Equipment and Flies

Frontier Farwest Lodge prides itself on having assembled an elite guide staff consisting of some of the best steelhead guides in the industry.

Not only are they excellent woodsmen, oarsmen and guides, they also have engaging, approachable and down to earth personalities. They are friendly instructors who have mastered every aspect of fly fishing for steelhead, and they are eager to share their knowledge.

Recommended equipment

Rods: 8-10 weight single-hand rods, 9-10 ft in length
7-9 weight Spey rods, 12’6”-14ft in length. Loaner Rods can be made available if requested in advance.

Reels: A large reel with at least 150-200 yards of backing and a good drag system (probably your most important piece of equipment).

Lines: Floating and sinking tip lines of 150-200 grains for the single handers (versa tips systems will certainly have you covered. Skagit or windcutter style lines with a good selection tips including floating intermediate, type 3 and type 6 and are recommended for the Spey fishermen.

Tippet: 8-12lb Maxima tippet, a variety of butt material, and a good selection of 7-9ft tapered leaders..

Gear:

• Breathable Gortex waders with felt soled boots
• Good raincoat or wading jacket with a hood
• Wading stick if desired
• A great attitude and the desire to have a lot of fun!

Flies:
Dry – Select patterns that ride high and create a big wake. The Bulkley Mouse is made entirely of deer hair and is one of the favorites.

Wet – Because of the unpredictable nature of river conditions and the steelhead itself, anglers need to have a wide variety of wet flies from dark to bright and small to fairly large.

Spey and Tube – Mostly larger medium dressed flies that flow and present larger profiles initiate very aggressive strikes at times, even in clear waters and most certainly in off-colored waters. Have a good supply of differently dressed and colored flies of this type.

A detailed updated fly list is sent to each Frontier Farwest guest.