JR,

A skilled drift fisherman with bait will outfish a skilled fly fisherman for winter steelhead every time. The playing field levels up during the summer run steelhead season, due largely to warmer water temperatures and favorable water conditions. But consider what it is you want. Do you simply wish to catch a steelhead, or do you want to catch one in the fashion that yields you the greatest satisfaction?

I know I could probably catch more steelhead by using drift gear and bait. But most of steelheading, regardless of whether you use fly or drift gear, consists of fishing, not catching. I enjoy fly fishing, even if I fish all day without a strike. I found that I got bored using baitcasting or spinning gear to drift fish unless I could get a hook up every 15 or 20 minutes. Well, that kind of fishing does happen, but it's damn rare. So I'm content to fly fish, catching fewer fish than I might otherwise, but catching enough, and really enjoying it when I do, and when I do not.

So if you prefer fly fishing to spin fishing, go ahead and give it a try. You can always change your mind later. Take NS's advice and read Haig-Brown for inspiration. Read Trey Combs and Deke Meyers for technical information. Take a class or attend a workshop. And hiring a guide is a good idea if you want to steepen your learning curve.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.