If you could only have 10 different flies or beads to fish steelhead in Alaska for a whole week, what would they be? This was a question that could only be contemplated over cold beer, so we cracked a few, and assembled the think tank.
Here is what we came up with:
Traditional nymphs, stand back, the Egg Sucking Stone is here to play! The Egg Sucking Stone is new for 2016, and we are certain that this little bug is going to kick some major tail. This fly is a fantastic small profile steelhead and early season rainbow fly. Also a great dropper pattern to fish behind a larger fly. The Egg Sucking Stone is perfect for swinging or dead drifting down your favorite holes. Especially deadly in small streams or for mid-day fussy fish.
2. Disco Ball - Hot Cherry Roe
Bead fishing, it's all the rage. All the cool kids are doing it these days. So what's the deal with these Disco Balls? The quadruple layer coating that covers these sparkly gems will keep them fishing for days with a ton of color depth and durability. The Hot Cherry Roe is an especially good color for those feisty spring steelhead running the rivers near you! Disco Ball beads are available in 12mm or 14mm, don't be afraid to go big!
3. Liquid Wrench - Pink & Cerise
The Pink & Cerise Liquid Wrench is a go-to color for Alaskan steelhead. Steelhead are notoriously good at tucking themselves into nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach with a fly. The Liquid Wrench Fly will pry them out! An ultra-fast sinking tungsten bead on a 90 degree hook will drop this fly into the tightest of spots. With this flies dubbed body, flash, and color scheme, you're sure to get some steelhead to turn heads for it.
4. AFFG UV Two-Tone Steelhead Bead - Cerise/Pink #12
Cerise and pink all wrapped together in one glorious bead. You can never go wrong with this color combo when it comes to spring steelhead. Drift them through riffles and pockets and be sure to pick up a few chromers. Available in 12mm size. Since these are a custom build, the hole on this bead is larger than generics. Use the good ol' handy toothpick to peg this sexy bead.
5. Money Bug - Aleutian Queen
The Money Bug in Aleutian Queen is an absolutely wicked steelhead fly. A proven color combo that is just the right size to not spook fish but wake them up when it drifts by. Don't be without it! Low water or high water, the Money Bug is a bug you don't want to leave home without.
6. Blue Glow Beads
We know what you're thinking- BLUE?! Yes, blue.. It is without a doubt a must have! Blue Glow Beadz are a great color to try when the water is low, clear and cold. A must have for the winter steelheader.
Quantities: 40-6mm, 30-8mm, 15-10mm, 10-12mm, 10-14mm.
7. Deuce Wigalo - Pink #4
It's got rabbit, it's got flash, it's got legs, dubbing, guinea, AND a flashy blue bead... Oh my! The Deuce Wigalo does serious work on streams where you are swinging. It is one fishy little critter. At 3" in length it is compact and has just enough flash and wiggle to get a fish's attention. Silvers, chum and pinks love Deuce too.
8. Disco Ball - Pink
Have you realized our pink theme yet? It's a wicked steelhead color that all too many people forget about. The pink Disco Ball bead is one that you should most definitely have in your arsenal. No reds, oranges, or blues can compare to the power of the pink when it comes to spring steelhead. Available in 12 & 14mm... Go big or go home.
9. The Dolly Llama - Black & White #2
We saved the best for last when it comes to flies. High water, low water, fussy fish, deep pockets the Dolly Llama always prevails. The black and white is a color that you need in your box at all times for any species when fishing in Alaska... Steelhead are no exception to this rule.
10. Mark's Metalhead Magnet - Tangerine 10mm
When it comes to spring steelhead beads, we've covered the pink, blue, and two tones... But, don't forget the orange! Tangerine fills the bright orange attractor bead role perfectly. Super effective in pocket water situations where steelhead have to make a quick decision to grab or not. Mark's Metalhead Magnets are hand painted by a local Alaskan guide. They have several coats of nail polish paint with a durable top coat to protect them. Compared to standard beads, they have far greater color depth and attractiveness.
