Feather River Steelhead Clinic

Person holding a trout fish in a shallow, clear stream.

The Feather River is home to some of the best steelhead fishing in Northern California, and spring brings fresh fish into the system. Whether you're new to fly fishing for steelhead or looking to refine your approach, this clinic will teach you the essential techniques to consistently find and hook fish.

This full-day steelhead clinic is designed to help anglers develop the skills and confidence to pursue steelhead effectively across Northern California. Whether you're new to steelhead fishing or looking to refine your techniques, this course will cover everything from gear selection and rigging to reading water and executing the right presentation for different conditions.

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Unlock the secrets of steelhead fishing with a hands-on clinic designed to take your skills to the next level.

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Clinic Schedule & Curriculum

This clinic is a mix of classroom-style instruction, hands-on practice, and on-the-water demonstrations. By the end of the day, you’ll have a solid foundation in steelhead techniques, gear selection, water reading, and fish handling.

    1. Introductions & Course Overview

      • Meet your instructor, PJ, and fellow students.

      • Receive course handouts and review the day's agenda.

    2. Steelhead Behavior & Migration

      • Learn about steelhead life cycles, migration patterns, and environmental factors that affect their movement.

    3. Feather River Access Tour (High Flow & Low Flow Sections)

      • Visit key public access points on both the High Flow and Low Flow sections of the Feather River.

      • Mark these locations in your maps for future fishing trips.

    4. Steelhead Techniques & Gear Selection

      • Overview of steelhead fishing techniques: indicator nymphing, swinging flies, single-hand vs. two-handed rods.

      • Matching the right gear to different water conditions.

    5. Reading the Water

      • Identifying prime steelhead holding water.

      • Developing a strategy to efficiently cover water.

    6. Wading Safety & Best Practices

      • Using a wading staff, proper foot placement, and understanding current dynamics.

    7. Rigging for Success

      • Step-by-step instruction on setting up your rod for different steelhead techniques.

    8. Hooking, Playing & Releasing Steelhead

      • Proper hook sets, fighting techniques, and safe fish handling for responsible catch and release.

    9. On-Stream Demonstration & Q&A

      • Watch PJ demonstrate key techniques before hitting the water.

  • For Groups of 3 or more Enjoy a catered meal and recharge for the afternoon session!

    1. Hands-On Steelhead Fishing

      • Spread out on the river and put the morning’s lessons into practice.

      • PJ will work one-on-one with students, refining casts, mends, and drift control.

    2. Personalized Coaching

      • Improve your presentation, reading water, and fishing efficiency.

    3. Final Q&A & Wrap-Up

      • Recap of the day's lessons.

      • Address any final questions.

    4. Gear Check & Returns (For any borrowed/rental gear)

    Clinic End: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

    Students are welcome to stay and fish for the remainder of the day.

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Man wearing sunglasses and a hooded jacket smiling and holding a large rainbow trout fish in a river.

Clinic Details:

  • Year Round

  • Feather River (Exact meeting location provided upon booking)

  • Starting at $200 per person

    • Fly rod: 9' to 10', balanced for a 5-7 weight line (9’5” 6WT recommended)

    • Fly reel: With a WF floating line that matches the rod

    • (Optional) Spey rod: 11’6” - 14' for 6-9 wt with matching line, reel, and both floating & sinking tips

    • Flies: PJ will provide a suggested list; additional flies will be available

    • Versileader

    • Split shot: (BB, AB, SSA)

    • Large strike indicator: (Yarn, Jadacator, Air-Lock)

    • Tapered leader: 9' in 4x

    • Tippet: 4x, 5x fluorocarbon; 10 lb Maxima

    • Chest waders & wading boots: (Spikes optional)

    • Wading belt & wading staff

    • Vest, chest, or hip pack

    • Polarized sunglasses (Essential for spotting fish & reducing glare)

    • Hemostats & line nippers

    • Rain jacket (Weather can change quickly—be prepared!)

    • Valid California fishing license & steelhead report card (Required by law)

    • Lawn/camp chair (For breaks & lunchtime comfort)

Ready to Learn Steelhead Fishing from an Expert?

Join PJ for a hands-on, immersive experience that will give you the skills and confidence to target steelhead successfully.

Reserve your spot today!

Space is limited to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Secure your place today and take your fly fishing skills to the next level!