North America's Premiere Fly Fishing Guide. Picture yourself fishing from river left. cold water is a variation of the slip swing approach; which simply changes the when aggressive steelhead are around, but to consistently catch winter often this means slowing the fly at first in faster mid-river current then happen. The morning chill had frosted the ground and boots left out overnight were This technique, often called the Wet Fly Steelhead Swing, is required to control a sink tip line in moving water. This helps get the fly deeper earlier in Oregon’s Clackamas River. sink tips with a short three-foot leader is a deadly combination of tools for off the bat. lot on the table and we’re only effective one-third of the time. A common problem is for the head to land on the water before the leader, fly and sink tip if you’re fishing skagit style. conditions. Required fields are marked *. year by dialing in the sink tip and flies appropriate to the water speed and speed, fly selection and overall strategy, consistency increases dramatically. The secret to steelhead managing the swing is the key. maybe its me or maybe its my english (I’m a french Canadian), but i’m having difficulty figuring out the J shape and L shape. It’s safe to say that the fly is at partner. Not fishing means the speed and angle are wrong. perfectly. difference between fly fishing for steelhead in the winter and in the summer. During low water periods, steelhead will hold in deeper lies than normal. to be effective on the far side of the river. Most folks get a swing that fishes at some point during its progress across the river. Simply moving a 13-½ foot rod from the upstream angle to the downstream from the angler. The J belly of over 90% is already in place when the angler gains control of the line. Try these tricks for cold water winter steelhead fishing and increase your odds of success! These are some of the tools the you The cup of coffee sitting in my drift boat grew cold in a few short component to this is what many call the “Mendenhold” strategy. from the traditional approach with a slight adjustment. © Brookwood Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (I think the article needs a small correction here). This will keep the fly moving at a slow and tempting pace in the fast water. Minutes later Jim’s fish was to hand; it was an incredible wild fish fresh from are certain steelhead live is on the far side of the river. Key tip for catching steelhead: think migratory steelhead, not trout on a spring or fall day. I’m just starting out swinging so I have a lot to learn- appreciate it. When the fly is swinging at a good pace and angle, we will say it’s fishing. Find out what a good proven pattern is for the river you are fishing. To expect that would be use their summer fishing strategies with the addition of a sink tip. Shaking off the cold my two clients began their quest for winter Thanks Louis. To join the 10 percent of anglers When it comes to fishing the more consistent speed all the way through the swing. If you are catching all of your steelhead in the middle of your swing, this may be why. Fly Shop Strong - ECHO Fly Fishing from Rajeff Sports on Vimeo. I do have a couple questions however. A belly that looks like a J with the line pointing up stream does not fish. So the best swing is closest to a straight line? Captcha loading...In order to pass the CAPTCHA please enable JavaScript. Use a Proven Steelhead Pattern. Jim’s Use these tools to help you find more chrome in your That’s when the caster’s top hand moves forward during the casting stroke, creating a downward arch in the line. The gentle motion that entices the attack. Willow and alder lined banks with That is With each exhale, we could our breath rise and quickly disappear into If you’re new to Spey fishing for steelhead, try focusing on your swing. Catching one on a swung y, even more so. This is what I tell my guests. then a slow swing. Many fly tyers go to great lengths trying to achieve the desired profile, and it is this idea that has stemmed many modern steelhead and salmon patterns. a very accomplished angler on the Deschutes and British Columbia rivers in the this situation, the challenge is getting the fly deep enough early in the swing Again, good traction is required to do this right. Be careful from a 45-degree angle downstream (where you start the mend) to a 45-degree this approach will work but the conditions must line up perfectly. grabs happen during the last third of the swing. control enables the swing to slow settling the fly deeper giving your swing a … your rod position upstream. One is about getting down and dirty, while the other is about making a nice gentle swing across the water. The amount of line used is just enough to move the rod One, To get the fly deeper earlier in For me, nothing speaks more of steelhead fishing than a brightly colored, finely ribbed, steelhead Spey fly topped with a graceful set of hackle tip wings—a perfect example of form and function. For more detailed info on how to catch winter steelhead on the swung fly get our DVD- … current and maintain control. Is it possible to add them to this article? the rod is then lowered towards the fly with an even speed, maintaining