When you are fly fishing for steelhead trout, you have to go with some basic knowledge of what you are doing or you will never catch a fish. First, learn how to read river charts. You will want to know the flow of the river, and the temperature of the river. The discharge flow when fly fishing for steelhead should be about 400 cubic feet per second or less, and the water temperature should be 55 degrees or lower for the steelhead to be active.
Also, when fly fishing for steelhead your fly selection is going to play a big role. Nymphs are great flies to use for steelhead fly fishing as are wooly buggers. Your nymph selection will vary but if you can not figure out what will work my go to fly is always the size 12 bead head crystal prince nymph. As for the wooly bugger a size 6 black, white, or olive works best. Remember bright colors on bright days, dark colors on dark days.
Another option is to piggy back a wooly bugger and bead head crystal prince nymph. Tie the wooly bugger on first then add the prince nymph to that. This is the best overall option when fly fishing for steelhead because it gives the fish two different flies to choose from. I am still new to steelhead fly fishing but would love to help anyone trying to learn to fish these exciting creatures.
Sources
“http://www.fly-fishing-tips-and-tricks.com”