Timeless Tips: 6 Ways to Catch More Steelhead

Fishing for steelhead is fun.  Catching steelhead is even more fun.

Here are 6 ways you can can more steelhead on flies.  Let us know how you catch more!

6 Ways to Catch More Steelhead

1. Fish the near water first.  Steelhead can hold in really shallow water, really close to the bank.  Always fish the near water before you go tromping through it.
2. Fight them hard.  The longer the fight lasts, the higher the chances of the hook pulling or the leader breaking or the line getting wrapped around a root wad.  Shorter fights are easier on the fish too.
3. Keep your fly in the water.  Don’t waste time constantly changing flies or tips or trying to hit the perfect cast.  Especially that last one – if your cast doesn’t sail exactly as you imagined, just mend it out, fish it as best you can, and keep on moving.
4. Be patient on the hang-down.  Hang-down eats are tough – if you get a grab directly below you, it’s probably best to let the fish grab it and run.  More here.
5. Actively fish your fly.  Don’t just wing it out there and wait.  More here.
6. Believe!  Never, ever lose the faith.

What else do you do to catch more steelhead?  Leave a comment and let us know.

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