Steelhead are often called the fish of a thousand casts, but the right fly can turn those odds in your favor. Whether you’re swinging flies through a coastal river or dead-drifting nymphs in a Great Lakes tributary, fly selection plays a crucial role in your success. Steelhead are known for their unpredictable nature; aggressive one moment and lock-jawed the next, so having the right patterns in your box can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best flies for steelhead fishing, covering the must-have patterns for both summer and winter runs. From classic streamers to modern intruders, you’ll learn when, where, and how to fish each fly for maximum results.