Washington State Fly Fishing
Frequently Asked Questions

Can we fish for trout and steelhead on the same trip?

We often catch trout on our steelhead trips. Usually by accident but some very nice ones. If we were to find feeding cuts or rainbows by all means we can fish on them if you wish.

Where should I stay while fishing with you?

If you are fishing the Yakima or surrounding area you can stay at our tent camp on the river. Or stay at one of the places that are on your confirmation sheet provided upon booking. You will find lots of useful information on your confirmation sheet.

Can you set us up for a multi boat, multi day trip?

Yes we can. I know many other good and competent guides that are willing to help us out to make your party the best possible.

Will I catch a steelhead?

Steelhead are migratory, and therefore they move and are in different spots every day. With that in mind the fish have to be where we are fishing, they have to be in the mood to bite and I need to get you to present the fly to them correctly. All these come together and we will catch Steelhead, Summer or Winter.

What kind of fly rod do you recommend for Steelhead?

As a minimum a 8wt. FAST action single hand rod loaded with GOOD WF8F line, with backing. Summer run fishing you can go lighter to a 7wt. FAST action with a GOOD WF7F line.

Do I need waders?

Yes. Bring them at all times no matter what, you can decide not to wear them at point of entry or take them off during the day.

How will we be fishing for steelhead?

Nymphing technique's on the move and Swing the fly whenever possible. What? Nymphing, like trout fishing with an indicator and weighted flies wile floating along in the river. Swinging the fly is when you stop and stand in the river and cast either a dry line or sink tip across or down and across and let it travel or SWING across the river.

What is dry fly waking?

Swinging a fly on the surface so as to create a V wake off the fly. Holding above prospective steelhead lies.

When are my best chances at catching a steelhead? Summer or Winter?

The summer run which we fish in the fall, are the easiest to catch. They tend to hold up in larger concentrations for longer periods of time. The water temps are much more favorable and they get what we call "trouty".

How does the water temperature effect the fishing?

Very cold water (below 38 deg.) will drastically slow down the aggressive behavior of the steelhead. Warm water (above 62 deg.) will make them dour or lazy. 42 - 58 degrees is just right.

When do the BIG Steelhead come in?

At one time years not so long ago 20 lbrs entered the river daily as soon as November . Nowadays January through mid April is your best chance.

What flies will we be using?

That depends on the water color, temperature and volume as well as weather.

Big water with low visibility (2-3 ft) semi cold we would use the biggest brightest fly we can throw. Small water good vis perfect temps low light we would definitely throw a waking dry. Winter, as a general rule we throw egg or flesh type stuff along with big black or purple leachy things. Fall as a general rule we fish natural colors and larger trout flies.

How big of fish will we be fishing for?

Winter months 5-30 lbs average 9-13 lbs. Summer/Fall 5-15 lbs average 5-9 lbs.

Do steelhead take dry flies?

YES when conditions are right and if you just keep fishing them you will find a biter sooner or later. Harry Lamire (the great one) once took a 20 lb steelhead in 33deg. water, in winter.

Do steelhead feed?

Winter steelhead do not purposely feed unless out of PURE MEANNESS! Summer or Fall Steelhead do, however eat when the option is there. They do not however position themselves for feeding purposes like a trout will.

What are steelhead, salmon or trout?

Science has leaned towards a salmon. They however have changed there minds from before. My opinion, and it is just that, is that steelhead are the basis of rainbow trout. Meaning that Rainbows are steelhead that for one reason or another stayed in the river or trapped in the lake. I could go on with this thought for too long.