Fly Fishing for Trophy Steelhead and Advanced Fly Fishing for Pacific Steelhead with Lani Waller
Despite being released in 1987, both of these videos are still a great learning experience for any serious steelhead angler. For the beginner they are a great introduction to the traditional methods of targeting these fish. The veteran steelheader will find watching them is an excellent refresher for their next adventure focusing on migratory rainbows anywhere they are located.
Both of these were filmed at various locations in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia’s Skeena River system and Oregon’s Deschutes River. These still represent some of the top steelhead waters on the planet. Fly Fishing for Trophy Steelhead introduces us to the fish itself and its basic cycle. The largest steelhead anywhere come out of this area and spend 4 years in freshwater before going to salt and then 2-3 years at sea. This timing can vary depending on where the fish are located.
Waller covers all of the material in a clear, understandable manner and as in various other of the Mastery videos, state-of-the-art equipment for the time was used for filming. We see how water temperature, water levels, and clarity influence steelhead movement and positioning in rivers. Then Waller shows how to pick the best technique for the situation and to fish with a plan. The indicator/dead-drift method is not shown as this technique had not really started when this was filmed.
There are good explanations of the equipment being used and why. Single-hand rod use is shown as two-hand rods were in very limited use at this time. We know a long (9’6” – 10’) rod in a heavier (8-wt – 10-wt) matched to a reel with smooth, strong drag holding ample backing is still suitable today. Lines were simplistic by today’s standards. The use of each- floating, sink-tips, and shooting heads of various densities are thoroughly explained and demonstrated. We see how updates to these various designs formed the basis of the numerous specialty lines that are available today.
Standard techniques are covered well and each is shown specific to the type of river situation it is best suited for. The downstream swing is the main focus and we see how to control fly speed and depth. The importance of “hangdown” at the end of the swing is emphasized. We are also introduced to techniques such as the greased line, waking flies, and use of riffle hitch. All of these are still in use today.
Hooking, playing, landing, and releasing steelhead are all well presented. Waller explains each step in the process well and we both see and hear his excitement while playing fish. Of particular importance is the use of low side-pressure and changing the angle of pull to move large fish in current. Also, we following a fish if needed. Don’t try to pull a sizeable fish up against a strong flow.
If there is a shortcoming to this video it may be in the minimal number of flies that are shown. However, it’s hard to really criticize this as we do see long-standing patterns selected for specific situations such as water clarity and current speed. An understated message is that the presentation has to be correct before the fly even comes into play. Getting the fly to the steelhead is the primary goal as these fish are not feeding in the same sense a stream-bound trout is, so in many cases fly selection is secondary.
In Advanced Fly Fishing for Pacific Steelhead, Waller begins with a review of the first video and quickly takes us to the next level in pursuing these fish. We soon see that much of what he discusses has been adapted for use around the Great Lakes from its foundations in the Pacific Northwest. Along with the Skeena system, some of this was filmed on Oregon’s Deschutes River, giving a different backdrop.
The techniques presented in the first video are presented and discussed in greater detail on a wider variety of water. We see how to cover deep fast runs and pools, slower moving pools, and shallow tailouts effectively. A systematic approach is employed with the technique, type of line, and fly selected based on several parameters. Water depth, clarity, temperature, and current speed all come into play.
We learn that water temperature plays a critical role in steelhead behavior. At 40 degrees F and lower, a fly needs to be fished deep and slow. From the mid-40’s F to low-50’s F, the downstream swing is effective. From the mid-50’s F to low-60’s F, all techniques will work. Surface activity will peak at 55 degrees F to 65 degrees F. If the water temp hits 70 F, it’s too hot and the fish will get too stressed when hooked.
There are a number if additional behavior trends that can be used to locate steelhead. They are not usually found in the fastest flows. In low, clear water they move into deeper flows. In high water they will move to shallow areas with moderate current and may be triggered to move upstream. Low light conditions are best with dawn and dusk the prime time to target steelhead in shallow holding areas.
In addition to the standard downstream swing, we see and interesting presentation with a floating line, long leader, and weighted fly. Here the fly is cast upstream, then allowed to sink and dead-drift. The angler watches the line and strikes if there is a twitch or pause. At the end of the drift, the fly can then be swung on a tight line across the current.
We also learn a traditional Atlantic salmon presentation called the “Grease Line” technique. Done with a floating line and long leader, the unweighted fly is fished dead-drift with mends to keep it broadside to the current. The fly will stay a few inches under the surface and can then be swung at the end of the drift. A boil in the water often signals a strike.
The video finishes with several surface techniques. A dead-drift surface presentation is not normally effective for steelhead, but a fly waking on the surface can be very effective. This is demonstrated and described in detail. We also see how a riffle hitch can be put on a wet fly to keep it on the surface.
The use of a “Slider” rig is also shown to fish a dry and wet fly in combination on a swing. This variation of the “hopper/dropper” particular technique is never mentioned anymore, perhaps due to regulations restricting anglers to one fly in many steelhead locales. However, we can see it would have application in regular trout fishing and warmwater use
As Waller works through the all the various techniques and presentations for steelhead with a single-hand rod, one can’t help but think how the present use of longer, two-hand rods are more efficient for much of this. We definitely see the how the use of longer rods and the various lines designed for them allow us to effectively swing flies more productively.
Anyone interested in swinging flies for steelhead should watch both of the videos. Adapting Waller’s instructions to modern equipment will definitely make them a better steelheader. The sad thing is the decrease in wild steelhead number across the Pacific Northwest since these videos were made, but that’s another story.
