Local's Knowledge: Lee Davison's Favorite Inland Steelhead Setup

Words by Lee Davison

I moved my family from the Woodlands, Texas to Challis, Idaho in early 1981, to work on a construction project outside of Clayton near Thompson Creek.

It was a dream come true for a young man who loved hunting and fishing and the allure of the wilderness found in central Idaho. The Salmon River runs through Clayton and Challis, which is the area where I initially “cut my teeth” on steelhead fishing. I started with gear, and then switched to spey casting years later. I haven’t lost the thrill of catching steelhead since my first take, long ago on the Salmon, just outside of Challis.

I now live in north central Idaho, overlooking the Clearwater River, a few miles upstream from Lenore. So, the Clearwater River is my “home water” now.  I do most of my fishing between Orofino and Lewiston, with the most productive months being October and November. The Clearwater is wider here than most steelhead rivers, such as the Grande Ronde, Methow and Klickitat, among other Columbia River tributaries. Because it’s wide and challenging the Clearwater is still novel and exciting to me, which is great. God willing, this river will give more years to explore and find new places to fish.

As the founder of Ballistic Flylines, I routinely speak to fly-fishing clubs and demonstrate spey-casting techniques at spey claves and consumer shows. Consequently, I get a lot of questions concerning what spey gear I use in different places, especially on the Clearwater River. I will give you my typical response in the following brief paragraphs. However, the overriding issue for anyone is to match of a particular line to a specific rod. A good match pertains to choosing a line that adequately loads the rod, creates energy on the forward cast, and promotes the formation of a tight loop. This is by far the number one question I answer from spey-casters. A bad match makes for a frustrating day of fishing, and a good match is pure magic, making a long day of casting a pleasurable experience. Know your equipment and how to use it and don’t worry too much about fly selection. Choose the ones you have the most faith in.

As I mentioned above, the lower Clearwater is big water and there are lies for steelhead to hold in across the entire river. Covering the water and fishing the water well with every swing favors long lines and long rods. So, I generally use a 15-foot rod and a 10/11 Ballistic Launcher, Vector XL, or Vector spey line. My selection of lines is dependent on expected wind conditions and fly selection. The Launcher is the line least affected by wind due to its aggressive weight and taper; the XL is most affected by wind but graceful and light to cast in mild conditions; and the Vector is in between the two in performance. If I need to get deeper in the water column while winter fishing with heavier flies and sink-tips, the Launcher is my pick.

Please do not assume that you must have a 15-foot rod to fish the river.  That is not the case: most steelhead are caught less than 40 feet from the shore. I am simply sharing my personal preferences regarding spey rods and lines.

I do not get hung up on fly selection because I believe an aggressive steelhead is not too picky when it’s on the take.  I have seen them caught on many different flies, so this gets us back to fly selection being a “faith” issue . I fish flies like the Beats Me, Green Butt Skunk, October Caddis Skater, Rain Mint, Bombers, Grease Liner, etc. When in doubt, use a purple fly. However, if you get advice from a well-known guide or qualified expert in the region, take it and put it to the test.

Fishing the Clearwater does pose safety risks.  The water coming out of Dworshak Reservoir is cold (54 degrees) and if you fall in, hypothermia could be a serious issue. Wading along the river can also be very treacherous due to large angular and slick basalt rocks. Good wading boots, warm clothing, glasses and, in my opinion, a wading staff are necessary safety equipment any time you fish this big river.

Every trip on the Clearwater River is an adventure that may include the steelhead of a lifetime. Steelhead are said to be the fish of a thousand casts and sometimes more. Each time I wade into the Clearwater I try to connect with that sense excitement and the inner child that still resides in me. Always fish with faith, which is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.

GRAND RONDE SET-UP

I am most familiar with the lower section of the Ronde, which I would classify as a medium sized steelhead river. Going into the canyon areas, things can get a little tight with trees and brush, so a shorter rod can make casting and getting around the shoreline less cumbersome. I like a 12’ 6” rod with a Ballistic Express II line for tactical fishing and casting in smaller runs and pocketwater with big rocks and similar structure. With tight quarters, attempting to use a long rod and a longer (45+ foot) head becomes frustrating and detracts from the fun of hunting for feisty steelhead!  Fishing can be good on the Ronde from mid-September through November.

UPPER SALMON RIVER SET-UP

I caught my first few steelhead on a spey rod swinging wet flies downriver from Salmon, Idaho, so it will always be one of my favorite places to fish. It is classic water in an arid, high mountain setting with good wading and many excellent runs. I prefer a 13’ or 13’6” rod with a 7/8 Vector line and light flies because the river is open and not hemmed in with thick vegetation, which would obstruct your casting.  The time to fish is October and November or until ice begins to form.

UPPER SNAKE RIVER SET-UP

I consider the Snake River from the mouth of the Salmon River to Hells Canyon Dam to be the “Upper” section.  Access to the upper Snake River is very limited and is generally guided by experienced outfitters familiar with the needs of spey fishermen.  The river is still large, so I typically use a 14’ rod with a 9/10 Launcher spey line (good in windy conditions) for swinging or waking flies.