5 Cold Weather Strategies for Steelhead – Powerful Tactics You Have to Know!
Cold Weather Strategies for Steelhead
It’s bitter cold and snow is coming down in buckets, I wish I hadn’t forgotten my gloves today. My fingers are numb and my face stings and the backs of my hands are beet red; and of course- I’m loving it! Another day in paradise on a great winter steelhead river. Oregon storms this year have been cold and the normal gallons of rain that tend to wash the landscape have been replaced by the quiet of snow. It’s true winter beauty at it’s finest but it sure makes our job of getting steelhead on the fly that much harder. Cold water steelheading isn’t for wussies!
Not only are we cold but the fish are cold- often water temps plumet to 34-38 degrees and steelhead are about as active as a passed out drunk on a park bench. Here our job of delivery and presentation is paramount; grinding it out to find that one chrome bullet that can’t resist the urge to smash our moving target as it swings across a boulder strewn backdrop. Add to the challenge that often the water is super clear, flows are low and fish will hide in deeper notches harder to get to.
A Check List of Cold Weather Strategies for Steelhead
The challenge is apparent and the days are often arduous but the rewards can be great! Here are several key focal points to help you increase your cold water swung fly success:
- Focus on bigger waters- larger rivers tend to run warmer than smaller rivers. A slight bump of a degree or two can make a big impact on your success.
- Think of your low and clear water steelhead approach like you would stalking a deer. Too much thrashing around and those fish are gone. Each cast should be concise and cleanly presented. Be careful of your wading and approach. Avoid fishing too deep in softer pools so you don’t snag up and in the process of trying to get your fly back spook the entire pool.
- Slow down the swing. Getting the fly deeper is critical when the water is cold. Manage your swing to allow the fly to hang deep- increasing your odds of success.
- Adjust your fly patterns for low and clear water. Often fish migration stagnates when water is super cold and clear. That means fish will stage up typically in lower segments of a river- try smaller and darker flies in low, clear water.
- Be ready for a slow pull- when steelhead grab the fly in softer cold water the take is often slow. You might think you have hung up on the bottom. Keep the momentum of the swing going when this happens and wait until everything comes tight.
Other Resources of Cold Weather Strategies for Steelhead
Try these tricks for cold water winter steelhead fishing and increase your odds of success! For more detailed info on how to catch winter steelhead on the swung fly get our DVD- Winter Spey Strategies. 1 hr-30 minutes of detailed and informative demonstration of strategies teaching you more success for winter steel.
Winter Spey Strategies- 90 minute DVD- click here for more info or to see the trailer. Water Time Outfitters offers year round guided fishing adventures on Oregon’s Finest waters. When anglers plan a fly fishing trip, they need to know they’re spending time and money on a great experience. We aim to surpass their expectations with expert, fun loving guides and exceptional hospitality, so our guests can focus on their love of fly fishing, maximize their success and take home memories that last a lifetime. 
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