Swinging Flies for Steelhead

As Gary Lewis points out, it’s not just about cast, swing and take two steps downstream. Here are several tips he’s learned from watching expert steelhead anglers who seem to always beat the odds. “Depth, distance, leader length, knot and fly. They’re all important, but not nearly as important as delivery. Here’s where it all comes together, or falls apart. Make that downstream cast, throw the quick upstream mend and then let it swing. Don’t shuffle your feet, don’t lower or raise the rod. You’ll telegraph to the fly and the fish.” In the Eugene, Oregon Register-Guard.