Steelhead fishing is, for many anglers, a way of life rather than a method. Like Atlantic salmon, steelhead don't feed in freshwater — they must be induced to strike through perfect presentation and persistent effort. The classic technique is the swung fly: a wet fly or soft hackle fished across and downstream on a two-handed Spey rod, swinging through holding lies until the unmistakable pull signals an explosive fight.

The destinations for premier steelhead fly fishing are concentrated along the Pacific coast: BC's Skeena watershed, the Dean, the Thompson, and the Bulkley are legendary. Southeast Alaska's rivers offer wild steelhead in a remote wilderness context, accessible by floatplane. Gear for swinging is centered on a double-handed Spey or switch rod in the 7- to 9-weight range with Skagit or Scandi shooting heads depending on the water being fished.