Hey Travis,

I know we talked a little bit about fly fishing before but here's a couple tips:

- The rod is ok for steelheading but can be a little light depending on where you're fishing. Most guys usually have a 6wt & 8wt depending on rivers and conditions. The Russian, for example, has some big steelhead and averages around 8lbs per fish with some going as large as 17lbs (I witnessed that one!). This size fish would destroy a 6wt the majority of the time. On the other hand, up on the Feather or American River where the fish are typically smaller (up to 12 lbs but most in the 4-6 lb range), a 6wt would work great.

- You should also have both a floating along with sinking line. Another way to get around this (if you only have one spool) is to buy those mulit-tip lines with a floating, intermediate, sinking and fast sinking tips. As infrequently as you go out, this would be my recommendation.

- Flies, now there's the million dollar question. Like bass fishing, it really is condition driven. On some rivers where the fish will hang out and actually feed (like the upper Feather), you can take fish on dries. Most of the time you have to persue them like dredging the bottom with conventional gear. Get the flies down next to the faces of those steelhead! Many different flies will work but if I were you, get some darker patterns then also some bright ones. Glo bugs are also killer but better when you have salmon around. I know I've carried a fair assortment in the past (not to say I'm an expert).

- Rivers, well, I would have to rate the Feather, Trinity and Yuba as my best shots. I would call either Western, The Fly Shop or whatever fly shops you know. They will have the best advice.

Good luck and I'll talk to you later!

BTW - are you fishing with us this Sunday?

Todd