On a recent three day trip I was unfortunately reminded of the importance of water temperature and steelhead activity. After a solid afternoon on the first day with three nice steelhead brought to hand by myself and Nick Pionessa, the next morning we woke up to frost on the cars and a frozen precipitation pelting us in the face. I tried to pretend that the dramatic change wasn't going to put a damper on our trip and wouldn't weaken my will. But down deep I knew better. The frigid air resulted in a dramatic decrease in the water temperatures which effectively shut the steelhead activity down the next day.
When swinging flies for steelhead keep an eye on water temperatures. After a cold night steelhead activity will usually be at its best in late morning and into the afternoon as water temperatures recover. When the water temperatures remain cold search out slower flows. Try to control the speed of the fly by mending and pointing the rod out so that the fly crosses the river at more of a downstream angle as opposed to broadside effectively slowing the swing speed. Most steelhead are caught on the swung fly when water temperatures are stable or on the rise. Try to time outings to coincide with water temperatures that are in your favor.
When swinging flies for steelhead keep an eye on water temperatures. After a cold night steelhead activity will usually be at its best in late morning and into the afternoon as water temperatures recover. When the water temperatures remain cold search out slower flows. Try to control the speed of the fly by mending and pointing the rod out so that the fly crosses the river at more of a downstream angle as opposed to broadside effectively slowing the swing speed. Most steelhead are caught on the swung fly when water temperatures are stable or on the rise. Try to time outings to coincide with water temperatures that are in your favor.
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