Rainbow trout are spectacular leapers; it's not unusual for a good - sized "bow" to jump four or five times, sometimes clearing the water by several feet. Compared to most other trout species, rainbows are willing biters and can be taken on most any kind of bait or lure including spoons, spinners, plugs, flies, worms, leeches and even marshmallows. They grow to impressive sizes in remote waters; but, where fishing pressure is heavy and if catch - and - release is not practiced, the big ones are quickly removed, leaving only the smaller fish.
Use a twist - on leader wrap to keep your fly down in fast current. The lead strips come in a handy matchbook dispenser.
To catch steelhead in spawning streams, repeatedly drift a spawn bag, yarn fly or other egg imitation past the fish to draw a reflex strike.