With August well underway, summer steelhead season is fast approaching its peak. To get you ready for arguably the greatest angling experience the PNW has to offer — swinging flies and skating dries for bright, chrome fish in fair weather — we’ve put together detailed gear lists for two of our favorite destination steelhead rivers: The majestic Grande Ronde in Northeastern Oregon and the Skeena in beautiful British Columbia.
Grande Ronde
For those who want to stay within state and international borders, the Grande Ronde offers postcard Old West scenery against a backdrop of towering mountains in a sparsely populated corner of Eastern Oregon. The river moves at a fairly gentle pace, and early-season days are warm, making it a great place to wear lightweight wading shoes and neoprene wet-wading socks through early October. Studded boots and a wading staff are recommended for the rocky terrain. Polarized glasses are a must anywhere, in any conditions.
Early in the season, you’ll want a light hoodie and some quick-dry pants. Additional light but insulating layers, like the Rogue Flex half-zip pullover, are also recommended. Later in the season, bundle up with some Sitka Alpha fleece pants, your favorite puffy jacket, and one of the heavier hoodies on offer from Simms. A beanie, fingerless wool gloves, and merino wool socks will also help you stay toasty as temperatures drop.
The benefit of dressing for the right weather? You’re happy, comfy and free to focus on the fun part — the gear we actually use to catch fish!
Summer steelhead tend to be slightly smaller than winter specimens, but they’re hotter and more energetic. Their average size and more acrobatic fights let us size down to a six-weight spey outfit, which we call “Fun Reel Season.” Get out your old Hardy click reel that sounds like a bucket of crickets having a panic attack and listen to it sing.
For leaders, we’re using 12-foot pre-tapered Steelhead leaders from Scientific Anglers or Rio, both 10- and 12-pound test. Or, we build our own using 8- and 10-pound Maxima. Tippet rings are a must, as well as micro swivels — some skater patterns will twist your line.
Flies of choice include Undertakers, Green Butt Skunks, Silvey’s Sno Cones, Europhoric Muddlers, Pom Skaters, Skoppers and Klamath Intruders. Build out a few boxes of your favorites, and chuck them into a small sling pack that won’t wear on your back over a long day of casting. And of course, don’t forget your nippers!
Fall Skeena
Way up in northern BC, the Skeena River’s summer steelhead hit a little different. Out here, we’re using eight-weight Spey rods and reels with a reliable drag system that allows you to land bigger fish. This isn’t a place to skimp — think Hatch, Abel, and other high-end brands. It’s a long haul to reach the Skeena, and a couple hundred bucks could be the difference between several fish to hand and a big zero on the board.
Up north, we’re using Skagit heads and 50-pound SA mono running line with 20-pound Maxima tippet spools. You’ll need a variety of tips, too:
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MOW 5’ float/5’ T8
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MOW 2.5’ float/7.5’ T8
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iMOW 5’ Intermediate/5’ T8
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iMOW 2.5’ intermediate/7.5’ T8
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iMOW 2.5’ intermediate/7.5’ T11
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10’ T8
Here, we primarily fish tube flies: Marabou tubes in black and blue, orange and red, and pink; Tandem tubes in black and blue, pink and orange, purple, and black. You’ll also want black and blue, black and orange, and claret Hobo Spey patterns, as well as both pink and red Fish Tacos. Bring size one hooks and pliers — barbless is mandatory on the Skeena.
In addition to all of the same clothing and wading equipment listed for the Grande Ronde, you’ll want G3 stocking foot waders to stay warm and a neck gaiter or buff for jet boat rides without a windshield. And speaking of jet boats, felt bottom boots without studs are preferred by the local guides. The wading isn’t treacherous, and studs can tear up the floor of a nice boat pretty quickly!