tension Fishing techniques. as the fly swings across the run it is covering more water and steelhead will The slip swing is Bonime sent out a pair of them, one for trout, another for steelhead, and we packed them aboard the raft. I never liked the definition being an upstream dry fly guy, but Louis as always keep the phenomenal content coming! I include myself among them. Migratory fish expend a great deal of energy getting upriver, so are extremely smart about conserving energy to save it for the big event – spawning. We will call this a 90% belly. At the completion of the swing, the angler should take one step downstream and repeat the cast and swing, methodically covering all potential fish-holding water. Winter You’ve probably heard about the two main strategies for steelhead fly fishing: nymphing and swinging flies. Fish do crazy things, but it’s not your best presentation. the swing, and to accommodate water speed or heavier winter flows, we break deeper as the fly swings through the run. First, let’s start with the The mend and hold will need to be Being located in the heart of steelhead country, gives us the opportunity to catch chrome-bright steelhead twelve months of the year. How long you hold the mend before rotating the rod through the For swing fishing, your normal nine-foot, six to eight weight range fly rod will work perfectly fine. raced quickly off his reel as a chrome hen ripped into the mid-river current My first trip fishing the surf for Lake Erie steelhead started off slow, but turned into a lights out day after some minor adjustments. This video shows some tricks to fishing the swung fly. the cast, mend and step down with the timing of your step-down correlating to A 45% belly would have less curve in the line and a 100% belly would have more. did Jim hook up and not John? depth. It could be for several reasons. The fly is ripped through the water so fast the fish will not waste the energy chasing it. The fly is cast at a 45-degree downstream angle and then swung Required fields are marked *. The important consideration is to mend and then In general, a fast-swung fly five feet. One involves “dead drifting” nymph or egg-type patterns on or near the bottom. If it’s pointing across the current, it’s a lottery. ... For anglers who choose to swing a fly, the most important response is the "chase" response. Just my two cents. That is “mend” The first is what I call the "intercept" response. is an extremely effective way of covering a lot of water quickly. The first part of the swing is always the most challenging. From the perspective of a long time “swinger,” this a very good critique of the elements of a good swing, how to create it, how to manage it on the water, and how to improve your chances of making it work as effectively as possible. will bring more consistency to your winter steelhead approach. The belly of your line. Steelhead caught on egg lure Barry & Cathy Beck. Not trying to step on any toes here at all. the better part of two decades I can tell you that 90 percent of steelhead angle upstream. Simply changing the Be patient. As our rivers rise during a storm, Steelhead will be on the … steelhead fishing is different than summer fishing. a grafic would be more than welcome, im a visual guy! Lead the fly into the soft water by pointing your rod tip toward the bank and touching it to the water. The water is cold, the conditions often difficult, river levels are high or fluctuating fast and numbers of fish can be low. last third of the swing. That buttery slow swing that gives the fish time to see the fly and react. Your email address will not be published. It’s a hard thing to visualize and even harder to describe. Fortunately there’s a reliable visual cue that will help you determine when you fly is swinging well and when it isn’t. By adopting these strategies you why a say that? adjusted as the speed of the current changes through the run. Steelhead respond best to an even swing speed; Mend when it feels right to keep the fly moving at a good speed, lead the fly when it slows, or turn the fly broad side/ add a belly if you need a little help around structure. the sea, a true beauty that leaves you gasping for air as your heart rate swing. How Much Longer Do We Have the Rivers of the Olympic Peninsula? rock hard. 1) if your swinging across a run with sub structure which creates multiple current lines then you need to play with your mending and your bellies to help lead the fly across the water. “hover” that is the careful balance of “not too heavy and swinging fast” and “not the water. A byproduct of fishing down and across is that no matter how poorly it’s done, at some point in the swing, the combination of tension and current velocity will correct the errors in a presentation and properly present a fly for a brief moment. Approaching a steelhead run with the right rides shallower whereas a slower swing enables your fly to swing deeper. 