Steelhead Dreams: 5 Tips for Swinging Flies Like a Pro from @westsideflyguide

With: westsideflyguide

We caught up with Westley, aka @westsideflyguide, to dive into his life as a steelhead guide, his journey from Michigan to Washington, and the art of swinging for steelhead. From favorite rivers to memorable client stories, this interview offers a peek into the mind of someone who lives and breathes fly fishing.

Westley, where are you from, and how did your surroundings influence your journey into fly fishing?

I am from the small port town of Frankfort Michigan. It is located  on the West side, just below Traverse City and Empire. To put it simply, I’m from Northern Michigan. Northern Michigan is home to hundreds of rivers and streams and lakes, full of everything from smallmouth to trout. The fishing opportunities are almost endless and it really is one of the prettiest regions in the state, hence its popularity.

With Crystal Lake, the Platte River, and the Betsie river being right in my own backyard, it was a joy to be able to go from catching trout in the creeks, to fishing for smallmouth in Crystal, and even find myself casting off of the piers and shoreline of Lake Michigan. I first picked up a fly rod to chase fall salmon running in the rivers, and soon after found myself casting at everything that swims in the area with a fly rod. 

You guide for steelhead across the country, from Michigan to Washington. How do the fisheries differ between these regions, and what challenges do they present?

The fisheries are worlds apart. Back home in Michigan, we dont have river closures, we have tons of wild and stocked fish. A few regulations here and there, but nothing like out West. The numbers of fish alone are non comparable. The rivers are definitely busier in the Midwest, and the fishing is a bit more niche. We have larger rivers where swinging is a solid option anytime you want to chase steelhead. Some of the smaller rivers though create a challenge. Our spring creeks have a lot of wood in them, both above and below the water, so knowing the drifts VERY intimately can play a huge role. I personally guide and fish the PM, which is not always the most swing friendly river. Thats where a bobber comes in. From fly rods to centerpins, we have a lot of fish and nice runs of fish that flood upriver in the fall. 

Out here in Washington, it really is searching for a unicorn. Not that they dont exist. But Ive gained a much higher respect for steelhead, and more-so, for the search in itself. There is room to cast, and plenty of it out in Washington. Hell I cant even hit the other side of the river at times. Back home, the casting is more technical, with snags hoping to force another retie. Dont get me wrong, you need to be fairly good at casting in Washington to cover enough water and not waste time, but it’s nice to have a lot less things to worry about. Just swing, step, cast, and repeat. And mend. 

Steelhead fishing on the swing is an art form. What drew you to this technique, and why do you think it’s such a beloved style for targeting steelhead?

It is an insanely fun way to fish. From the cast, to the grab, there is nothing like it. It looks super cool, it’s an efficient way to fish, and I think a basic understanding of spey casting would help every fly angler out there. From pitching streamers floating down the bank, or picking up a dry fly in tight quarters, spey casting is applicable. Everyone has their own journey with picking up a spey rod. Learning all of the different casts, and perpetually trying to perfect those casts can either be very rewarding or defeating for an angler. That feeling when you bomb a good cast out there, the line lays out nice, you get a good mend, take a step or two down, and feel your fly come across in that sweet spot and get grabbed… it’s pure zen. I think the creativity in the flies, the aesthetic nature of the casting, and the slowed down pace of life it puts you in when fishing a spey rod is what keeps people coming back. And did I say getting a grab?

With so many miles covered across the country, what’s your favorite part of guiding in such diverse waters? Do you have a particular river or region that feels like home?

I love coming from one of the few regions in the country that also has steelhead, so a lot of the knowledge and tactics translate over well. It makes for an easy transition. Honestly, the Pere Marquette River feels like my home river.. But the Hoh river is really starting to feel like home as well. Home is where the heart is. Or is it where the fish are? At the end of the day, I’m a Northern Michigan guy.

Guiding for steelhead comes with its highs and lows. What’s one of the most memorable moments you’ve had with a client on the water?

I had a day this fall where the water was low, and the clients were skeptical on showing up. Being their first time fishing for steelhead, I wanted to make sure they hooked at least one. The weather was calling for high winds and rain, perfect steelhead weather. It was the beginning of the season so we weren’t really seeing numbers yet but I was sure we would get a good push of fish. My first spot was a “B” option spot with other anglers in a few of my favorite runs. Within 30 minutes we hooked 8 steelhead. Abnormal for sure. We dropped to my second spot and proceeded to hook more steelhead than we knew what to do with. We had multiple doubles, with lots of laughs and swearing. I even caught a few steelhead. I believe we hooked 30 steelhead. I dont recall how many we landed. More than enough though. The clients left with big smiles and thanked me for convincing them to come out.

Swinging for steelhead can be daunting for beginners. What are your five tips for anyone looking to get started with this technique?

Tip #1  Realize that the first step at being good at anything is being bad at it. Embrace the suck. 

Tip #2 Dont try too hard. Don’t worry about distance initially. Focus on letting the rod do the work. Most spey rods are 12’ minimum. Trying to force casts will end in snapped leaders, snapped rod tips and rods, and a sad angler. Good technique will take you further, quicker.

Tip #3 Record yourself casting in slow motion. It is way easier to diagnose timing issues and casting dynamics when you can see what you look like. Then find some videos online to see how it’s properly done for comparison. Don’t judge yourself for how bad you may or may not look. Look back to tip #1.

Tip #4 Practice. Practice. Practice. It takes a long time for it to feel natural. You may be able to force some casts that work well and it does not feel natural. Once it feels natural, your mind can drift off and think about other things, which is where the relaxing part of spey casting comes in. It is not as demanding as throwing and casting gear or a bobber.

Tip #5 If all else fails, book a casting lesson or a guide trip with a guide. On top of being able to cast themselves, guides are pretty good at being able to break down the fundamentals as well as the more niche details of casting and swinging. It’s kind of part of the job. 

What’s next for you and @westsideflyguide? Are there any big plans, new waters, or personal goals you’re excited about pursuing?

For now, I will be spending the season in Forks Washington with my girlfriend and three dogs, fishing and guiding as much as possible. Heading back to Michigan in mid Spring to resume picking on trout back home, and see all of our friends and family. For now, my only goal is to catch a 20+ lb steelhead on the swing. And to make it back in Michigan in one piece. Hopefully I will get time to stop and “swing” in to a Fly Fishing Film Tour showing as me and my buddies back home did have our film “The Mouse Trap” accepted into the tour this year. So maybe when things settle down this summer, we’ll find ourselves coming up with a new film idea.