Fishing the American for Steelhead?

[chemdoc]

I have been fly fishing for a year now and while I have caught quite a few fish, I have yet to land a steelhead. I have seen some recent postings in the general fly fishing area where some of the regulars have been having some success lately. I would like to ask a couple of questions.

First, what access points are best this time of year? I have an access map for the lower American, but wasn't sure whether up toward the dam or lower toward the mouth is best.

Second, would swinging be better or indicator nymphing? Some of you have been successful lately with swinging, but I am game to try whatever method might improve my chances at this early stage of my fly fishing career.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I think I would be up in the first few mile below the Nimbus dam.

I would swing wet flies in the afternoon and evening.

The flow is 3500cfs which is a little high so be careful wading.

I would like to see it below 3000.

Aril/May should be very good for small to medium size Steelhead in many Valley rivers.