Steelhead can be taken on a floating line in any water conditions. Some conditions however make it more difficult.
For the typical down and across with a wet fly water temps 48- 68 are optimal..
you should feel perfectly comfortable fishing a floating line in 52 degree water..
I was on the Cowlitz last weekend, water temps were 50 degrees and we rose 3 fish to floating line and unweighted flies. 2 of the fish came out of water 8 feet deep..
the only time i might use a tip during those water temps would be in extremely dirty water.
rob allen
For the typical down and across with a wet fly water temps 48- 68 are optimal..
you should feel perfectly comfortable fishing a floating line in 52 degree water..
I was on the Cowlitz last weekend, water temps were 50 degrees and we rose 3 fish to floating line and unweighted flies. 2 of the fish came out of water 8 feet deep..
the only time i might use a tip during those water temps would be in extremely dirty water.
rob allen