A good lower American River Steelhead fly for a new tier

[MG Mason]

Hi everyone,

I know this question could probably have many answers but does anyone have a recommendation for what fly a new tier might have good luck tying both in terms of not being too hard to tie and also for catching Steelhead on the lower American?

Thanks,

Marc

[Mark Kranhold]

For the summers , any soft hackle in tan and olive in 10-14. Keep some black ones mixed in for low light time, plus some woolies in black and olive in 6-8. For the winters in the colder months you could upsize your wooly a bit bigger. Look up egg sucking leech and that's all you really need in black or purple, don't tell anyone but don't forget your sculpin pattern too!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Mark is right on the money......he really fishes the river hard.

A #12 green caddis pupa is a good one.

I was hooked on Renegades for years.



Many years ago we used lots of small sparse size #8 and 10 Steelhead patterns.

The Brindle Bug was very popular...


I would tell people something the size of a honey bee.

Any #10, 12 or 14 nymph will probably work.

If we get a good run in September you could use a different fly every day.

.

[MG Mason]

Thanks for the advice guys. I had some materials that looked like I could use for sort hackles. The red and silver one is an attempt at an "Attractor" soft hackle. And the other is just a peacock body and guinea plumage hackle. I'm not sure in even using the materials right and I know they're finished pretty ugly but I'm a very new tier.

[Scott V]

I caught my first steelhead on the American river with a clouser while striper fishing.

[Mr T]

I'd fish em- the fish will let you know what they think of them! The first one looks like it'll get bit.

[Darian]

Agree with Mr T, fish 'em. The second fly may be good later when the water is colder. Steelhead flies range so much in color/size/style that nothing seems to be beyond consideration.

Let us know how you do....

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

It is time to put your gear in your vehicle so you can fish before and after work for Half-pounder Steelhead in the Lower American River.