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Pacific Steelhead - Winter Run

Pacific Steelhead - Winter Run

General Info: Winter-run steelhead are on a pedestal. No other freshwater fish has such mystiqur. Anglers can spend an entire season swinging away without so much as a tug. Its almost par for the course. But when that big, chrome winter steelhead finally pulls on your fly.... OOOOHHH. There is nothing like it. Most of the employees at Big Y would consider themselves to be some type of "winter steelhead junkie" or are in some sort of steelhead recovery. While we get plenty of trout, bass and salmon fishing done, we live and breathe for winter steelhead season.
Winter steelhead are more pervasive on the coastal streams of the Pacific Northwest than their summer cousins. Summer fish are found further up the Columbia and its tributaries, and less in the coastal streams. However, winter fish do travel up the Columbia River, and summer fish are found in most coastal rivers.
Fun Fact: The Hood River (home of Big Y) is the furthest upstream tributary on the Columbia River that winter steelhead will travel. We are at the end of the line for winter steelhead, and we are OK with that.
Most winter steelhead anglers prefer to swing flies on a switch or spey rod using a Skagit line system (Developed on the Skagit River, WA). While winter steelhead can be caught on nymphs, the majority of anglers prefer to swing articulated intruders in the winter. These are our favorite flies for swinging up a winter steelhead. For steelhead nymphs, you can visit the Great Lakes Page.
Steelhead nymphs can be found on the Great Lakes steelhead page, and bigger swinging patterns can be found on the Winter Steelhead or Chinook Salmon page.
Preferred Gear
Rods: 7-8wt switch/spey rods as long as needed for river. Rods up to 13'6" rods are common, but most anglers would be fine in the Pacific Northwest with a 7wt switch rod between 11'-12'.
Reels: Large arbor, weighted and sized for longer rods.
Favorites: Orvis SSR, Big Y General,
Lines: Skagit style shooting heads are preferred throughout the winter season
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  • Alaskabou Marabou - Original

    $1.50
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    $1.50

    Like the Popsicle, this pattern is in George Cook series. Chartreuse marabou with mallard flank collar, classy...

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Alaskabou Unweighted

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50

    Originated from one of the GOATS, George Cook Multi-tone palmered marabou with a hint of flash.... deadly In a variety of great color combos f...

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    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Newly Redesigned for 2025
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Alaskabou Weighted

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50

    Originated from one of the GOATS, George Cook Multi-tone palmered marabou with a hint of flash.... deadly Beadchain eyes help it get down and di...

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    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Newly Redesigned for 2025
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Animal - RIO

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    Intruder style flies are a popular choice for many fall and winter steelhead anglers.  These flies offer a large profile in the water and weighted ...

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    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Apocalyptic Leech

    $2.09
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    $2.09

    Nice light leech pattern with tons of attraction Beadhead gives it a light sink with lots of movement Size 2 trailer hook for those short strike...

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    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Articulated Leech

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    A pattern that rocketed into classic status within a few years after it hit the public. Almost all hits on leech come from the head. The action wi...

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    $2.49
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Bantam - RIO

    $3.80
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    $3.80

    The Bantam is an excellent late fall/early winter fly for PNW steelhead, with just the right amount of weight, flash, and contrast. It is the perf...

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    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  • Coming soon

    Bantam - Umpqua

    $4.40
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    $4.40

    A great light weight intruder styled pattern that gets into the zone quick. A 2 inch fly that is a great size for fishing pretty much year round. G...

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    $4.40
    $4.40 - $5.50
    $4.40 - $5.50
    $4.40
    Coming soon
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Bjorn's Stinger Prawn - Solitude

    $2.96
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    $2.96

    Designed to catch Kings in Alaska and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Great for swinging flies for steelhead or salmon. Pink is the most popular...

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    $2.96
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Bjorn's Super Prawn

    $1.50
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    $1.50

    Big silhouette pattern perfect for moving big fish to strikes. Popular Alaska and cold water pattern. Attracts everything-Chinooks, silvers, steel...

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    $1.50
    Improved for 2025
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Burnt Chicken - Solitude

    $3.96
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    $3.96

    Great for swinging flies for steelhead or salmon. Extremely popular with spey fishermen in the Pacific Northwest. We have found that pink works be...

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    $3.96
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Canary Marabou

    $1.50
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    $1.50

    Famous in Alaska, Canada and the West Coast Attracts everything-Chinooks, silvers, steelhead, even sea-run cutthroats. Vibrate colors and that mag...

