A Quick Gear Check Before Winter Steelhead Season
In some years, the transition from summer to winter steelhead can be almost seamless. This season, a series of Atmospheric Rivers across the PNW has hit the pause button—but it looks like we’re only a week or so away from rivers dropping back into shape.
That makes this the perfect window to go through your gear and make sure everything is dialed for the months ahead. A little preparation now pays off when conditions finally line up.
Here’s a simple checklist to jog your memory.
Clothing
You fish longer when you’re warm. Take a hard look at the basics: blown-out heels in your favorite socks, gloves full of holes, or rain jackets that have seen better days. Check the status of jacket number one and the backup. It may not cool off next week, but winter is coming—get your layers and rain-gear sorted now.
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Socks and gloves: no holes, good grip
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Rain jacket: primary plus backup
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Wading layers: clean, dry, warm
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Bag extras: hat, neck gaiter, spare layer
Tippet
This is one area where being proactive really matters. If your heavier spools of Maxima have been through countless wet/dry cycles and plenty of sun exposure, it’s time to start fresh. Tippet is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a critical link to the fish—and one you don’t want to gamble on.
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Replace old, sun-baked, or cycled tippet
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Check for nicks and stiffness
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Restock your core sizes
Hooks
Like tippet, this isn’t a category to skimp on. Carry plenty of new hooks and check them after every snag. If it won’t stick in your thumbnail, swap it out. When swinging for winter steelhead, opportunities are limited even on good days. Fishing sharp, fresh hooks simply leads to more solid hook-ups and landed fish.
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Carry fresh hooks you actually use
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Check after snags
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If it will not stick to your thumbnail, swap it
Backing
You may not see your backing often, but when you do, it matters—a lot. If you’re running Dacron and it’s been on the reel for years, consider replacing it. Dacron holds water and eventually degrades after repeated wet/dry cycles. Even with newer backing, it’s smart to peel some off and check for binding or damage from your last big battle.
Another solid upgrade is switching to gel-spun backing. It absorbs less water, offers far better abrasion resistance, and while it costs a bit more, it’s absolutely worth it.
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Old Dacron: replace if aged
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Pull some off and check for fray or binds
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Check backing knots and connections
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Consider gel-spun for durability
Sink Tips
Step one: find them all. Some of those heavy winter sink tips may not have seen daylight in a while. Inspect each one for cracks, damaged loops, or wear. And if you’re missing a few you “loaned out” last season, now’s the time to replace them.
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Confirm lengths and grains
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Check loops and coating for damage
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Replace missing tips
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Pack one spare of your primary, go-to tip
Running Line
Yet another critical link in the system. If you’re fishing a coated running line, check for cracks, worn loops, and loss of slickness. Mono shooting lines should be inspected for kinks or nicks—the kind of small issues that turn into big frustrations on the water.
Inspect coated running lines for cracks, worn loops, and reduced slickness.
Check mono shooting lines for kinks, nicks, or other damage.
Replace or repair any issues now to avoid frustration on the water.
If you’re unsure about the condition of any of your gear, stop by the shop or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you take a quick look and get things dialed before the rivers come back into shape.
Before you call it ready, give the small stuff a quick once-over. Replace any leader sections that are nicked or curly, and check swivels, rings, clips, and loop-to-loop connections for wear. Top off your winter fly box with sharp, rust-free hooks, and make sure your boxes still latch tight.
Quick “Do This Tonight” Mini List
- Replace tippet and hooks
- Inspect running line and sink tips
- Check drag and backing connections
- Restock one winter fly box
- Charge phone - set alarm(s)
For safety and comfort, inspect boots and studs, gravel guards, and wading staff essentials. Finally, test your reel drag for smooth start-up, tighten anything loose, and rinse and dry your gear so it is ready when the rivers drop.
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