Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2022 - 5

INTERMEDIATE
SWINGING
FOR STEELHEAD
by Carl Haensel
photos by the author
A
s the leaves of autumn drop into the rivers of
northwestern Pennsylvania, fall steelhead enter
from Lake Erie. Healthy and full of energy from
a summer of feasting on baitfish in the big lake, steelhead
are often aggressive and willing to strike. Target big fish
by swinging flies. Swinging for steelhead refers to casting
a streamer fly down and across the current of a river
or stream. The angler allows the current to take the fly,
effectively " swinging " it through the water to a point
downstream. This action keeps the line tight, with the
angler in direct connection with the fly at all times. Takes
by steelhead attacking the fly are often aggressive and
sudden. If you are not firmly holding your rod, you may
have it yanked out of your grasp.
When to swing
Swinging for steelhead is best when fish have just
moved into rivers from the lake or are moving from one
location to another, usually when the water is higher
after recent rains. Good numbers of fish are common
in both fall and spring. Steelhead will likely be in riffles
and runs. When steelhead are in deep, slow holes or
water conditions are low, it is more challenging to swing
flies effectively.
Gear for swinging
Many anglers swing with spey-style fly rods. Spey rods
often run from 11- to 14-feet in length and cast long
distances. Spey-style fly rods are longer than needed
on most Lake Erie tributaries and best suited for large
waters like Elk Creek or fishing where rivers enter the
lake. Shorter switch rods for standard fly tackle and
swinging gear perform more effectively over the range
of locations and conditions found along Pennsylvania's
steelhead waters. Shorter 9.5- to 11-foot models are
useful in line weights from 6 through 8. On most area
waters, 9-foot rods may be used, offering beginning
swingers the opportunity to catch steelhead before
buying specialty gear.
Some anglers use a spey line, designed specifically to
shoot line and swing flies. Others use a standard floating
fly line. A key feature for swinging flies is a sink tip. Run
flies just above the bottom of the river, and carry a variety
of sink tips to match flow conditions.
Swinging techniques
Use roll casting or spey casting methods. The first
goal of a good presentation is fly location. Steelhead
often hold close to the bank. Make sure your cast lands
near the far shore for full coverage of the river. Next, be
aware of the fly depth. While adding or changing your
sink tip, keep your flies running just above the rocks
of the riverbed. Third, fly speed is important. If your
fly is moving too fast during its swing, mend your line
upstream to slow its progress. Conversely, you can mend
November/December 2022
5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6N5s4k8778
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2022

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