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Fishing Tackle
Fly fishing for the legendary steelhead
23 April 2009
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One of the all time classic locations, species and methods. Chasing the legendary steelhead is most often carried out in the wilds of British Columbia on the west coast of Canada, usually during the fall (autumn) months when the first chills of winter blow in across the mountain ranges. Ocean going rainbow trout are simply spectacular, indeed they bear virtually no relation to the stocked fish we see over here. Muscled, taut of body, bright in colour and outrageously powerful, the steelhead is usually fished for with graceful Spey casting techniques. Just to be around this world class fishing is enough to reduce me to a quivering wreck.
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It is vital to prepare yourself well for this fishing, for the more time you can spend wading in the (cold) water, the longer your fly is in the right place. The theory is that over fifty percent of steelhead come “on the dangle”, when your fly has swung around and now fishes enticingly straight down from your rod tip. A good pair of chest waders and wading boots should be first on your list, almost above rods and reels, and make sure to layer your clothing underneath. There is no getting away from the fact that these steelhead river run icy cold during the prime fishing months. It could well snow, so wrap up and fish hard.
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The wilds of BC are the only place I have yet come across on earth that arguably look better to the eye as the weather worsens. As a photographer, to see the lone fly fisherman framed against the majesty of surrounding mountains and pristine wilderness as murky, autumnal weather sweeps in is nothing but a privilege. Spey casting in itself is a glorious form of fishing, with that long rod gracefully moving long, thick lines through the cold air. A good Spey caster is like an artist, and the ease with which they can place large flies out onto large waters is stunning.
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Steelhead flies are not exactly from the school of “subtle”, for the aim is simply to induce an aggressive take from these moving fish. Like returning salmon, they are not actually feeding in the rivers, so why do they take flies ? The eternal question. Flies such as this heavy and garish Purple String Leech pulsate in the icy water, and they require a controlled, smooth casting style to launch them out there. Purists might choke on their warming coffee when their guide pulls out a weapon like this, but when in Rome and all that. Tie it on and get it out there.
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There are fly fishermen who get into these rainbow trout so badly that they become known as “steelhead junkies”. Years spent wading cold rivers up to your knees, whole days spent flying to the best locations, and for the select few, they end up buying properties right in amongst the best of the fishing in areas like British Columbia. A wonderfully reflective form of fly fishing, chasing these magnificent fish is about as good as it gets. To see truly wild rainbow trout that have been to the ocean and back is something that every single adventurous fly fishermen should put on their list as a must-do.