Fly Fishing New York's Cattaraugus Creek for Steelhead

Fly Fishing Gear for the Cattaraugus Creek New York
Fly Line:
The fly line we recommend for steelhead fishing in Cataraugus Creek should be a 7 weight,
floating fly line. If you prefer to use a spey rod, then the line should probably be a 9 weight
made for spey fishing.

For trout in the upper river, you could probably get by with a 5 weight floating fly line for
about everything. You may want a smaller line, such as a 4 weight floating line for the
smaller trout. You may also want a 6 weight line for delivering streamers and large nymphs.

Fly Line Weight:
Adding weight to your fly line is dependant on the flow and depth of the pools you are
fishing. You can add a sink tip line or split shot. The spin fisherman use Slinkies. They
consist of parachute cords that have been stuffed with large round lead shot. Please note
that the state of New York does not sell lead split shot. Some anglers use it. It is not illegal to
use in the State of New York, only to sell it.

Fly Rod:
The fly rod we recommend for steelhead fishing in Cattaraugus Creek is a 7 weight in a ten
foot length. It is probably best in a medium fast to fast action. If you prefer to use a Spey
Rod, then we suggest a 9 weight, 14 foot length rod. It should be a medium to fast action rod.

The fly rod for the 4 light line for trout, should be from eight to eight and a half feet long and
in a medium to medium slow action in our opinion. The five weight rod would be better in a
eight and a half to nine foot length and a medium to medium fast action. The six weight rod
for streamers and nymphs should be nine foot with a stiffer tip, or a medium fast to fast
action.

Leader:
Most serious steelhead anglers tie their own leaders. Most use Maxima line to do this. You
want a stiff, hard leader material. There are some companies that make special "steelhead"
leaders that are knotless tapered leaders. The size should range from a minimum of ten
pound test up to twelve pound test. They should be nine feet long for a regular fly rod and
from ten and a half to fifteen feet for two handed spey rods. If you use a sinking fly line, you
would want them only about four to six feet long. Leaders for trout should be tapered and
range from seven and a half to twelve feet long. They should range from a 1X up to a 7X size.

Tippet:
You want to carry plenty of extra tippet material for ten to twelve pound test. It too should be
hard, stiff material that is abrasive resistance. Tippet for the trout, should be in sizes from 1X
up to 7X.

Waders:
Unless you want to fish from the banks in the few areas it is practical, then waders are
necessary. Waders are necessary in the upper river.

Wading Boots:
Wading boot should have cleats for the lower Criver. The upper river can be waded with felt
or rubber soles.

Landing Net:
A landing net is recommended for the steelhead in Cattaraugus Creek and is optional for the
trout. The main requirement for the steelhead net is that it should be very large. The net
area should be at least 15 inches wide by 20 inches long. The overall length is usually
around 32 inches.

Steelhead and Trout Flies:
We have a huge selection of steelhead flies that include the most popular flies for Great
Lake steelies. All of the flies have been proven to be successful time and time again. We
have many customers who fish Cattaraugus Creek for steelhead and trout, that use our flies.

Cattaraugus
Creek
New York