A Favorite Steelhead Fly Origin Story

I really enjoy tying steelhead flies. There’s something magical about connecting with an incredible fish on a fly you tied yourself. I’ve been tying and refining my steelhead patterns for many years, and I’m still learning something new all the time.

Many years ago, while fishing with Nick Amato of Salmon Trout Steelheader magazine, I asked him about his favorite colors for winter steelhead. One combination he mentioned stood out from the usual standards: cerise and black. At the time, he was using that color combo on marabou jigs and absolutely hammering fish.

That stuck with me, and I began experimenting with flies in those colors. I started having good success with a simple intruder-style pattern, and over the years I continued refining it. One particular day stands out as the moment that fly truly earned its place.

Steelhead Fly Promise

I had promised my wife I’d be home in time for dinner with her family. I’d been pushing that promise a little too often lately, and I really needed to make it back on time (I’m not fond of sleeping on the couch). That day, I was fishing with my good friend Clive from San Diego. Clive usually finds fish wherever he goes, but for some reason, the steelhead just weren’t cooperating.

Normally, I would’ve stayed late and worked through it with him until something happened. This time, that wasn’t an option.

So what did I do?

I tied on that cerise-and-black fly and handed Clive the rod. He worked through one of my “best-for-last” spots and promptly hooked a beautiful steelhead.

That fly earned its name that day: the Promise Keeper. And yes—I made it home in time for dinner.

Now this favorite steelhead fly is produced by Aqua Flies and you can get that very fly pattern and some of the top fly shops in the NW or you can get it on my website here: PROMISE KEEPER Steelhead Fly

Wherever your travels take you this week- wishing you the best of luck on the water!

Rob Crandall & the entire Water Time Outfitters Guide Team

Water Time Outfitters, Inc. is a team of local NW guides who fish the best steelhead rivers of Oregon.  You’ll find us on the Clackamas, Sandy, Nestucca, Nehalem, Trask, Kilches and the Deschutes River chasing steelhead.  To see our full steelhead fly selections check out our fly shop at:  Steelhead Flies

To book a guided fly fishing trip for steelhead with Water Time Outfitters visit our website:  www.WaterTimeOutfitters.com

If you’d like to learn more about steelhead fly fishing check out our classes:  Steelhead Fly Fishing Classes

We also have a great steelhead fly fishing book!  Learn more about winter tactics:  5 Steps to Winter Spey Success