Swing flies for winter steelhead vedder river

 Swing flies for winter steelhead vedder river

This season, I had the incredible experience of catching five fish using the swing technique, all during the dangle phase. The dangle, often overlooked by many fly anglers, proved to be an essential moment where fish committed to the fly.

Three of these fish were caught when my fly, leader, and line had come to a complete stop in the water—no movement, no retrieval, just a perfect stillness at the end of the swing. This reinforces the idea that fish often strike when the fly remains suspended naturally, giving them a final chance to attack before it leaves their zone.

The other two fish struck just after the dangle, as I began to retrieve my line. This suggests that even the slightest movement after a long pause can trigger a reaction from waiting fish.

To achieve these catches, I used different sink tips to match the water conditions and fish depth. Two fish were caught using T-8 tips, which allowed for a slower sink rate and more subtle presentation. Two others were landed using T-11 tips, giving a slightly deeper presentation. Finally, one fish took the fly while I was using a T-14 tip, which allowed the fly to reach even deeper in the water column before stopping at the dangle.

These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of the dangle phase. Rather than rushing to retrieve the line after a swing, allowing the fly to sit motionless, even for a few extra moments, can make all the difference in hooking fish. Understanding how different sink tips influence presentation at this stage has also been a game-changer in my approach.

Totem Fly Fishers gathering Art Lingren

 Totem Fly Fishers gathering Art Lingren

Honored to join the Totem Fly Fishers gathering, where the legendary Art Lingren shared insights from his upcoming book. Proud to be part of a club that values every talent and fosters growth in fly fishing. Thrilled and honored to be part of this group!

Vedder river steelhead on swing

Vedder river steelhead on swing 

Fishing in subzero temperatures is an experience like no other, and I recently had the chance to test my limits when I went steelhead fishing in the icy waters of Red River near the town of Chebbi Back. The temperature was a chilling minus five degrees Celsius, but with the wind chill, it felt like it dropped to minus fifteen. It was incredibly cold, but that didn’t stop me.

I found myself standing in the freezing water, completely immersed in the experience. Despite the harsh conditions, there was something mesmerizing about being in the water, casting my line, and patiently waiting for that telltale tug. The cold made it a challenge, but it also added to the excitement. The rush of adrenaline from the steelhead I managed to catch made it all worth it.

I was able to catch my steelhead in these extreme temperatures, a moment that reminded me just how resilient we can be when we’re passionate about something. I had the water to myself, and the quiet stillness around me was almost meditative. The whole experience felt like an accomplishment, both physically and mentally. It was one of those days that tested my endurance but also rewarded me in ways I could never have imagined.

This experience left me with an appreciation for how fishing can be both an escape and a challenge. It taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and the ability to find joy even in the toughest conditions. If you ever get the chance to fish in freezing waters, I highly recommend it – as long as you’re prepared, of course!

Steelhead on the swing vedder river chilliwack bc

Steelhead on the swing vedder river chilliwack bc 

This time, I had a little experience fishing for steelhead with the Spey system. Swinging for steelhead was truly enjoyable—that’s why they call it ‘steelhead on the swing.’ Here, I’m sharing a video with you so you can see some moments of me fishing for a steelhead on the Vedder River in Chilliwack using the Spey system. Enjoy!”

Vedder river steelhead on the swing

 Vedder river steelhead on the swing

When I first saw this fly, something told me that it could bring me good luck and help me catch a steelhead. I tied the fly, made some modifications, added a few materials, and took it fishing. On the first day, I succeeded in catching a steelhead with it. I’m very happy to share this experience with you. So far, this has been the best fly for me when fishing for steelhead.