Eggs · Fall Fishing Tips · Fly Guide · Fly of the Month · Salmon Flies · Spawn · Steelhead · Sep 07, 2023

Fly Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon: A Symphony on the Water

Fly fishing during the spawning season for steelhead and salmon is an awe-inspiring experience. There's something almost poetic about fly fishing for steelhead and salmon. These mighty fish, pulsing with primal energy, make their way through powerful currents and expansive water bodies, challenging even the most seasoned anglers. The thrill is in the fight, the strategy in the cast, and the reward in the landing. But perhaps one of the most critical decisions you'll make when setting out for steelhead and salmon is selecting the right fly. After all, your fly is the bait that bridges the gap between you and these awe-inspiring fish. Below are five tried-and-true flies that have proven effective for both steelhead and salmon, and some tips on how to fish them for maximum success.

Catching the Elusive Steelhead & Going After the Mighty Salmon

Both steelhead and salmon offer unique challenges that require specialized approaches in fly selection and fishing techniques. Steelhead are known for their notoriously picky eating habits as well as their acrobatic displays and intense fights, making them a much-coveted catch. Similarly, salmon necessitate a unique set of flies, given that they inhabit diverse types of water—from freshwater streams to saltwater coastal areas. Whether you're targeting steelhead or salmon, choosing the right fly is pivotal for a successful outing.

Jackson Hole Fly Company owner pulls in a beautiful salmon

Best Flies for Spawning Salmon & Steelhead

1. Glow Bugs

Glow Bugs are designed to mimic salmon eggs, a high-caloric food source that both spawning salmon and steelhead find hard to resist. Fish them deep near the gravel beds where salmon have laid their eggs.

2. Egg Sucking Leeches

The combination of a natural-looking leech body with a fluorescent "egg" head makes this fly especially irresistible during the spawn. Fish it near the tailouts of spawning beds to tempt fish that are guarding their territory.

3. Intruders

These flies create a substantial presence in the water. During spawning season, the Intruder's large profile makes territorial steelhead and salmon more likely to strike out of aggression. Swing them slowly through known spawning areas.

4. Skunks

A variation of the classic Skunk fly, like the Green-Butt Skunk, is ideal during the spawn. The bright colors and contrast make it visible in murky spawning areas. Swing it through deep pools where fish rest between their trips upstream.

5. Dolly Llama's

The Dolly Llama is a versatile articulated streamer that’s especially effective for aggressive fish. The long bunny fur tail and the flashy profile make it particularly enticing to spawning salmon and steelhead. Swing it or dead-drift it near the bottom of deep pools or runs.

6. Stonefly Nymphs

Nymphs are a mainstay in the diets of steelhead and salmon. Fish these flies close to the bottom using a sinking line, dead drifting them along the seams where the current breaks. The lifelike appearance and movement of a well-tied stonefly nymph can be a game-changer, especially in clear water conditions.

7. Wooly Buggers

Dark-colored Wooly Buggers can imitate the leeches often found around spawning areas. Twitch or jig this fly near the edges of spawning beds to entice territorial strikes.

8. Clouser Minnows

A staple in many fly boxes, Clouser Minnows imitate smaller fish that might be trying to raid a spawning bed. Their weighted eyes and swift action make them ideal for fishing in deeper runs adjacent to spawning areas.

9. Beadhead Nymphs

These flies are great at imitating both eggs and aquatic larvae. They can be particularly effective when dead-drifted through slower pools near spawning beds.

10. Strip & Flesh Leeches

As salmon die off after spawning, flesh flies become a significant food source. These flies imitate chunks of decaying flesh and are best fished dead drift through deep pools.

Steelhead and salmon fishing is an endeavor that balances skill, patience, and a bit of serendipity. While choosing the right fly is crucial, it's also about understanding the water, reading the fish, and mastering the art of the cast. That's the beauty of fishing for these remarkable species—it's not just about catching a fish; it's about becoming one with the river and all its inhabitants. So, arm yourself with these proven flies and head out for your next fly-fishing adventure—you'll be glad you did.

The Perfect Rod for the Job

When you're tackling monsters like salmon and steelhead, you need a rod that's up to the task. Enter the Silvertip Traveler Fly Rod. Designed with high-quality IM6 graphite, this rod is an excellent balance of strength and sensitivity. Equipped with premium cork grips and a fighting butt, it provides unmatched control. The titanium line guides add to its performance, ensuring minimal friction during casting.