Steelhead set-up

[CBFinet]

Hello everyone,

I've been following the forums for a while now and trying to pick up as much information as I can. I'm relatively new to the sport and don't have a lot of knowledge to contribute hence the low post count. Thanks to you all for the helpful tips and insight.

I think I may get the chance to fish the Salmon River or area tributaries in mid January and am scrambling to try to get a minimal setup for steelheading with the fly rod. I've got a Loomis GL2 7/8 wt. with an Orvis reel that I picked up years ago on clearance and have never used much. I can only afford to put one line on it right now so I'm assuming an 8wt WF floating line would be best right?

Eventually I'd like to find a couple of extra spools to run intermediate and sinking lines but for now I need an all-purpose setup. I was in the Orvis store a couple weeks ago and the guy there suggested maybe I go with a floating saltwater line as that would work both in the salt and for steelhead. What's the consensus on this?

I'm planning on getting some longer tapered leaders in 4x and 5x as well as similar sized tippet to try swinging buggers and streamers. I know there's weight restrictions on the Salmon river so I'll be sure to read up before attaching any split shot, etc.

Thanks in advance. Hopefully this will all come together and I'll get the chance to spend some time on the water.

Chris

 

[chromefinder]

Many saltwater fly lines have a single-monofilament core or a braided monofilament core of many strands that helps keep the fly line stiffer in high heat and humidity enviroments.

For winter Steelheading in the GL area you want a line with a braided-nylon core which is softer and won't be extremely stiff like monfilament core line will when its very cold out.

Your plan to you use your 7/8 fly rod sounds fine and an 8wt WF line would be a good choice as you could use it for indi fly fishing as well as other types of fly fishing, perhaps some spring or summer bass fishing.

Most of my productive mid winter steelhead fishing on the SR involves indicator nymphing with egg patterns so tapered leaders aren't really a requirement for me for this type of fishing. You might want to pick up some good 6lb flouro tippet material and some small unobtrusive split shot.

Consider hiring a SR guide who specializes in the type of fishing you want to employ (Fly Indi, Fly Swing, Spin, Float, Plugs etc...) or try and team up with someone who knows the river and could show you the ropes.

PM me if you want a recommendations on a SR guide.

 

[LyNcH]

I only have a few minutes to type, I'll contribute more later.

Don't go with a saltwater line already stated reasons. The orvis salmon/steelhead taper line is nice for indi fishing and also can throw a sinking tapered leader nice as well, then you don't need to buy another spool with line. I prefer tapered leaders when indie fishing, but also not necessary. I usually use a 9' 12lb tapered leader and double surgeon on 3' of 8,10 or 12lb floro tippet depending on flow and clarity. 3/4" thingamabobbers work great with 2 or 3 bb size split shot. size 8&10 egg patterns/crystal meth etc.

good luck.