As any seasoned traveler knows, things don’t always go as planned - like when your checked bag, packed with your cold-weather gear, flies, and waders, doesn’t make it with you. It’s one of those scenarios you dread, especially in a place as remote as this. Fortunately, I had essentials in my carry-ons, and the lodge had backup gear on hand. Still, there’s nothing quite like having your own equipment and I’d written my bag off as a lost cause.

To my amazement, on day two, I returned to my cabin to find my checked bag waiting for me - almost like landing a 20 pounder! It was an unexpected surprise and I couldn’t have been more grateful to Kara Knight, our travel coordinator, and Brent Gill, the lodge manager, for their above-and-beyond efforts. Getting a lost airline bag to a place this remote is nothing short of a miracle!

“The biggest difference in quantity is going from zero to one.”

Swinging barbless flies for steelhead has never been a numbers game, it’s about savoring every moment nature gives you. The real magic lies in those rare, unforgettable encounters with wild fish on their own terms. Sometimes, all it takes is one fish to make the entire trip.

We were lucky to experience those moments daily. On the first day, two members of our group landed beautiful bucks around 20 pounds each, a milestone for any angler. But, the highlight of the week came on day three, when a member of our team, brand-new to steelheading, hooked the fish of the season. Measuring 39 inches by 21 inches and estimated at 24 pounds, it was a fish that will be talked about for years to come - a testament to the Sustut’s reputation as a world-class steelhead destination.

One of the most exhilarating aspects of the Sustut is that its steelhead are known to take skated dry flies. For anglers used to blind casting, the anticipation of watching your fly move across the surface - and thrill of seeing a fish rise to crush it - is nothing short of transformative. These are the types of moments that leave a flutter in your heart forever.

Even when the fish doesn’t connect, the pursuit is just as exciting. These are the moments that make dry fly fishing for steelhead so special - because, sometimes, the take is more memorable than the fight.

This trip gave us everything we hoped for: massive fish, breathtaking wilderness and moments we’ll never forget. The Sustut River in autumn offers more than just incredible fishing, it’s a chance to chase some of the largest steelhead in the world, surrounded by unspoiled beauty.

But let’s be real, steelheading isn’t just about landing fish (though it’s a big part!), it’s about the entire experience. The camaraderie we shared - encouraging each other when things didn’t go as planned, celebrating each victory and laughing together around the fire - defined the heart of this adventure. At the end of the day, it’s the memories, both on and off the water, that will stay with us long after the last cast. 

Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!

– Jonny

Gear used:

Rod: 7126 and 7130 Sage R8 Spey

Lines: Rio Sagit Max 550 Grain and Rage 480gr 

Flies: We caught them on everything–weighted and unweighted flies in black and blue, black and purple, pink and orange, pink on hot pink, natural colored Muddlers, foam tan Pom skaters. Fish the fly you want to fish! 

Tips: 10ft T-11, 5ft float/5 ft T14, 10ft full float