Fly rods for steelhead should be 9’ to 10’, in 8 or 9 weight, with a floating line and spare sinktip and spare running line.  These fish will fight furiously and often head back to Lake Superior and sometimes can’t be followed.  They need to be played hard and quickly, since all will be released.  Leave your trout rod at home.  For spring fishing on the Brule, various black and brown stoneflies in in sizes 2 thru 8 such a Kaufman stone, caddis in 10 thru 12, such as a pink squirrel, peeking stick caddis, and olive or brown wooly buggers in 4 thru 8.  For fishing a swung fly, purple or black egg sucking leeches, matuka’s and bunny flies work well.  Bigger can be better.  Egg patterns are the standard chartreuse, orange and pale oranges, in size 4 thru 6, tied on a quality stout wire super sharp hook, such as a Gamakatsu.  Smaller can be better.  Leaders should taper to no less than 8 lb test, fluorocarbon is preferred.