Hawaiin Bonefish Release

Can't wait to go back!

Why do Steelhead bite the fly?

 

Why do Steelhead bite the fly? - Over the years this debate has been hashed over many beers or a single malt. Recently, I heard this description which I thought was 'kinda cool'...

Steelhead bite flies for one of three reasons;

1)Aggression

Definition - An attack made without reasonable cause.

Often times this particular reason is equated to the male Steelhead, reffered to as a Buck.

2)Curiosity

Definition - An object that arouses interest, as by being novel or extraordinary.

This particular reason is equated to steelhead in general; especially the females or hens.

3)Recall

Definition - Bring (a fact, event, or situation) back into one's mind.

This particular reason relates to when the fish was in the river as a smolt before they went to sea. As a smolt the fish routinely ate nymphs, dries and the like. Upon return to the river as an adult they 'bite' a fly in 'recall' of their youth when they lived in the river eating nymphs, etc. to survive.

Interesting analogy!