
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.