Is it a Steelhead or a Rainbow? With Katie Kobayashi

Is it a Steelhead or a Rainbow? With Katie Kobayashi

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company February 11, 2026 Duration: 1:10:33

When is a trout a steelhead and when is it a rainbow? Are steelhead just rainbow trout that migrate to the ocean?  Is it something in their genes or just random chance? And in a given population of rainbow trout, will only some of them migrate to the ocean? And according to a biologist, are the Great Lakes "steelhead" truly steelhead? My guest fisheries biologist Katie Kobayashi [32:13] has studied these fish down to the genetic level and has some exciting information on their life histories.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions that I think will be helpful to many of you, including:
If I hook a trout in the back behind the dorsal fin, will it survive OK? And can I count this fish as "caught"?
What is the most useful saltwater fly line for inshore species?
For my smaller creeks in Pennsylvania, would an 8 ½ foot 4-weight or 7 1/2-foot 3-weight be better?
Have you used articulated flies? Have you had success with them? Are there articulated subsurface flies other than streamers?
I have an 8-weight rod for flats fishing in salt water and want a second rod for bigger stuff.  Should I get a 9-weight or a 10-weight?
For fishing in a Colorado tailwater, when should I use an indicator setup and when should I Euro-nymph? And when Euro nymphing, how can I get a tiny size 22 nymph down into the right zone?


For anyone who’s ever felt the tug of a line or wondered about the quiet rhythm of a river, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast is a steady companion. Host Tom Rosenbauer, a well-known author and the voice behind this series for The Orvis Company, doesn’t just offer tips; he shares a lifetime of curiosity spent on the water. Each week, the conversation unfolds like a guidebook coming to life, covering the tangible skills and the subtle philosophies that define fly-fishing. You’ll hear practical advice on technique and gear, certainly, but also deeper discussions about conservation, reading different waters, and understanding fish behavior. It’s that blend of straightforward education and reflective storytelling that makes this podcast unique. Whether you’re planning your first cast or have decades of experience, the aim is the same: to make your hours by the stream more thoughtful and rewarding. Tune in for a mix of solo episodes from Tom and interviews with other anglers, all grounded in a genuine passion for the sport and the wilderness it depends on. This is more than a series of lessons; it’s an ongoing dialogue for anyone who finds solace and challenge in fly-fishing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What's Going on in Florida, with Captain Dan Andrews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:35
My guest this week is Captain Dan Andrews [37:51], co-founder and CEO of Captains for Clean Water, one of Orvis' most trusted conservation partners. Orvis has been aligned with this grass roots group since their inceptio…
Hot Tips on Using Split Shot, with Dom Swentosky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Confused about which floating trout line to pick when you need a new one? I'm not surprised as today there is a dizzying array of options and nearly everyone is confused. If you understand what the various options offer…
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Fly Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon in Estuaries, with Reed Teuscher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:03
You can catch salmon and steelhead on a fly in salt water before they enter rivers. The fish are bright and strong and may still be actively feeding but the problem is to find them in a big expanse of water. Reed Teusche…
Backcast: Top-Secret Steelhead Tips, with Stefan Woodruff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:17
This podcast was originally published on December 28th, 2016. In this podcast Stefan Woodruff, Orvis-endorsed guide with Ellensburg Anglers in Washington State, reveals (some of) his secrets to catching steelhead, plus a…