Winter Steelhead Flies

About Winter Steelhead Flies

Winter steelhead flies come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, but the most popular ones that are meant to be fished on the swing are 2" to 4" long, and are tied from soft materials that impart a lot of swimming motion when in the water. Since steelhead don't have to feed while in fresh water, no one knows for sure what makes them bite flies. It is thought that when bright winter steelhead enter fresh water, they bring with them the search images of ocean food imprinted in their brains, and will automatically feed on flies that look and act like organisms that they have been feeding on in the marine environment that they have just left.

Proven flies come in a wide range of colors from dark to bright. Many successful flies are fluorescent or phosphorescent in color, as are many marine organisms. Although many things about winter steelhead flies are speculative, here are what many experienced steelhead guides can agree on much of the time. Flies with either blue or orange in them are productive over a wide range of circumstances. Dark flies are often productive during dark days, or during low light conditions. Bright red flies are often most productive during bright sunlight hours in clear water. Pink, or pinkish orange flies are often very productive on steelhead that are fresh from the ocean. Pinkish orange flies are most productive during early winter. Black and blue, and black and purple flies become very productive during late season. Anglers who can cast well and cover the water are more productive than those who can't. Anglers who have their fly in the water are more productive than those that don't.