Recently we shared a list of our favorite steelhead swing patterns for fishing for steelhead fishing from CA to Kamchatka, Russia. I wanted to provide some context for them based on lessons I've learned. For steelhead flies, I am considering 4 things: size, weight, color, and movement. In an effort to control something uncontrollable, I've tried to provide some of the thought process behind choosing flies for steelhead fishing. Now these are just beliefs I hold, they are not all my own, nor are they law. They're just a few things I have observed fishing around the Pacific Rim with some of the world’s best steelheaders.

I choose my fly size based on water clarity tending to go smaller in clearer the water and bigger when the water is more off-color.

I choose my fly color based mainly on the water clarity and light conditions. I usually tie on a dark fly and see how it shows up in the water and if It looks good I’ll fish it. If it doesn’t I’ll tie on a pink fly and see how it looks. There is the old adage "bright skies/bright flies, and dark skies/dark flies"– but beyond that I believe fresh, bright fish really like pink and orange flies that are more akin to the Krill and shrimpy stuff they eat in the ocean.

In shallow or slow moving water you are going to want lighter flies, and the opposite is true for deep or fast moving water. You can adjust this based on what sink tip you are using. So you can fish light flies on heavier tip which is a great way to stay off the bottom, whereas a heavy fly on a light tip and long leader can be a great way to get down quick. I might start the run with a heavy fly and then switch over lighter fly as I work my way down the run.

Movement in a fly is something I pay a lot attention to. I choose flies with stiffer collars in faster water and wispier marabou flies in slower moving waters.

Mini Ostrich Intruder

The darker Mini Ostrich Intruders Black/Blue and Mini Ostrich Intruder Metal Detector are go to flies for me. I tend to use brighter colors like Mini Ostrich Intruder Pink and Mini Ostrich Intruder Orange when I am looking for fish fresh in the system. The Mini Ostrich intruders have a decent profile and hold up when in faster currents. They even have pretty good movement in slower water. I like the size and weight of these flies. If the river is off-color then I like it’s big brother the Stu’s Ostrich Intruder.

Slow water flies should have a good amount of movement so flies tied with marabou and whispy materials are a good bet.

When the river gets high and dirty, we get high and dirty. Just kidding... kind of. For high-water, a big profile and some flash will help. Swing your fly in close to the bank and move slow and you might get one even in blown water.