Swinging Flies for Steelhead by John Nagy

Spring steelheader swinging flies on an Ohio Lake Erie tributary stream

Dead-drift presentations like bottom-bouncing or floating indicating will always be the mainstay for catching steelhead on most Great Lakes tributary rivers and streams. The reason for this is that the tributaries mostly run cold over the course of a steelhead fishing season (late fall through late winter). These cold flows (40 degrees F and below) slow down the metabolism of a steelhead making it somewhat lethargic. They typically become finicky, keying in on small egg patterns and bead-head nymphs dead-drifted on or near the stream bottom

A great compliment to this approach is swinging flies for steelhead in the traditional down-and-across manner. Under certain water conditions and river characteristics this technique can be extremely effective with an excitement factor that can shake even the seasoned steelheader!

Traditional swinging techniques were originally developed to catch Atlantic salmon in Northern Europe and the Atlantic Canadian Provinces becoming popular for steelhead in the Pacific Northwest during the 20th century. In recent years, it has developed an enthusiastic following by a growing group of steelheaders in the Great Lakes region.

In the warmer tributary flows of fall and spring (above 40 degrees F) steelhead are more aggressive and will actively move for wooly buggers, streamers, leeches, tube and spey flies on the swing. They actually will “look up” to take a fly swinging fly (above 50 degrees F) and will even chase dry flies “skated” on the surface.

Steelhead caught on swung flies are often referred to as “players” due to their willingness to chase a fly and hit it extremely hard on the swing (some steelheaders have described the take like being mugged on the stream!). This is in marked contrast with dead-drift caught fish, which are generally less aggressive and have a much softer take.

Before beginning your swing technique, first wade into position (usually toward the middle of the river) and look at the water surface texture to locate current breaks at the head of pools, along parallel “seams” that run through pools and runs and also in pool tail-outs. Steelhead use these breaks as resting areas on their upstream migratory movements and you will want to concentrate on swinging your fly through these areas.

Try standing directly upstream to the area you want to swing your fly through (the “target zone”) and begin by casting your fly line at a 45 degree angle downstream to the left or right of the target zone. For a single handed cast (with a sinking leader or sink tip line) using a single or double-haul, followed by shooting the line, makes this easy.

A fly line with a floating/weight-forward taper design is the best fly line for this type of cast. The heavy taper of this line casts sinking leaders and sink tips well while the floating component allows for easy mending when swinging the line.

As the fly line makes contact with the water, immediately throw an upstream mend in the fly line. This will help sink both the fly line and the fly more quickly. Follow up by dropping the rod tip and move it across in front of you, stopping at the point where you want the fly to swing to.

You will notice that a downstream “belly” will form in the fly line as the fly line swings down-and-across. The size of the belly will determine the “swimming speed” of the fly as it swings across in the current. Multiple mends of the fly line eliminates or reduces the fly line belly size, slows the speed of the fly and makes the fly sink deeper. By minimizing line mending you can keep the fly line belly large, causing higher fly speeds on the swing but with higher fly position in the water column.

The tributary water temperature will determine at what level you need to get the fly to on the swing. In warmer flows (above 50 degrees F), steelhead tend to look up more for a fly, so one or no mends are all that are usually needed. In colder flows (below 50 degrees), steelhead tend to keep tighter to the stream bottom and prefer slower fly speeds. These conditions will require at least 1 or 2 mends to get the fly down.

In really cold flows (less than 40 degrees), multiple follow-up mends are needed to initiate strikes from sluggish steelhead. Making an initial cast greater than 45 degrees is also helpful to get flies down to bottom hugging fish.

Fly depth on the swing is also controlled by the sinking system used in the fly line. By using sink tips of different lengths and sink rates (measured in inches per second or grain weight) for the water flow and depth being fished, you can precisely control the depth of the fly. This is analogous to changing split-shot when dead-drifting.

For smaller tributaries, as well as medium to low tributary flows, custom mini-tips (made out of 2 to 6 feet lengths of sinking shooting head material) and sinking leaders (7 to 12 feet) work well. For big tributaries and high run-off conditions standard sink tip lines (as long as 15 feet) work better. Deep, strong currents on big water may call for 24 foot sink tips or “heads” (which are available in 150-600 grains).

Interlocking loop systems allows these leaders and tips to be easily interchanged on the stream depending on the water flow and depth encountered. Several fly line manufacturers sell fly lines that come with an assortment of interchangeable sink tips (of different sink rates) that cover most water conditions encountered.