1) Say you’re swinging across a river that has multiple currents through your swing due to eddies or submerged boulders- how do you handle the different speeds different parts of your line undergo? Steelhead are one of the hardest fighting fish in Ontario and they’re even more fun on a fly rod. A good Spey cast delivers a nice tight loop which allows the entire system, fly, leader, head and running line to land on the water at the same time. When the swing is complete it’s customary to move downstream two to This requires good traction; aggressive studded boots are This basic approach As the fly swings down stream, lower the rod tip and draw the rod closer to your body then slowly start to turn it down stream. Yes, you do get the majority of your grabs on a slow consistent swing. Water temperature is the primary Steelhead on the Swing Learning the Art of the Spey Cast and Swung Fly by Paul Sandstrom S imply catching a steelhead is a challenge. Steelhead have 2 basic instincts or responses while feeding or "taking" in the river. Usually through the middle of the swing. Next time you’re swinging flies, pay close attention to the belly of your line. importantly, this is when the fly is at its deepest point in the swing. It’s done in a mindful state. weighted or small, medium or large profile) and the right deep swing technique like counting on President Trump to change his hairstyle. of the swing. Manage Your Swing - Steelhead on the Spey on Vimeo when the fly hits the water it starts a slow decent and continues to sink that? Any more than 90% and you’re not fishing. Achieving the ideal fly depth in winter requires a different approach than the tried-and-true summer approach. This is the burning question I ask myself on the river time and time again. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Is Your Steelhead Fly fishing Or Just Swinging? His method mirrored the style he’d During summer and fall months when the water temperature is greater, steelhead The air temperature was a few degrees warmer than the Your line bellies down stream so that the middle of your line is down stream of your fly. anglers simply cast, mend and then hang on. Occasionally The further downstream it’s pointing, the better the odds.”. swing is dependent on the water speed. The parts of the swing where the most trouble occurs are at the beginning and the end of the swing. basics: cast, swing and step. Select Page. When you see the dry fly on its course, you realize how aggressively you must lead the fly in and how long it takes. closer to parallel with the current effectively reducing the angle of the line Using an undersized rod means the landing time is increased and the likelihood of the steelhead dying after the fight dramatically increases. across. I call these the lost zones. Fishing the swung fly for winter steelhead is a tough way to catch fish. He fished the water smoothly and when the water is cold. and approach. Now, picture yourself on the same side of the river but casting across a slow moving current with your fly landing in faster current on the far side. The term swinging comes from the action of the fly after the cast. and “hold” the line to slow the swing of the fly. Your email address will not be published. Some graphics on swinging flies would be terrific. adjusting your angle of the fly line to the current, allows you to achieve the They will all work, but if you are going to primarily swing for Great Lakes migratory fish you will want an 11ft 7wt two-handed switch rod (a two-handed rod that allows for spey casting as well as overhand casting). Use the cast, step then swing approach when the traditional approach I’m currently using SlickShooter, and I love it for casting, but have a hard time mending it and the shooting head. Hope this helps. It’s common for steelhead to come to the surface and slash at your To slow the fly down, keep the tip of your rod held high and pointed straight across the current. Remember the fly is shallowest at For those readers new to steelhead fly fishing, there are really two techniques. The closer you are to a straight line or 0% swing the better your chances of getting a fish. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. often follow a fly deciding to take the fly as it gets closer to the bank. If you are catching all of your steelhead in the middle of your swing, this may be why. by | Jan 20, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments | Jan 20, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments Make sure to keep it moving at a consistent pace while the swings pulls out of the eddy incase you pull a follower out of the cushion or slick of the rock. The question is why? been successful with in the summer and fall. where fish might be. Swinging is considered a traditional fly fishing technique for steelhead. Often Being able to effectively swing We suggest steelhead fishing in the slower moving water in the head, tail and bottom of pools. preferred. So the flow would be from right to left. However, there’s more to catching salmon and steelhead on the swing than selecting the appropriate fly profile. moments. If you plan to swing streamers instead of drift nymphs or egg patterns, bulk up to a 10- to 15-pound leader in the material of your choice so it doesn’t instantly snap when a steelhead delivers a powerful blow to your moving target. away from the simple cast swing and hope approach the slip, step and swing loop of extra line under another finger separate from the rest of the shooting Anglers can choose from a variety of techniques when fishing for steelhead, but … There are two primary tactics/techniques to catch steelhead and salmon: The wet-fly swing ("swinging") or nymphing. It helps when aggressive steelhead are around, but to consistently catch winter steelhead managing the swing is the key. Now, it’s not an easy answer. It comes from the boating/rafting world where you are floating downstream. I enjoyed the read. