Steelhead Spey Flies: The Complete Guide to Essential Patterns for Swinging Up Steelhead

Swinging flies for steelhead is one of the most addicting—and humbling—styles of fly fishing. It’s methodical, demanding, and rooted in tradition, but modern Spey flies have evolved dramatically from the sparse classics of the early days. Whether you’re chasing winter chromers on the Hoh or summer-runs on the Deschutes, using the right Spey flies matter.

This guide cuts through the fluff. Below is a clear breakdown of the most productive Spey flies for steelhead, why they work, and exactly when to fish them.

Why Spey Flies Matter for Steelhead

Spey flies aren’t delicate insects—they’re designed to be swung under tension in strong current. They must create movement, hold a clean silhouette, and stay visible across a wide range of water conditions. The best flies check three boxes:

1. Profile

Winter flies need a big presence. Summer flies need to be sparse and much smaller. Profile influences how much water the fly pushes and how noticeable it is as it swings.

2. Motion

Marabou, ostrich, rhea, rabbit—these materials pulse effortlessly. Steelhead respond more to movement than realism.

3. Silhouette

Steelhead aren’t feeding in freshwater. They’re reacting. Successful flies offer a shape that triggers aggression or curiosity.

Modern Spey flies are confidence tools. They don’t mimic specific prey—they present an attitude steelhead are willing to hit.

The Best Spey Steelhead Flies

Below are the patterns that consistently move fish across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

1. Intruder Fly

Best for: Winter, cold water, stained flows.

The modern standard. The Intruder’s open body, station-style construction, and long fibers create maximum movement without bulk.

Why It Works

• Huge profile with minimal weight

• Excellent movement in slow and fast swings

• Trailer hook dramatically improves hookup-to-land ratio

• Works across a range of water visibilities

Top Colors

• Black & Blue (king of winter)

• Pink & Orange

• Black & Purple

• Chartreuse variations

2. Marabou Tube Fly

Best for: Versatile winter conditions and easy depth control.

Tube flies changed the game by allowing anglers to swap hooks, add cones or weights, and extend the lifespan of the pattern.

Why It Works

• Breathes even in slow currents

• Casts easy on Skagit setups

• Highly customizable with different weights

• Clean silhouette that stays visible

Top Colors

Black/Blue, Pink, Purple, Chartreuse, and UV accents.

Marabou tubes are perfect when fish demand movement without the full bulk of an Intruder.

3. Hoh Bo Spey

Best for: Moderate winter flows.

Another Jerry French creation, the Hoh Bo Spey is a lighter, sparser intruder-style fly with tons of mobility.

Why It Works

• More subtle than an Intruder

• Moves incredibly well even on slow swings

• Ideal when rivers start dropping into shape

Best Colors

• Black/Blue

• Black/Purple

• Pink

• Olive for clear water

This fly is a staple on the Hoh, Bogachiel, and other Olympic Peninsula rivers.

4. Bunny Leeches (String Leeches)

Best for: Cold, slow water and deep holding lies.

Rabbit strips create unmatched lifelike motion. Even when barely swinging, the material moves enough to entice lethargic steelhead.

Why They Work

• Perfect for slow winter swings

• Heavy silhouette pushes water

• Trailer hooks help with soft winter grabs

Top Colors

Black, Purple, Black/Blue, and Pink/Orange for big water.

When steelhead hunker down, a bunny leech is hard to beat.

5. General Practitioner (GP)

Best for: Classic winter conditions and stable flows.

This old-school pattern still earns its place. The GP is flashy, buggy, and excellent in slightly off-color water.

Why It Works

• Bright, attention-grabbing silhouette

• A great change-up fly when fish ignore marabou or intruders

• Ideal for medium clarity conditions

Top Colors

Orange (classic), Red, and Black GP variants.

The GP is an underrated producer, especially late winter.

6. Prawn & Shrimp Spey Patterns

Best for: Late winter and spring steelhead.

Steelhead passing through estuaries feed on prawns, so these patterns carry that same triggering shape into freshwater.

Why They Work

• Slim, elongated profile

• Excellent for warmer water when fish are more active

• Great follow-up fly after a missed grab

Top Colors

Pink, Orange, and Tan.

These flies are lethal in the spring transition.

7. Traditional Summer Spey Flies

Best for: Summer and early fall steelhead.

Summer steelhead want something sparse and subtle. They’re in better shape, more willing to move, and more easily spooked.

Top Patterns

• Greaseliner

• Purple Peril

• Skunk

• Green Butt Skunk

• Freight Train

• Silver Hilton

Why They Work

• Low-profile design

• Perfect for low, clear summer water

• Swim well near the surface

Sizes

#4–8, with smaller being better in clear conditions.

These classics are still unmatched for summer-runs.

8. Muddlers (Low-Water & Deer Hair Variants)

Best for: Surface or near-surface fishing.

Few moments in steelheading compare to a surface grab. Muddlers create a wake and push water without being too intrusive.

Why They Work

• Versatile: fish them greased, wet, or skated

• Great for sight-fishing summer steelhead

• Ideal for tailouts and shallow riffles

Top Colors

Natural deer hair, Purple, and Black Muddler variations.

A must-have for anyone targeting surface-oriented steelhead.

How to Choose the Right Spey Steelhead Fly

Here’s the practical breakdown anglers actually use

Winter Steelhead (33–45°F)

Use:

• Just be confident.

Rules:

• Seriously, that is it, be confident.

Summer & Fall Steelhead (50–60°F+)

Use:

• Confidence

Rules:

• Yep, you guessed it. Confidence

Swinging Technique Tips That Make a Difference

1. Depth before fly change

Most anglers switch flies too often. Switch sink tips first. Depth matters more than pattern.

2. Confidence flies matter

If you believe in a fly, you’ll fish it better. That changes everything.

3. Read structure, not weather

Steelhead hold in predictable lanes. Fish those relentlessly.

Final Thoughts

Steelhead Spey flies aren’t about matching a hatch—they’re tools that help you show confidence and consistency in tough fishing conditions. Winter demands larger, darker profiles with water-pushing movement. Summer rewards subtlety, tradition, and surface presentations. The flies listed above cover every scenario you’ll encounter on steelhead rivers across the Pacific Northwest.

If your presentation is solid and your fly is suited to the conditions, you’re in the game. Steelheading is a grind, but the right Spey flies stack the deck in your favor.