Salmon, Seatrout and Steelhead in rivers, fishing in lakes from shore and boat. This range of 10ft NT11 rods have many uses for the angler who wants the best and latest in technology and performance.
Read moreNT11 Lake & Anadrome
749.99 USD
Steelhead Basics
As the leaves of autumn start to turn, anadromous anglers shift their attention towards the crown jewel of North America’s fly fishing challenges, the steelhead. Steelhead are a remarkable fish and have a dedicated following, much like Atlantic salmon do throughout Europe. There are many instances and river types in which one can find a steelhead on its return journey.
Some inhabit the small coastal streams of the Western United States briefly through the winter months. Others return earlier to a much larger system, such as the Skeena or the Columbia, and work their way into its tributaries until it is time to spawn in the spring. In September now, we are now looking at summer run returning for the next few months before leaving these fish alone and transitioning to targeting the elusive winter coastal fish until the season closes before they begin spawning.
The right gear for chasing steelhead
The Guideline Scandi fly reels are precision-engineered for modern migratory fly fishing, featuring high-torque titanium drag systems, deep large-arbour spools, and ultra-smooth braking performance. Designed in Scandinavia and built for power, balance, and control in every fight.
Read moreScandi - Black/Bronze
579.99 USD
NT11 fly rods are the result of taking advantage of the very latest and most sophisticated state of the art graphite materials used in the aerospace industry today.
Read moreNT11 Switch 6-PC
849.99 USD
The Guideline ULS 2.0 fly rods redefine the classic switch rod experience, offering enhanced user-friendliness for both single and double-hand applications and will bring the fishing for salmon and migrating trout to a new level.
Read moreULS 2.0 Switch
399.99 USD
The Aeon Fly Reel combines timeless design with modern innovation and a state of the art drag system. It is a perfect fusion of beauty, durability, and performance, delivering both style and function on the water.
ETA STOCK JUNE 27th
Aeon - Black/Silver
459.99 USD
The eqipment
Equipment for steelhead is similar to that for Atlantic salmon, except it is downsized a bit. For single-handers, we love the NT11 Anadrome in the 10’ 7 and 8wts. Switch rods are used for a variety of applications throughout the season, depending on water type, and are the preferred choice for swinging smaller water such as the Tongass. Both the ULS 2.0 and NT11 Switch are great options, depending on what you are looking for in a rod, respectively, a “true switch” or a short double-hander.
As far as two-hand rods go, the 12’9” NT11 series in both the 7/8 and 8/9 are fantastic options. Line choice is dependent on the run and conditions, as these fish can be raised to a skater on full floating setups. The new Classic Scandi Body is the most versatile for tip choice, taking anything from a floating to multi-density to T-tips.
Steelhead Fly Fishing Basics with Guideline ambassador Steele Lewis
Layer Up & Find the Fish
As we move into winter, it’s best to layer up. You may get the odd day of beautiful summer conditions, but steelhead fishing is synonymous with rain and cold for a reason. The water types in which you can find these fish are highly transitional, especially through the seasons. For more information on what it takes to catch them, be sure to check out our Steelhead Basics Tips and Tricks with ambassadors Ralph and Steele.
There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for steelhead fishing; rather, it is deciphering one of the great angling puzzles on a daily basis. They are renowned as the fish of a thousand casts, but every one spent searching is well worth it. There is no substitute for time on the water, and these fish can appear at any moment. Remember to treat them with extra respect, as they’ve come a long way, and to enjoy the entire experience. We hope we can share with you why all of us at Guideline USA hold these fish in such high regard.