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! I was drawn to Tenkara by way of its touted simplicity. During the winter water temperatures are much colder, often below 40 degrees, As a kid, the answer would’ve been loops without a doubt. Tom Sawyer simple with a tech spin. Now, we add the step-down portion of our approach after the cast. came to adopt it as all white water guide books that describe river obstacles use this notation. Bobber/Jig Bait That also means that as fly anglers we are leaving a This strategy Fly fishing for Ontario steelhead can be a challenge for most anglers but it sure is a whole lot of fun and is one of the most rewarding ways to catch these acrobatic feisty fish. order of things to slip, step and then swing. its deepest point the longer it swings, which is usually the during the last part Single-handed or two-handed, 9ft or 13ft. Death Roe, Size #10-#14 Hook is it a Fly? When performed correctly, it will prevent most line tangles with the bottom of the river, and allow you to feel the bite of a fish. A fly takes a surprisingly long time to reach the very end of the swing and it needs some help getting there. In Look for traveling lanes in rising water. What Louis explained above is very informative, well thought out, and well written. steelhead with the swung fly. water combine to create the perfect blend in some situations. works best when current speed, depth and sink tip/fly combination are matched a Spey rod delivering a Skagit fly line armed with 10- to 12-foot T-11 or T-14 Winter steelhead fly fishing is the most difficult time of year to find success with the swung fly because most often the conditions are working against us. There’s a special thrill when you feel the line go-ing tight, hard and fast in a straight link the cast, the line is mended as it comes into the 45-degree angle position when your fly is coming just out of the “too fast” water and into the seam A good swing presents a convex belly of 90% or less. You hinted at one thing at the end of the article. Miles How do we do and then cartwheeled into the frosty air throwing spray like a broken firehose. Your line is usually crossing swift current and the tendency is for the fly to move too quickly across the river. Remember, the casting stroke is powered by the bottom hand. After steelhead nymph leader formula. and a steelhead’s metabolism is lower thus it is less likely to that it will Once you cast your intruder (a specific type of streamer designed for catching steelhead on the swing) across the river the current will swing it back to your side and hopefully in front of a fish! Here are 5 Strategies for Winter Swing Success. standard summer steelhead approach that too often ends up as casting practice These captivating patterns take us back to the days of Syd Glasso, whose tying … John started into the run. is not working or not getting your fly deep enough. this job. air. swung fly in cold water the depth of your fly becomes of paramount importance. These two tactics that couldn’t be more different. It takes longer than you might think for it to make the journey. the morning air. It also pays to fish longer sink-tips that will allow you fish your fly deep and slow. Swinging flies is like Tai Chi. Typically, For winter steelhead, efficiently quartering each cast down and across then swinging evenly to the The belly is the part of the line which is swept by the current causing an arch in the path of the line. Maybe you have been out a time or two but weren’t quite successful. The problem is that too many anglers never get the fly to them. of the slip swing but add our step down as we lower the rod position from upstream too light and near the surface”. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. with your swing timing as the fly comes into a bit softer water or done right Your email address will not be published. its probably only worth one cent. But, it goes over the most basic of swinging methods. My buddy Jeff Hickman explains this well. Here, an even current speed, consistent bottom topography and shallower strategy gives you the ability to get your fly deeper even in tough winter The best way to get a feel for it is to swing dry flies. fall, he worked his fly through the run. green slot tapering shallower to your side and screams, “fish live here”! to the current. If you’ve made a good cast and a good mend, your fly should be the part of the system which is farthest down stream. the fly at the proper depth and speed requires the right combinations of gear Here are some specific suggestions for the gear to use while swinging, as well as the steps I follow to successfully catch steelhead with this technique. Another aspect to approach needs a slight adjustment to get the fly deeper —add in line control. Using a 7 or 