Steelhead Fishing Gear List

There are several methods that can be used for steelhead fishing as well as different times of year. The gear you use will be critical for your success.

❏ Underwear (1 pair per day)
❏ Base Layer Top and Bottom (2 – 3 pairs per week) *we suggest merino wool
❏ Lightweight Jacket
❏ Windstopper Jacket
❏ Midweight Jacket
❏ Heavy Coat
❏ Lightweight Shirt (3 – 5 per week)
❏ Lightweight Pants (1-2 pair per week)
❏ Midweight Pants (1 pair per week)
❏ Rain Gear
❏ Lightweight Gloves
❏ Midweight Waterproof Gloves
❏ Cap
❏ Boots
❏ Socks (1 pair per day)
❏ Liner Socks (1 pair per day)
❏ Boot Grease
❏ Extra Laces
❏ Camp Shoes
❏ Fishing Waders and Wading Boots if needed

TIP: The clothes you take on your steelhead fishing trip can make or break it. Be sure that you are properly prepared.

Fly Fishing Gear for Steelhead

❏ Rod (7-10 wt.)
❏ Reel (quality drag)
❏ Line (intermediate or floating)
❏ Backing (20-30 lb. | 150+ yards)
❏ Tippet (10-15 lb.)
❏ Tapered Leader (9+ ft.)

Drift Fishing Gear for Steelhead

❏ Rod (medium to medium-heavy casting or spinning)
❏ Reel (quality drag with good line capacity)
❏ Line (15-20 lb. mono or braid)
❏ Barrel Swivel w/ Safety Snap (black size 5-7)
❏ Octopus Hooks (red size 2-2/0)
❏ Solid Lead Wire Roll (1/4″)
❏ Lead Hole Punch Pliers
❏ Corky (assorted sizes and colors)
❏ Yarn (assorted sizes and thickness)

Trolling for Steelhead

❏ Rod (medium-heavy to heavy casting or trolling)
❏ Reel (line counter reels recommended with quality drag with good line capacity)
❏ Line (15-20 lb. mono or braid)
❏ Steelhead Plugs (purple, chartreuse, black, red, pink and yellow)
❏ Lighted Steelhead Plugs (night fishing)

Technical and Misc. Fishing Gear

❏ Fishing Day Pack
❏ Water Bottle
❏ Flashlight
❏ Headlamp
❏ Pocket Knife
❏ Fillet Knife
❏ Multi-Tool
❏ Scale
❏ Net
❏ Tape Measure
❏ Tackle Box
❏ Fire Starter Kit
❏ Dry Bag

Camping Gear

❏ Tent/Bivy (appropriate for the trip)
❏ Large Duffel Bag
❏ Sleeping Bag (appropriate for the season/region)
❏ Sleeping Pad
❏ Camp Pillow
❏ Cot
❏ Compression Bag
❏ 5 gal. Collapsible Water Container
❏ Water Filtration
❏ Pot
❏ Bowls
❏ Eating Utensils
❏ Lighter
❏ Large Fuel Container(s)
❏ Camp Stove
❏ Lantern
❏ Folding Table
❏ Paper Towels
❏ TP/Wet Wipes
❏ Ziploc Bags
❏ Heavy Garbage Bags
❏ Dry Bag
❏ First Aid Kit

Personal and Misc. Items

❏ Lip Balm
❏ Towel
❏ Insect Repellent
❏ Sunscreen
❏ Moleskin for blisters
❏ Super Glue
❏ Prescription Medication
❏ WD-40
❏ Duct Tape
❏ Pain Reliever
❏ Extra Glasses and/or Contacts
❏ Quality Polarized Sunglasses
❏ Personal Toiletries
❏ Camera
❏ Video Camera and/or GoPro
❏ Extra Batteries for all Electronics

*This is a sample/generic gear list. For more specific details for the time of year you are traveling to, we recommend checking with your outfitter, consultant or your destination’s local Wildlife Management Agency.