Flies in the Box

KRYSTAL CADDIS (×2/×4)
This is Brian’s simplified variation of a classic. Yes, steelhead eat caddis just like their smaller brethren—and the Salmon River is no exception. Tied on a stout hook as the nymph, it’s best fished along the bottom of the river. Or, you can try his favorite tactic, Swimping (swing those nymphs baby!). Colors: Brown and Chartreuse

CRYSTAL METH EGG (×3/×6)
As steelhead follow salmon towards their spawning ground the flow of eggs in the river increases constantly during the fall and winter months. The Crystal Meth egg holds the shape of spawn as it floats downstream, but has the bling to attract fish in even the roughest water conditions. Colors: Two Salmon Pink and Chartreuse

SILVEYNATORS (×4/×8)
Is it a leech? Is it a jig? A unicorn? You can decide. Brian Silvey’s given use: perhaps the deadliest, most reliable steelhead streamer ever designed. Don't believe us? Ask Mike DeRosa of Zerolimit Adventures. He recommends fishing these with a strip to get the fly kick started. Strip it, swing it, nymph it. Done. Colors: White, Olive, Black, Purple

SKELETON LEECH (×1/×2)
Another great fly from the world of Drew Rosema. Plenty of flash yet smaller silhouette for those high-pressured fish. We like to swing it when the water is clear and larger patterns may spook the fish. Color: Black/Orange

GRAPEFRUIT LEECH (×2/×4)
This is the tube variation on Kevin Feenstra's tried and true staple. We like tube flies for their versatility: they’re easy to rig, bomb proof, and the stinger hook holds those fish like your first born! Swing them shallow or deep, they downright produce in a variety of conditions. Colors: Black, Olive

Brian’s Advice

For the streamers, fish them on 4’ of 15 lb Maxima Chameleon off 10' of T-7 or fast sink polyleader depending on conditions. As far as size and color go, use the small, neutral flies (olive, black, brown, white) in clear, low water. Go for the big, dark, and flashy flies for muddy, high water. And be sure to swing all the way to the bank. Bright flashy flies can work wonders swung fast through shallow riffles on light or floating tips.

As for the eggs, the chartreuse eggs tend to produce well in low light with pale pink, orange, and white shades producing in the brighter hours of day and later in the season as the eggs pale in color, losing their nutritional value. I prefer to fish these behind shot on a Czech nymph rig or 2-3' under a power swivel/split rig.