Guide Spotlight: Sammy MacDonnell — Northern California Steelhead and the Swing

Meet Sammy MacDonnell, our “swing-only” steelhead guru — a skilled fly fishing instructor, seasoned boatman, and master fly tyer. When it comes to swung fly fishing for steelhead in Northern California, Sammy is the guy you want leading the charge.

Winter is prime time for chasing Northern California steelhead on the swing. If you’re gearing up for the season, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few of Sammy’s top fly fishing tips to help you make the most of your time on the water:

Sink Tips

Pack a variety of sink tips to match different river conditions. Sammy recommends T-14 tips in lengths of 7.5’, 10’, 12.5’, and 15’. The right setup helps you cover every type of steelhead water — from deep buckets to soft tailouts.

Casting Practice

Before steelhead season kicks off, get outside and dial in your double Spey and snap-T casts — on both sides. A little casting practice or a lesson or two with a qualified instructor will pay off big when that winter fish finally grabs your swung fly.

Fly Box Essentials

A well-stocked fly box is key. Sammy’s go-to patterns for winter steelhead fly fishing include:

Hartwick Hosers (pink, black & blue)
Stu’s Signature Intruders
Silvenators

Whether you’re new to the swing or a dedicated Spey angler, Sammy brings years of experience guiding Northern California steelhead rivers — and his passion for fly fishing the swing is contagious!