I subscribe to several fly-fishing and fly-tying magazines. I read most of them cover to cover and try to absorb the tips and patterns I find in them. That's how I found the Steelhead Berry Nymph.

In the past, I have fished nymphs for steelhead from time to time without much success. Many steelhead nymph fishermen tell me how productive they are. Just cast upstream, they say. Then strip the line in as it floats toward you and watch the strike indicator. I guess that's my biggest mistake. I find myself looking around the surrounding hills for wildlife or at the water across from me rather than watching the strike indicator. That's when the strike most often occurs. Also, it's best to fish nymphs with a single-handed rod. I like casting my two-handed rod much better than a single-hand rod, so I tend to fish with more traditional patterns.

However, after some thought and some research with other fly fishers, I think this fly could be used in the traditional manner with a two-handed rod by casting short and "high sticking" the fly through the drift.

I also think the pattern could be tied on a regular-length wet fly hook with equal results. Perhaps a Daiichi No. 1550 or No. 1530 or a Mustad No. 3906 would work. Those hooks have a wide gap and are heavy enough to hold a steelhead.

Recently, I was talking to the proprietor of a fly shop in Spokane. He told me most of the customers who had been in the shop lately had been fishing nymphs. I didn't think the water was cold enough for nymphs, but perhaps I'm wrong.

That's another reason I looked with interest at the Steelhead Berry I found listed in the November/December issue of American Angler magazine. Most of the time I just glance at the steelhead nymphs, think they are nice and go on through the magazine. However, after that conversation, I gave this pattern a good look. After reading the article, I decided it sounded like an interesting pattern. I especially liked the colors used.

As I studied the picture and read the recipe, I thought I had found a mistake in the printing. In the accompanying picture, I could see a butt section of green dubbing or Diamond Braid that was not listed. I got busy finding the necessary materials and got to work.

The pattern calls for a 5X short hook, which was new to me. The pattern was simple and I quickly whipped out a couple of samples. I took the flies and the magazine to a friend who often fishes nymph. He had not seen the magazine yet, but certainly liked the looks of the fly, which he thought would look better on a stout scud hook.

I am still not sure I will fish nymphs as much as the more traditional steelhead patterns, but I certainly am going to carry a few in my box.

The pattern has a bead head and is weighted, so I am sure it will go deep quickly. The salmon-colored egg yarn also will give the fly action as it moves through the water column.

So here's a pattern for all you steelhead nymph anglers. Give it a try and then give me a call and let me know what you think and how it worked for you.

Hyatt is an avid fly tier who lives in Lewiston. He can be contacted at city@lmtribune.com.