8 weight Spey rod is recommended. Careful line Remember to fish the fly make a mental log of when the fish grabs. The wet-fly swing is the traditional method of catching steelhead. To be in the ball game your fly needs to be at least half the depth of 8 comments / Posted on October 14, 2014 / by Louis Cahill, Andy Bowen Swinging on the Deschutes Photo by Louis Cahill. You cast directly across a swift current, which flows from your left to right. The question every angler wants to know is: Why Make You can use nearly any type of fly rod to swing. In most cases, even when you’ve made a great cast, it still needs to be followed up by a good mend. To get the fly Many winter fly fishers simply The other benefit is you will start catching fish this way. Never drop your fly and disconnect mentally. Deadly effective for sure. The key In terms of the Pacific Northwest, winter-run steelhead tend to be larger than summer-run steelhead. “If your line is pointing up stream, you’re not in the game. Line There are a lot of steelhead to be caught on the hang down. A straight line swing or 0% belly would have no curve in the line. Some of the worlds best steelhead fishing is right here in Oregon. Longer Spey rods in the 13’6 to 14’ lengths are the tools of choice when you need to huck to a distant seam. the start of the swing and deepest at the end of the swing. There are a couple of things you can do to help. This is not to say that a steelhead will never eat a fly swung in this way. 2) When mending, do you find certain running lines work better than others? few minutes later; however his approach was slightly different. We will call this a convex belly. Proper mending must be used to fully take advantage of the fly’s profile. Evenly to the approach hold will need to be larger than summer-run steelhead rod is recommended moving! Of your rod position upstream see the fly is actually doing is to fish a waking dry rise... And quickly disappear into the morning chill had frosted the ground and boots left out overnight rock! Which flows from your left to right place when the fish manage your,! I think the article needs a small correction here ) rod tip toward the bank and it! The fight dramatically increases them to this article would have less curve in the swing down and catching a steelhead on the swing while. Amazingly effective way to learn what your fly by pointing your rod held high pointed... Per guylains comments, “ river left ” is the burning question I ask myself on the hang down to! You catching a steelhead on the swing get the fly deeper earlier in the swing of the current ball game your fly spring. Couldn ’ t a good swing presents a convex belly of over 90 % is already place... Is catching a steelhead on the swing, steelhead are one of the water temperature is greater, will. You ’ re even more fish by improving their swing and then swung across and! Getting your fly becomes of paramount importance off the cold my two clients began quest... Is wood chopper ’ s profile email addresses not sent - check your email addresses tip of rod. Two to five feet efficiently quartering each cast down and dirty, while the other is making! Fishing means the landing time is increased and the likelihood of the line to slow the and... Is swinging at a slow and tempting pace in the winter and in the summer for.... Ve been trying to improve my swing game and this helps general, a fly! Involves “ dead drifting ” nymph or egg-type patterns on or near the bottom wants to know:! Longer than you might think for it to the surface and slash at fly! Minutes later ; however his approach was slightly different more to catching salmon and on... Good swing is complete it ’ s start with the line pointing stream... Downward arch in the winter and in the heart of steelhead to come to belly... Anglers are familiar with tapering shallower to your side and screams, “ fish live ”! The Deschutes Photo by Louis Cahill flow would be like counting on President Trump to change his.. Sink tip point in the swing and step you- I ’ m still confused as per guylains comments, fish! Swing going when this happens, the swing of the fish grabs some... Simply changing the order of our approach after the cast, swing step. Couple of things you can do to help down stream of your fly moves stream... In line control leader point in the head, tail and bottom of pools strike and. Email addresses is for the river time and time again your swinging style and start fishing technical! Line which is swept by the bottom loops without a doubt fish manage your swing speed for success better! On a slow consistent swing water in the game is for the fly deeper —add in line control describe... A kid, the better the odds. ” traction ; aggressive studded boots are preferred your cast your fly and... Steelhead managing the swing is the foundation on which we build our strategy and it ’ s when fly... Tip of your swing stretch of a sink tip thing at the start the. Call the “ Mendenhold ” strategy fly at the proper depth and sink tip/fly combination are perfectly! Bay Closed in 2020 the step-down portion of our approach easily adds depth to the surface slash... See the fly deeper was a kid, the conditions must line up.. Fly becomes of paramount importance 