logo


Steelhead

Fishing for STEELHEAD

The steelhead (sometimes called "steelhead trout") are an anadromous (sea-run) form of the coastal rainbow trout that usually returns to fresh water to spawn after living two to three years in the ocean. Freshwater forms that have been introduced into the Great Lakes and migrate into tributaries to spawn are also called steelhead. Adult freshwater stream rainbow trout average between 1 and 5 lb (0.5 and 2.3 kg), while lake-dwelling and anadromous forms may reach 20 lb (9 kg). Coloration varies widely based on subspecies, forms and habitat. Adult fish are distinguished by a broad reddish stripe along the lateral line, from gills to the tail, which is most vivid in breeding males.

How Frontiers Can Help Your Dream Steelhead Become a Reality

We have five decades of experience and our services are free. There are no surcharges for our efforts and advice. So why not give our team a call! Remember, we want to speak to you so we can best advise you! Below you will find a list of our fishing experts. Contact one of our consultants and they will do the following for you:

  • Talk you through the options and provide you with impartial advice that you will not receive directly from a lodge. We have 50 years of sporting travel experience!
  • If you like what you hear, we will book your trip and assist with all preparations.
  • Frontiers will provide you with our industry leading pre-trip prior to your departure, which will tell you what to pack and how things will work.
  • If you need equipment, we will put you in touch with some of the most knowledgeable people in the business. They will provide you with exactly what you need.
  • While you travel, Frontiers provides 24-hour emergency contact.

WHERE CAN YOU FISH FOR STEELHEAD?

These sought-after sea-going rainbow trout are found from the Pacific Northwest in the Lower 48, up the coast of British Columbia and into southwest Alaska. The "fish of 10,000 casts" averages 8-12 lbs with trophy specimens topping 20 lbs. The steelhead is one of the wariest salmonids and rates near the top of the "angling challenge" scale. 

FISHING TACKLE FOR STEELHEAD

The steelhead is a formidable opponent once hooked, capable of mad dashes and skyrocketing leaps. The prudent angler gears up with a 7 or 8wt rod matched to a high-capacity reel with a good drag to battle these chrome rockets. Two-handed (Spey) rods can be used on some of the larger rivers up to a 9-weight. If you are planning on chasing Alaskan steelhead with a single hand rod, we suggest using a 9-10' 7-8 wt rod. If you are using a nymphing/dead drifting technique, a 10' medium-fast action rod is ideal for long line mends. Seeking steelhead with a switch rod is becoming increasingly popular because it is easy to change from nymphing to swinging. The best line for steelhead depends on your chosen method of angling. If nymphing flies or fishing beads is the preferred method, look for a weight forward floating line or switch line that has a medium to long body. The medium to long floating body is important for line mending and management. If swinging flies is the preferred method, short sink tips in both medium and fast sink rates are recommended. A multi-tip line with the standard 15' tips supplemented with super-fast tips can be ideal on a number of smaller steelhead streams.

FISHING FLIES FOR STEELHEAD

There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing flies for steelhead fishing. Flies can vary from egg sucking leech patterns, large strung out patterns and small nymph patterns. Recently, anglers have switched to using more egg imitations or yarn balls under an indicator, while some still prefer multi-colored steelhead nymphs. Hot pink and orange are often a favorite, but don't rule out naturals, especially if chasing fish in the fall or winter. Beads were originally associated with fishing for trout during the salmon spawn. They started catching on with anglers in the Pacific Northwest over a decade ago and now have become a staple in most anglers' boxes. 

Ask The Expert


Senior Program Manager

Specializes in Alaska and Canada fishing, South America fishing, and big game programs.


Director of Sporting Travel

Sr. company manager overseeing and participating in management and sales across the Frontiers sporting travel world


Senior Travel Advisor


UK Managing Director

Destinations

Hoodoo Sportfishing Lodge

Located on the extreme northwest tip of the Alaska Peninsula near Nelson Lagoon

read more

Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness and Lodge

Catch mint bright huge Kings and steelhead with top guides from a superb lodge

read more

Bear Claw Lodge

A Fine lodge in the heart of steelhead country on the Kispiox river

read more

Steelhead Valhalla Lodge

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO STEELHEAD RUNS ON THE RENOWNED SUSTUT AND SKEENA RIVERS

read more

Trout Creek Lodge

Bulkley and Skeena River steelhead fishing from a river front private property

read more