[tie one on]

One of the great opportunities I have living in West Michigan is river steelhead fly fishing both in the fall & in the spring. I just got started into that aspect about 1 1/2 years ago. I was very fortunate to win a Thomas/Thomas 10' 7wt steelhead rod a my local fly shop. I have leaned numerous patterns for steelhead & have had some success with a few patterns. If you fish for those hard pulling fighters what pattern do you typically use ? Do you like floating or sinking fly line ? Also, do you use a store bought leader, or tie your own ? (What type of line mono or fluorocarbon ?) They are not quite in the rivers yet, but will be fairly soon.

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[BigCliff]

All my experience steelheading has been on bigger rivers in Oregon with teeny type lines and such. My understanding of steel heading in the great lakes areas is that there is more nymphing involved and that the odds of hooking up are much better. I think the popsicle/alaskabou flies look really cool on the swing and are a pretty good imitation of the small squid pacific steelhead eat out in the ocean. Don't think there are too many squid in the great lakes, so you'd likely be better off with clousers and stonefly nymphs. Also might be helpful to look for my post on "bounce nymphing".

[freeze69]

I've tied several for guys at work to use in the buchanan mi. area. The one's that I've tied for them and they said worked are: babine special, different glo-bug's, green butt skunk. I've tied others and can't say that they've worked or not. Those are some of the flies that I know that work. Will keep listening to guys at work and let you know more.

[harleydeen]

What I primarily use here in the Puget Sound rivers are articulated leeches in blacks, reds, and pinks and a poor man's general practitioner using cross-cut bunny in same colors. If I'm on the Skykomish I also swing some marabou spiders type flies.

[tie one on]

Cliff,

Where do I go on the site to find your posting on Bounce nymphing ? I am somewhat limited at work (during lunch) as to the amount of time to search the site. I am learning many new things since joining in the group. Thank you.

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[BigCliff]

Here it is: Bounce Nymphing?

Here's an article from the author i picked up the technique from: http://www.flyfisherman.com/skills/l...rs/index5.html

Here's a thread on another forum with lots of folx who have actually used it extensively weighing in: http://www.utahonthefly.com/chat/showthread.php?t=9778