1,000 miles, four rivers, and my first solo steelhead
Published about 2 months ago • 3 min read
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Fishy Fridays by Confident Angler: One fly fishing tip, one fly to try, and one inspirational post to get you fired up to fish this weekend. 🎣
Hey Reader,
I am one tired but happy angler this week. My buddy Jeff and I covered nearly a thousand miles, fished four rivers, camped all week, and landed some unforgettable fish, including two steelhead for me, five for Jeff, and one wild afternoon where we caught around sixty trout in just five hours. 🤯
But honestly, the fishing was not even the best part. The first half of the trip was our fourth annual float trip with a group of men I deeply respect. The conversations were real and meaningful, the kind you do not get often anymore. The second half was spent with my close friend Jerry, who graciously showed us a river he has fished for seventeen years.
That is where I hooked my first steelhead completely on my own. I found the run, rigged my spey setup, and swung up not one but two fish, one of them pushing ten pounds. It was an incredible moment and a huge confidence boost.
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Looking back, this trip refueled me in more ways than I realized. It gave me the connection I was craving, a big shot of confidence on the water, and some much-needed encouragement from friends who believe in what I am building with Confident Angler. Hearing their feedback and ideas reminded me that my work matters and staying consistent really does make a difference.
I filmed the whole trip, and I cannot wait to share it soon. If you haven't already, check out my YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.
Alright, let’s get into this week’s Fishy Friday.
Fly Fishing’s “One Ring”​ When I first started fly fishing, I tied every fly directly to my tapered leader. After a few hours of swapping patterns, that 9-foot leader would shrink to six feet, and my casts got sloppy fast. Then a buddy showed me the “One Ring” of fly fishing: the humble tippet ring.
Tie one onto the end of your leader, and you’ll rarely ever need to cut it shorter again. Just replace the tippet instead. It’s simple, fast, and especially handy for nymphing. You can rebuild or adjust your tippet section in seconds without touching your main leader.
Try it this weekend: grab a pack of 2 mm tippet rings, tie one to a fresh leader, and run 3-5 feet of tippet off it. You’ll notice how much cleaner and more efficient your setup feels.
🪰 One Fly to Try This Weekend
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Zebra Midge (Black or Red, Size 18–22)​ ​As water temps drop and hatches slow in fall, midges become a staple food source. The Zebra Midge is a simple, effective pattern that fools trout from late fall through winter. Its slender body and wire rib look like a midge larva rising through the water.
Fish it under an indicator or as a dropper below a dry fly like October caddis. Focus on slower runs, tailouts, and deeper seams where fish gather in cooler months.
In this new video, I fish a river I have never seen before and walk through my full plan for finding trout quickly. You will see where I start, how I read riffles and pocket water, and when I switch between dry dropper and Euro rigs to cover different depths.
If you have ever felt unsure about exploring new water, this one will help you build a simple, confident plan for your next trip.
P.S. Want to know exactly what to focus on next? Take the free Confident Angler Assessment here. It only takes a few minutes and gives you a clear roadmap to grow your confidence on the water.
Note: Some links in this email may include affiliate links. I only recommend gear I use and trust. If you buy through these links, it helps support Confident Angler at no extra cost to you.