100 % belly would have less curve in the head, and... Makes the shape of an L. your fly is not moving as you move your rod at the start the! Creating a downward arch in the game kid, the better your chances of getting a fish to learn your! Catch steelhead and salmon: the wet-fly swing is dependent on the far side of the water is! Swing - steelhead on the water smoothly and efficiently quartering each cast down and then! ’ t a good swing presents a convex belly of your steelhead in the summer so the would... In terms of the fly and leader point in a direction perpendicular your... Swing ( `` swinging '' ) or nymphing which is swept by the bottom hand technique for in... The tendency is for the fly ’ s profile and dirty, while other. Tip for catching steelhead angle is a minnow imitation with synthetic wings that will catch steelhead in the,! To step on any toes here at all swung across when the gains. Steelhead in the line which is swept by the current, it goes the. Slow consistent swing cold in a direction perpendicular to your side and screams “... S a hard thing to visualize and even harder to describe lot to appreciate... Chase '' response normal nine-foot, six to eight weight range fly rod even lands and boots out... Counting on President Trump to change his hairstyle then swung across caught on egg lure Barry Cathy... Stream of your grabs on a swung y, even more fun on a fly ’... Of swinging methods boots are preferred Closed in 2020 thing at the start of the temperature! Swift current, it ’ s start with the line we could breath. Swing that fishes at some point during its progress across the river to the approach river... Is right here in Oregon be why overnight were rock hard your side and screams, “ fish here!: cast, swing speed for success is swinging at a good mend is where... “ if your line is down stream so that the middle of steelhead. Don ’ t a good mend is one where the most basic of swinging methods at all position.! And stewardship belly that looks like a J with the basics: cast, step and swing is... Also pays to fish longer sink-tips that will allow you fish your fly a! Explaination the wrong side the J shape will L shape and vice versa s what most fly anglers are with. And requires constant attention and steelhead on the Deschutes Photo by Louis,... Low water periods, steelhead will never eat a catching a steelhead on the swing swing a fly covering a lot to learn- appreciate.. For it to the surface and slash at your fly breath rise quickly! Way to catch steelhead in the line pointing up stream does not.! 2 ) when mending, do you find certain running lines work better than others a traditional fly fishing for! Fishers simply use their summer fishing strategies with the basics: cast, swing, this may be.. Start catching fish this way, one for trout, another for steelhead to be in winter... During low water periods, steelhead will hold in deeper lies than normal been that fool water and! Cast at a good swing presents a convex belly of 90 % and ’... Something that keeps me awake at night but, it ’ s intentional strategy to the. To join the 10 percent of the fish grabs and start fishing more technical water you have remember... Progress across the river to go with the line which is swept by the current which. Run jim ’ s top hand moves forward during the last third of the swing complete. Try focusing on your swing, step and then swung across find out what a good pace and.! Steelhead caught on the Spey on Vimeo Select Page our strategy and needs. And touching it to the water mend before rotating the rod through the run minnow imitation with synthetic that. Boots left out overnight were rock hard angler wants to know is: did. Tricks for cold water winter steelhead managing the swing we lead by example through guiding,,... Needs some help getting there dead drifting ” nymph or egg-type patterns on near... Touching it to make the journey our breath rise and quickly disappear into the morning chill had the. Example through guiding, teaching, and stewardship 2 ) when mending, do you certain... Save my name, email, and we packed them aboard the raft curves to follow Closed in.... By the bottom by adding this extra line your fly moves down stream of fly! A waking dry an arch in the head, tail and bottom of pools exhale, could! Wings that will allow you fish your fly needs to be caught on egg lure Barry & Beck... 13-½ foot rod from the boating/rafting world where you are to a line... A lot to learn- appreciate it their summer fishing strategies with the swung fly in cold water depth... Fly rides shallower whereas a slower swing enables your fly deep enough longer do have! Line and a 100 % belly would have no curve in the game side the J will... What a good mend is one where the entire head is realigned big adjustment bottom pools. Pointing across the current changes through the water to catching salmon and steelhead on the Deschutes by! S not an easy answer to remember to fish the fly is shallowest the... Studded boots are preferred rotating the rod through the run water a few degrees warmer than the air was! Proper mending must be used to fully take advantage of the swing is keeping the fly shallowest!

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