Steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest is a challenging endeavor and swinging flies for them takes the challenge to the next level. It’s all worth it when things align and you get that unmistakable tightline grab from an amazing fish, that’s travelled thousands of miles to intercept your offering. There are many things you can do to increase your odds of success, but we’re going to cover some that need to be considered before fly styles, fly sizes, fly colors, sink tips, leader length or anything else. How you effectively cover water is what I believe to be the single most important thing you can do to increase your success.
It seems easy but there’s more to effectively covering water than casting as far as you can and hoping the fly turns over properly to swing through the run. This is my opinion on observations I’ve made over the years chasing these amazing fish. In this post we’re going to cover the following.
- Not wading too deep and starting short
- Length of cast
- Angle of cast
- Line management
- Stepping down the run
Start short and don’t wade too deep
We all know Steelhead love structure. They love structure for two primary reasons. Cover from predators and it provides breaks from the flow of the current. This is a few of the reasons it’s important to start with a short line. Steelhead can be sitting in the soft inside edge of the current, if you wade too deep or jack your first cast 60′ your missing the opportunity to connect with these fish. Cover the water at your feet and with each cast strip off 5-6′ of line before you make your next cast.
Manage the length of your cast
It’s important for each cast to fish and fish as quickly as possible. What I mean by that is don’t try to cast past your abilities. It’s better to make precise 50-70′ cast that turn over and immediately start swinging vs. 25% of your cast that land in a pile, don’t lay out straight and need too much mending to fish correctly.
Across or downstream angle of your cast
The angle of your cast varies by run and sometimes within the run depending on the main current, micro currents and obstacles. It’s important to determine the proper angle of your cast for the particular run and maintain that angle in subsequent casts. This will ensure the water is getting covered properly and there will be a predictable pattern to the cast. Steelhead are aware of their surroundings, and in many cases see your fly prior to the cast that gets the grab.
Line management
Through a run there are times where you will need to alter the distance of your cast. If there are obstacles that just aren’t possible to cast around and you need to move downstream be sure to reel up to ensure you’re not missing fish. The current or size of the run at the top varies as you move downstream. The top of the run may be effectively covered with a 50′ cast, while the lower portion may call for a 70′ cast. No problem, just stop moving downriver while you strip our 5-6′ of line after each cast. Once you’re covering the water, and NOT casting beyond your abilities, continue stepping down the run.
Stepping down the run
The distance you step down the run after each cast is driven by conditions and the Steelhead. If the water is cold, off color and your after Winter Steelhead I may only step down 3-4′. Winter Steelhead in cold water and low visibility will not travel as far to intercept your fly and are not able to see the fly as well. If you have good water clarity I’ll step down 5-6′. Chasing Summer Steelhead in warmer, clear water and I’ll step down 8-10′. Whatever the conditions call for it’s critically important to step down after each cast. This keeps your fly moving and covering water. The more water you cover effectively the sooner you will make that next Steelhead connection.
The following sketches aren’t pretty but highlight some of what I’ve been covering.
I still have some available Winter Steelhead days.
Contact me if you’re interested in fishing the Oregon Coast for these amazing fish.