The Hendrickson Mayfly.

And the answer varies with each situation. Most steelheaders use at least a 7 weight rod. A 7 weight, to my mind is the ultimate all around steelhead rod, that may work for any steelhead conditions. With nine and a half endorsed, particularly for weights over seven. There are still ultra purists who consider casting dry mayfly patterns upstream to rising trout the sole form of fly fishing. For one thing it might severely limit my time on the water, and would force me to lose about 3/4 of my beloved fly fishing gear. And if that were available to me year round, well I would move to nearer to ultra purist standing. But it is Latin name is Ephemerella subvaria, and then there's the Light Hendrickson and it is Latin name Ephemerella invaria. But we as fly fisher's have simplified that and piled all these into Light Hendrickson and Dark Hendrickson. We took fish with fly day in and day out, and for years it proved to be a killer and is so today. Erie steelheaders incline to use floating line as the streams are smaller, they're perfect.

Getting the fly down to the fish is crucial. 011 diameter to turn over the bigger flies, and to make allowance for robust arming the fish. Well that is it if you have not attempted steelhead fly fishing you are in for a treat. Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He currently operates The Enormous Y Fly Company - fishing stories .