dennis p lee

fishery scientist, fly tier, author

winter steelhead book

California Winter Steelhead

life history and fly fishing

order your copy now!

Because this is a limited edition, make sure you order your copy soon.

This makes a great Gift!

This book was printed in the USA and is available for immediate shipping. Free shipping offered in the continental US only.

Limited edition – Only 500 Copies printed
Each copy Signed and Numbered by author
13 chapters – 300 pages
Includes Over 100 winter steelhead fly color photos & recipes
Free USPS shipping (Continental USA only)

Foil stamped – Linen cover
UV coated protective dust jacket
100# premium quality paper stock
Full color interior text and image printing
Case Bound (Hard Cover)

$100

Printed in the USA

This is a full-color hardback book limited edition of 500 copies. Not to mention each copy is signed and numbered by the author. In addition, the book includes an inspirational Foreword as well as several photographs by Jeff Bright from San Francisco, CA. Likewise, a number of steelhead and fishing photos by Northern California anglers. Importantly, fly fishing guides Drew Griffith and Jason Hartwick are equally represented. Similarly, hundreds of additional historical and scenic photos provide a unique look into California’s rich steelhead fishing history.

However, it is altogether likely every river and creek in California that historically provided access to the Pacific Ocean, spawning areas, and juvenile fish habitat supported winter steelhead runs. But, unfortunately, steelhead runs in many of the streams in the southern part of the state have been totally eradicated by human development. Meanwhile, many rivers in the northern and central coast still support runs. What’s more many of these rivers continue to provide fly fishing opportunities.

What reviewers are saying...

“when faced with nowhere to fish, and you’re tired of tying flies and fiddling with tackle? Let me suggest a substantial new book, California Winter Steelhead…by Dennis Lee, a work of considerable breadth and depth…he writes in a style that Jack Webb’s Dragnet character would have approved: just the facts, ma’am. And there are a lot of them…You’ll probably learn more than you thought you ever wanted to learn, but that’s a plus, right?…this is a highly informative, useful book for the history…for its overview of all our winter steelhead rivers…for the snapshot it provides of winter steelheading in the early twenty-first century…a limited edition of 500 copies, once it sells out, copies are likely to cost a lot more.”

–Larry Kenney, California Fly Fisher, April 2021

“a short note thanking you for such a wonderful book, I have been enjoying it very much since it arrived last week…the data in your book is invaluable…I will definitely purchase your other ones too in the future.”

-J Kruzic

“I’m sure it will be as good and well received as your Half-Pounder book…I can’t wait.”

–roguespeycaster

book photos:

The author also covers, for example, the history and origin of steelhead names and taxonomy. Above all the latest information on California steelhead genetics is provided. And together with a chapter on the evolution and life history of California winter steelhead help define this remarkable fish. In addition, insightful information on the history of California steelhead fly fishing gleamed from early manuscripts, reports and newspapers is also covered. Overall the book provides a unique glimpse into California’s winter steelhead fishery, then and now!

Additional chapters describe the historical and current status of California rivers and creeks from the North Coast to the Southern Coast regions. Equally important there is also a chapter that includes the Great Central Valley. Together with information in detail on historical and current steelhead run sizes and river streamflow graphs. Above all, the book has a chapter on winter steelhead fly fishing equipment to include rods, reels, fly lines and leaders, casting, and successful fly presentation techniques. As well as one of the chapters details the history and current status of California steelhead conservation from its beginnings in the 1800’s. In conclusion, the book finishes with the history of California steelhead fly tying and includes color plates of over 100 historical and current winter steelhead flies.