Flies for Half-pounders on the Lower American R ?

What is your favorite?

Over the past several decades I usually ask anyone who seems to be catching Half-pounder Steelhead, "What fly are you using?"

I would say flies that are size #8, 10 and 12 are best.....

Here are some of the ones people use:

Renegade
Brindle Bug
Green/olive Caddis Pupa
Any #10/12 trout nymph
Red Squirrel nymph
Any small Steelhead fly
Any soft hackle fly
Wooley Bugger

What is your favorite fly for Half-pounder Steelhead on the Lower American River?

Pattern and size.......we can show pictures of special flies too.

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I like these, tied on a size 10 hook. I've hooked several fish dangling them downstream as a I wade across the river. Bonus :)

A size #10 Partridge and Green Soft Hackle on a 6wt. Spey.

Hands down.......the Dirty Bird. I changed the original a tad and now call it the Dirty Bastard. However, my so-called "friend" Jeff Ching, ripped off my pattern and hails it as the Swingin' Ching. :p

Anyway.....it was definitely the go-to on the A for me when I lived in Sactown. 2nd place is a good old woolybugger.