Fall Steelheading is some of the best fly fishing we have.....................Part 1

In the Fall, Sept/Oct/Nov, in the Pacific Northwest we have Steelhead in wonderful long rivers.

The weather is to die for with October being the best month to go for most.

95% of the time I use a floating line, long tapered leader and unweighted winged dark fly.

Because you are fishing most early and late you need waders.

You need studded wading boots, a staff, and light colored Polarized glasses.

I would always fish barbless, most place that is the law.



If you need and advise let me know..............getting started or planning a trip.

In Sacramento you can hone your skills on the lower American river in the Spring and Fall for Half-pounder Steelhead.

In 1988 famous NW Steelheader Bill McMillan put together a dozen or so of his famous magazine articles on "greased line" Steelheading.

"Dry Line Steelhead and Other Things" in paperback.

https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Line-Stee.../dp/0936608625

I think they were $19.95 new...........now used they go for $100.

I read it lots of times and got some good rules of engagement for fly fishing for Steelhead with a floating line.

I gave my copy to a youngster at my shop, Paul Johnson.


I think I would love to read it again.....

One thing I remember was "Try to be the first one down a run."


That said we usually let a "newbee" go down the run first.

If you are on a wide river let the best cast bring up the rear.

4th of July is a date that serious summer/fall Steelheaders think is a time that the fish enter the river from the ocean.



As you drive further North the weather cools off faster.

September in BC, Canada is actually like our October in Nor Cal.


AS far as water temperature goes most think 50 to 60 degrees is a good window to find happy fish.

I noticed that Steelhead in August/September don't seem to like being in the soft, slow tail outs when the water is over 70 degrees.

That is why I always prefer October as the prime month in Nor Cal and Oregon.

In November as the water cools we think about sink-tips, short leaders and weighted leech like patterns.


Reading the water?

This is why we need to go with a veteran Steelheader or a good SH guide.

After you get a start by going out one evening with Andy Guibord on the lower American river you will spend the rest of your life

working on it.



Those who live fairly close to the lower American or lower Feather rivers can learn a lot about Steelhead close to home.

Then when you go to the better river north of here you will be better prepared.

If I recall, McMillan says the only line he used was a DT Floater, even in the dead of winter?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Digger

If I recall, McMillan says the only line he used was a DT Floater, even in the dead of winter?

---

I think that is a fact.....he just used bigger, heavier hooks to get deeper.