Winter Steelhead Fishing: Gear, Flies, & Best Techniques for Beginners

Winter steelhead fly fishing can be tricky. You might fish all day and never see a strike. And when you finally hook one, there's a chance it'll break off in the first 20 seconds.

Worry no more. For 15+ years, our team has been targeting steelhead trout across Pacific Northwest rivers and Great Lakes tributaries. We'll show you how to find steelhead runs, which gear won't fail mid-fight, and the best techniques that trigger strikes.

This is going to be good. Let’s go!

Winter steelhead are powerful, sea-run rainbow trout that migrate from the Pacific Ocean into coastal rivers and streams during the winter months (typically November to April). There are also summer steelhead, which enter rivers earlier in the year.

But here's the thing: winter steelhead are not feeding when they are in rivers. Unlike salmon, they migrate to spawn. That changes everything about how you fish for them, so it's important to know how they differ from other trout.

Let's discuss this in more detail.

A 12-pound steelhead can dump 75 yards of backing off your reel before you blink. They've spent years feeding on squid, shrimp, and baitfish in the ocean. All that protein turned them into pure muscle.

Compared to resident river rainbows (14-18 inches, 1-3 pounds), steelhead are absolute brutes at 8-15 pounds. They are strong enough to rip the line off your reel like nothing you've hooked in freshwater.

Whether you’re fly fishing, float trouting, or drift fishing with bait, your presentation should trigger one of these 3 instincts:

• Aggression: "Get out of my spawning lane."
• Territorial Defense: "This is my resting spot."
• Predatory Reflex: "That moved, I hit it."

This is why bright, flashy patterns often work better than natural nymph imitations.

What about inside bends? They create deeper water on the inner curve of a river turn. Many anglers use these spots midday when water temperatures rise slightly.

Here's your cheat sheet:

Your fly line choice depends on water depth and technique. Decide on what you need based on use cases, specifically for:

You can start with a floating fly line and add a split shot to get deep. Once you're hooked, invest in a quality sink-tip to improve your swing.

A steelhead will rip 50-100 yards off your reel in the first run. Your fly fishing reel needs:

• Large Arbor Design: Picks up line faster, reduces line memory
• Sealed Drag: Won't freeze or fail in cold water
• 150-200 Yards of Backing: These fish run LONG
• Smooth, Adjustable Drag: Jerky drags = broken tippet

Don't cheap out on your reel. Sure, a $50 reel will fail you.

Winter steelhead water is 35-42°F. You need gear that keeps you warm for 6+ hours. Ensure you keep these must-have items for steelhead winter fly fishing:

• Neoprene waders
• Base layers
• Wading boots
• Fingerless gloves
• Hand warmers
• Beanie or hood

Many fishing trips fail because anglers underestimate them. Go through our complete fly fishing gear checklist to save your day.

The best flies for rainbow trout include Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail, and Zebra Midge. Your patterns need to be visible, move naturally, and match water clarity.

When in doubt, slow down, fish deeper, and simplify your fly selection. Let's cover the patterns that best lure steelhead below.

When water temperatures drop below 40°F, steelhead hug the bottom. Weighted nymphs get down to their level.

Here are the best nymph flies to carry: Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph (size 12), Beaded Stonefly (brown, size 12), and Bead Head Prince Nymph (purple, size 14).

One effective method of catching steelhead is to add flash. You can add silver or copper beads to help in stained water.

Streamers and intruders trigger aggressive strikes from fish that won't eat anything else. These patterns move, push water, and create a profile that steelhead can't ignore.

The best streamer patterns for winter are:

• Wooly Bugger (with bead head)
• Articulated Intruder
• Clouser Minnow
• Tungsten Bead Head
• Egg Sucking Leech

How to Fish It: Swing these flies slow and controlled. Long swings, short strips, and pauses are far more effective than fast retrieves during the coldest months.

Swinging is the classic steelhead method. The current does most of the work.

Follow this step-by-step guide:

• Cast 45 degrees downstream across the run
• Keep your rod tip low (pointed at the water)
• Let the current push your fly across in an arc
• Take 2-3 steps downstream after each cast
• Repeat until you've covered the entire run

Note: When a steelhead hits your swung fly, you'll feel it. Some anglers prefer to just tighten and let the current set the hook, while others use a firm strip-strike. Experiment to see if the rod tension will set the hook for you.

When water temps drop below 40°F, nymphing outfishes swinging. You're dead-drifting eggs or nymphs right past fish. Follow this indicator nymph setup instead:

Indicator Placement: Set your indicator 1.5-2x the water depth above your fly. In 4 feet of water, the indicator goes 6-8 feet up the leader.

You can detect takes through these:

• Watch for indicator hesitation or dip
• Set the hook on ANY movement
• Don't wait to "feel" the fish (they spit flies fast)

For more ideas on reading indicators and setting hooks, check out our indicator nymphing techniques.

Water temps matter even more for steelhead than trout. Check these best fishing windows:

Note: Water temperature doesn't change by more than 4-7 degrees throughout a single winter day. It might change 1-2 degrees max. This table shows you don't need to fish all day. It’s best to hit the 11 AM-3 PM window when steelhead are most active.

Hooking a steelhead is one thing. Getting it to the net is completely different.

When the fish is tired (lying on its side, gills pumping), bring it to the net headfirst in one smooth scoop.

Landing Rules: Keep the fish in the water while removing the hook. Also, wet your hands before touching fish. Support the fish facing upstream until it swims away strong.

Alright. Aside from the gear, you've got the techniques for fishing winter steelhead.

Now, it's time to act.

Pick a river from our top fly fishing destinations in the US and check your local fish and wildlife regulations. Once you're in, here's your key action plan:

• Check water temps (40-45°F is prime time)
• Start with one technique (swinging if you're new, nymphing if it's below 40°F)
• Fish the midday window (11 AM-3 PM)
• Fish runs thoroughly (15-20 casts minimum before moving)

Note: Don't expect to fish for steelhead on your first or third day. Sure, you'll get skunked. But when it finally comes together, it’s worth every cold hour.

Happy fishing!