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    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Checkmate - RIO

    $7.50
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    $7.50 - $7.50
    $7.50

    RIO’s Checkmate is a 4" long fly designed specifically for Kings/Chinooks; The fly sinks well, has great movement and invokes hard, positive strike...

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    $7.50
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    $7.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Conehead Eggabou

    $1.99
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    An articulated version of the Alaskabou, brilliant colors, enticing action.

    $1.99
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    $1.99
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  • Coming soon

    Dirk Wiggler - Solitude

    $3.96
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    $3.96

    Great for swinging flies for steelhead or salmon. Extremely popular with spey fishermen in the Pacific Northwest. Eyes get this pattern down, wh...

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    $3.96
    $3.96 - $3.96
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    $3.96
    Coming soon
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  • Coming soon

    Down and Dirty-Tube Fly

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    $1.99

    Tube flies are great for those who want more options out of their flies. The Down and Dirty Tubes are great year round patterns. These flies will ...

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    $1.99
    Coming soon
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Egg Sucking Leech-Tube Fly

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    $2.26

    Tube flies are great for those who want more options out of their flies. Egg Sucking Leech Tube uses a conehead to resemble the egg. This patter...

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    $2.26
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Fish Taco

    $2.09
    $2.09 - $2.09
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    $2.09

    One of the most effective winter steelhead patterns hands down. Design specifically for steelhead and salmon, especially in the Pacific Northwest ...

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    $2.09
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    $2.09
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Fish Taco - Umpqua

    $6.20
    $6.20 - $6.20
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    $6.20

    A fishy fishy fly. One of the most famous steelhead patterns out there. Ostrich undulates amazingly well underwater. Great for Pacific Northwest St...

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    $6.20
    $6.20 - $6.20
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    $6.20
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Fox N Chicken

    $2.39
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    $2.39

    Designed to be fished all year on the swing. Works best with a sink tip and for winter steelhead. Black/Blue is great for fish further up river ...

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    $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Foxee Dog - Solitude

    $2.96
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    $2.96

    The Foxee Dog is a fly pattern created by Charles St. Pierre of Northwest Speycasting. A mixture of natural and synthetic materials the Foxee Dog...

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    $2.96
    $2.96 - $3.96
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    $2.96
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    General Practitioner

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    $1.50

    Originally tied to be an Atlantic Salmon pattern. Since its introduction in the 1950's this pattern has caught on worldwide. Used everywhere for S...

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    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Guide Intruder

    $2.39
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    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39

    One of the hot new patterns to tempt those hard to get steelies, bright Chinook, and silvers. A great Alaska, BC, and anywhere pattern.

    $2.39
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    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Guide Intruder - Solitude

    $3.95
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    $3.95

    This is a "local's favorite" pattern for Winter Steelhead here in Oregon. Deadly effective on the swing. It has great movement and isn't too bul...

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    $3.95
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    $3.95
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  • Coming soon

    Haley's Comet - Solitude

    $2.96
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    $2.96

    A great fly to swing for Steelhead and Pacific Salmon! Size 1.5 steelhead hook One of the most infamous steelhead patterns ever. A shop favorite f...

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    $2.96
    $2.96 - $2.96
    $2.96 - $2.96
    $2.96
    Coming soon
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  • Coming soon

    Hobit Spey - Solitude

    $3.96
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    $3.96

    The Hobit Spey is a very productive pattern for steelhead. Developed by Clark Jennings. Great for swinging flies for steelhead or salmon. Extreme...

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    $3.96
    $3.96 - $3.96
    $3.96 - $3.96
    $3.96
    Coming soon
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Hobo Spey - Solitude

    $3.96
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    $3.96

    The Hobo Spey has quickly become the go-to pattern for guides across the Northwest. Developed by Charles St. Pierre. Great for swinging flies for...

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    $3.96
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    $3.96 - $3.96
    $3.96
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Homeless Spey

    $2.39
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    $2.39

    Designed to be fished all year on the swing. Try it with the heaviest sinking line or a floating line with a long leader. Either way this fly has...

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    $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
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    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Intruder

    $2.39
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    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39

    The legendary intruder, designed to drive steelhead to strike!

    $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Jack's Super Muddler - Rainy's

    $5.96
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    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96

    To be fished with intermediate and heavier sink tips in the upper 3rd of the water column. Try stripping this fly with rod movement. Go to patter...

