JD,
I Just got a hand me down fly rod and reel.

I’ve been totally excited about learning to fly fish for steelies on the Yuba River by my house in Marysville, CA.

My question is: How do i tie a fly to the line on my reel?? I know, dumb newbie question, but i have nobody else to ask. And seeing how youre the fishing god that helped me nail my first salmon last year(30#) ever, thought you might help me out.

Maybe even some tips on how and where on the yuba.
Thanks, Minh

Hey Minh, fishing god, eh? I think you meant to say “dirty dog,” but whatever! Anyway, glad you got a big king last year…you were one of the lucky few!

As far as your main question goes, I assume you’re asking how to tie a leader to a fly line, right? If so, the best way is to get out there and buy a Nail Knot tool at your local tackle shop…Johnson’s in Yuba City probably has ’em.

Scroll down for a couple videos on how to do it…

As far as where to go, i’d get up above the Highway 20 Bridge in October and fish a Glo Bug under an indicator near any spawning salmon — the steelies will sit right behind them.

And another one…