little things in life that matter the most. Steelhead fly fishing is a little thing not to be missed. Yet, perfect it and master it. It is one of lifes true greatest rewards
