The Portland Fly Shop Podcast

Dialing In Your Steelhead Season: Sink Tips + Flies Explained

The Portland Fly Shop Podcast

Show Notes

Welcome back to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast! In this episode, we dive into two core elements of successful steelheading with a spey rod: sink tips and fly selection. We start with a breakdown of sink tips—how they work, why we use them, and how to choose the right one for changing river conditions. Whether you’re new to spey casting or dialing in your winter setup, we’ll help simplify the process so you can fish more confidently and effectively. In the second half, we shift into fly selection for steelhead. We talk size, profile, color, movement, and how to pair the right fly with water type and season. From traditional patterns to modern intruders. If you’re looking to improve your steelhead game and make better decisions on the water, this episode is packed with helpful insight. Topics Covered How sink tips work & why they matter Matching sink tips to water speed and depth Seasonal considerations Selecting steelhead flies by water type Profiles, colors & confidence patterns If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit us at The Portland Fly Shop For gear, guided trips, and more education—stop in and say hello!

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