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    $5.96
    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Lil Monster-Tube Fly

    $1.99
    $1.99 - $1.99
    $1.99 - $1.99
    $1.99

    Tube flies are great for those who want more options out of their flies. Excellent winter steelhead fly that works well on fish fresh. Especiall...

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    $1.99
    $1.99 - $1.99
    $1.99 - $1.99
    $1.99
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Loop Es Leech - Solitude

    $3.90
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    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90

    Loop ES Leech has fairly heavy eyes, and is usually tied about 4 1/2" long. It's wiggling & breathing profile make this an awesome swinging...

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    $3.90
    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Moal Leech

    $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
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    $2.39

    A great Alaska and anywhere pattern. Great for skinny water where wiggle action is desired.  Excellent for swinging. 

    $2.39
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    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Old Blue Hair Trailer

    $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
    $1.59

    The Old Blue Hair, weighted dumbbell eyes Flash, Sass, and Wiggle

    $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
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    $1.59
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
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    Pick 'Yer Pocket - Solitude

    $1.99
    $3.99
    $3.99 - $3.99
    $3.99
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    $1.99

    Originally designed as a swinging steelhead fly. Extremely popular with PNW Spey fishermen. Proven to catch steelhead and salmon from California...

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    $1.99
    $3.99
    $3.99 - $3.99
    $3.99
    $1.99 - $1.99
    $1.99
    Save 50% Save %
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Popsicle

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50

    Designed by George Cook in the early 1980's. Is now Alaska's most popular pattern. Attracts everything-Chinooks, silvers, steelhead, even sea-run ...

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    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Prom Dress

    $2.09
    $2.09 - $2.09
    $2.09 - $2.09
    $2.09

    On the shortcut path to legendary status. Great for Winter Steelies, Summer ones too.  Excellent in Alaska as well.

    $2.09
    $2.09 - $2.09
    $2.09 - $2.09
    $2.09
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Showgirl

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50

    Famous in Alaska, Canada and the West Coast Attracts everything-Chinooks, silvers, steelhead, even sea-run cutthroats. Vibrate colors and that mag...

    View full details
    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Skagit Minnow

    $2.39
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    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39

    One of the most effective winter steelhead patterns hands down. Does especially well in rivers that are glacier feed. Light weight pattern does we...

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    $2.39
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    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Steelhead Bunny Leech

    $2.39
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    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39

    A great Alaska and anywhere pattern. Great for skinny water where wiggle action is desired.  Excellent for swinging.  Has been particularly succes...

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    $2.39
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    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Steelhead Egg-Sucking Leech

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50

    The #1 all-time pattern everywhere sea-runs are fished for now tied on a black salmon hook for the Kings, Cohos, Atlantics and large steelies.  A...

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    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
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    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    String Leech - Solitude

    $3.90
    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90

    A great light weight leech pattern. Great for steelhead year round. 

    $3.90
    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90 - $3.90
    $3.90
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Tractor Trailer - RIO

    $4.79
    $4.79 - $4.79
    $4.79 - $4.79
    $4.79

    This streamer is an excellent fall pattern for big trout. We used Marabou, chenille, and wire twisted together then palmered on the hook, which all...

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    $4.79
    $4.79 - $4.79
    $4.79 - $4.79
    $4.79
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Trailer Trash - RIO

    $3.80
    $3.80 - $3.80
    $3.80 - $3.80
    $3.80

    This is a marabou intruder style fly intended for Kings, but it is also a great pattern for Coho and steelhead.

    $3.80
    $3.80 - $3.80
    $3.80 - $3.80
    $3.80
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Treys Steelflash - Rainy's

    $5.96
    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96

    A flashy intruder style fly with tons of movement. Flashabou make up the majority of the fly, sure to attractor big steelhead and even salmon. G...

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    $5.96
    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96 - $5.96
    $5.96
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Voodoo Leech

    $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
    $1.59

    The Voodoo Leech is a great choice when targeting both salmon and steelhead. Its color schemes and materials drive fish wild. Designed for maximum...

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    $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
    $1.59 - $1.59
    $1.59
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Winter Hope

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50

    A classic Northwest fly, vibrant colors that attract Steelhead. Works best with a traditional wet fly swing. 

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
    $1.50
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •

    Wyatt's Steelhead Stinger

    $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39

    Designed by local steelhead addict, Wyatt. Fished best with a sink tip, this fly takes both summer and winter steelhead with consistency. Try stri...

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    $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39 - $2.39
    $2.39
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.

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