When steelhead are in the river, the Steelhead Brassie can do double duty for both resident and sea-going rainbows. With its burnt orange, shine and sparkle, it is a good stealth pattern for low-water summer runs that are particularly susceptible to October caddis.

Fish the Steelhead Brassie in tandem with a similar size, heavier nymph beneath a strike indicator. Set the indicator at two times the depth of the run. Cast upstream and mend the line for a long, drag-free drift. Set the hook if the indicator hesitates, goes cross-current or zips upstream.

Tie this version of the Steelhead Brassie on a No. 6-8 heavy wire wet fly hook. Slide a small black bead up to the eye. For the gody, use burnt orange copper wire, starting on the bend of the hook for a slight articulation. Tie a soft hackle collar out of dyed burnt orange guinea or similar. Finish with a light orange Ice Dub collar.

— Gary Lewis, for The Bulletin