I’ve been fly fishing the American River for steelhead and I’m currently on a 12-day skunk streak (no hookups, no grabs, nothing). I’m not trying to whine, but at this point I need someone to tear apart my setup and how I’m fishing it. I’ve never caught one on the fly, but many on gear.
Water has been really high but is slowly dropping this week. I’ve been targeting what looks like classic steelhead water to me: deeper walking-speed runs, drop-offs / seams and slower edges next to faster current.
I’m fishing known steelhead spots, and working close middle then far. I am mending and occasionally ticking bottom (and snagging a lot), and setting on any dips or irregular indicator activity. Trying a fly on a tag (did inline before) and it’s been nothing but knots.
Pictures attached of my rig and water, really would appreciate any advice.
Posted by SCCB4
4 Comments
that size 4-6 hook as your point fly is massive. Think size 12-10 at most. I would also just run an oversized beadhead on the fly itself and let that give you the sinking power you need. Your rig is more set up like a traditional spincaster or something than a fly rig
You do realize that some people fish for years without catching a steelhead, right? Twelve days as a novice without a guide or mentor is nothing.
Assuming that the fish are even there, which is not a given. High water, fish like edges. Fish where you think you should be standing, first.
Buy a Zebco if you’re going to bobber fish.
Your rig will be less important than finding active fish and where they hold.