Steelhead Fly Patterns

[Bushwhack Jack]

Simple question asking for a simple answer. I am going to a river this fall that has an elusive run of steelhead. I have fished very little for steelhead so I am asking for some advice. My expectations are not very high. I know I am searching for a unicorn, but if you could take only FIVE fly patterns with you to fish for steelhead, what would you bring?

[live4chrome]

what river? flys would depend on the river. Beads would be my go to.

[icb12]

Do I have to choose one color only for each pattern???

Garcia\rodman globugs
Squidros in chartreuse/black
Rubber legged Hot head/hot bead nymphs
MOAls in black/white frost
ESLs in pink/black

That would pretty much cover the size range and color range for my personal fishing. If I get more colors, I'd tie more of the same in various other colors, including some ESLs reversed IE green butt skunk-esque.

[bairdi]

If it is a smaller stream with clear water, my go to "fly" would be an 8 to 10 mm bead in a natural orange or pink color fished under a strike indicator (aka bobber) This can also be effective on larger streams, just a little harder to effectively cover all of the available holding water.

[FishGod]

On top of everything mentioned, I've done well with epoxy fry patterns and various flesh patterns. The old tried and true "cotton candy" has produced when nothing else will.

[AKnook]

Do I have to choose one color only for each pattern???

Garcia\rodman globugs
Squidros in chartreuse/black
Rubber legged Hot head/hot bead nymphs
MOAls in black/white frost
ESLs in pink/black

That would pretty much cover the size range and color range for my personal fishing. If I get more colors, I'd tie more of the same in various other colors, including some ESLs reversed IE green butt skunk-esque.

X2. ESL's and large rubber legged beaded nymphs were getting smashed in Yakutat when I was there.

[Sapper 27]

Dean river tigers, polar shrimp, 12 or 14mm beads, money bugs, straight yarn. In no particular order. All very successful for me on the Situk.

[DannerAK]

I can't remember what it's called, but this kind of fly slays the steel!

[Bushwhack Jack]

Awesome. Thanks for the responses guys. And the river in question is the Gulkana. Supposedly the farthest north run of steelhead in North America. Not a big run. And I know the chances of catching one there are slim, but it's worth a shot right? The only thing I can conclusively determine in my 30+ years or so of fishing is that you can't catch one sitting on the couch.

[Bushwhack Jack]

I can't remember what it's called, but this kind of fly slays the steel!

That's a fly??? It looks like a kwikfish or something. Nice looking steelie.

[FishGod]

I can't remember what it's called, but this kind of fly slays the steel!

These work extremely well :topjob:

[DannerAK]

Steelhead Fly Patterns

These work extremely well :topjob:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]80304[/ATTACH]

I like your style!

[stevesch]

Simple question asking for a simple answer. I am going to a river this fall that has an elusive run of steelhead. I have fished very little for steelhead so I am asking for some advice. My expectations are not very high. I know I am searching for a unicorn, but if you could take only FIVE fly patterns with you to fish for steelhead, what would you bring?

I only have caught them on 3 patterns (all with lead eyes, all on 1/0 hooks):

Pink bunny leech
Black bunny leech
White egg-sucking leech (orange head)

Isn't the plastic lure in the photo called a "wiggle-wort"? I think they have rattles in them also.

[DannerAK]

I guess we aren't all equipped with a sense of humor...

[Fin Chaser]

Well Danner, I was chuckling. While I love swinging flies for steelies, there's nothing better than a feisty beast smashing a plug. Good fun.
Bushwhack, I think the flies mentioned above will serve you well, and for goodness sake get your expectations up! A confident attitude makes a huge difference in your fishing success. Can't wait for you to post a photo of your catch. Have fun.