The Steelhead Coachman

The Steelhead Coachman, developed by esteemed angler John Hazel in the late 1970s, is a refined adaptation of the classic Royal Coachman, tailored specifically for steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Hazel's version features a compact profile with a hair wing, enhancing its durability and effectiveness in the region's diverse river conditions. This pattern has become a staple on rivers such as the Deschutes and John Day, particularly in smaller sizes during warmer water periods.

Micro Dead Drift: Fish the Steelhead Coachman in shallow riffles with a tight-line dead drift. By keeping the fly in constant contact with the current, it mimics an insect caught in the flow—a presentation often overlooked for steelhead.