Density compensated sinking leaders and sink tips (which have a tapered design) compensate for the thinner diameter front section by adding a denser sinking material to the front portion of the leader or tip. This keeps the leader or tip sinking in a straight line (tip sinks at the same speed as the body) resulting in less line hang-ups on the stream bottom, better strike detection and faster hook-ups.

Along with the sinking system, leader length also plays a key role in fly depth. Leaders in the 4 to 9 foot range will keep the fly higher up in the current flow versus a shorter leader (less than 4 feet) which is ideal for keeping the fly down close to the stream bottom when steelhead are moving less for a fly.

Fly depth can be fine tuned by crimping a small amount of shot to the leader or adding various size brass or tungsten beads to the leader. The beads will slide down to the front of the fly during casting and on the swing.

When trying to get the fly down deep on the swing it is best to rely on your sinking system versus using a heavily weighted fly. Keeping the fly as light as possible will allow the fly to have a lively and natural swimming action on the swing. Flies that are too light (like plastic tube body flies) need some weight added to them (like a light conehead) for proper leader turnover.

To methodically cover a pool or run after the initial swing is made with the fly, lengthen subsequent casts in increments of a foot or so until you have satisfactorily covered a desired section of water. Next, take a few steps downstream and begin the entire sequence again.

Most steelhead take the fly at the end of the swing (more likely chasing the fly across the current and hitting it from the rear as it stops) so it is important to anticipate the strike at that point. At the end of the swing, hold the fly directly downstream of you in the current and then follow-up with a strip retrieve. This can induce strikes especially with large streamer, leech and wooly bugger type patterns which provide a lot of movement in the current flow.

The traditional swing presentation allows the steelheader to see the river in a larger view, both downstream and bank-to-bank, as he fishes. It is quite a different experience versus the more localized and focused dead-drift method. You become more in-tuned with the larger flow of the river. The casts and mends of your fly line become intimately intertwined with long runs, riffles and pool tail-out’s as you methodically swing your fly through likely steelhead lies.

This slower, more patient approach often rudely becomes interrupted with the jarring take of an aggressive and hard-hitting steelhead which is hell bent on taking your fly (and fly rod) back to Lake Erie!

For more detailed information on swinging flies for Great Lakes steelhead refer to John Nagy’s classic book Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead (Updated and Expanded 4th Edition) which is available in both soft cover and hard cover editions (signed/including a fly tied by author). John Nagy’s newly released Steelheader’s Journal makes a great companion book to his Steelhead Guide. Both books are available through Great Lakes Publishing. See right menu bar for ordering information.

 John Nagy also offers Solitude Fly Reels (the "guides" reel) and the John Nagy custom made "Noodle" Fly Rod (which has gotten rave reveiws!). See right menu bar for ordering information on those products as well.

Spring Steelies by John Nagy

Blue bells and spring steelhead fishing on an Ohio steelhead tributary

Fly fishing the Lake Erie tributary streams in the spring is in a lot of ways a paradox of the winter steelhead season. To begin with, stream temperatures are pushed from the frigid low 30’s into the 40 degree F plus range. This causes sluggish steelhead already in the streams to become more active and aggressive

Rising air temperatures and spring rains melt winter snow cover and stream ice resulting in higher flows. This, in turn, brings fresh runs of steelhead in from Lake Erie

Steelhead begin moving from their winter locations (deep, slow moving pools and eddies) to shallow gravel beds fulfilling their strong spawning urges. This usually occurs in late February and continues through April. Scientists have determined that this spawning behavior is triggered by a combination of two factors: stream temperatures (40 degrees F or above) and increasing "photo periods" or periods of light versus dark.

Locating spawning areas can result in some fantastic (and controversial) steelhead fly fishing during this time of the year. This is not only true for spawning steelhead on their beds but also pre-spawn fish located nearby and spawned out steelies (drop-back fish) heading back to the lake.

Ideal spawning areas are basically riffles, which have large-size diameter gravel, are 1-4 feet deep, and have darker color bottoms. Next to these areas are usually deeper runs, pockets, or pools which harbor pre-spawn and post spawn fish, as well as fish that have been spooked off their beds.

Actual spawning involves a female steelhead moving into a spawning area and digging out a redd. She will do this by turning on her side and making powerful upsweeps of her tail in the gravel. The current washes away loose gravel until a saucer shaped hole has formed which will hold her eggs. Males will be attracted by this activity and begin competing for spawning rights, with the largest and most heavily kyped males winning out. They will use their superior power and large kypes (which are grown for this purpose) to drive inferior males from the redd. After the female drops her eggs, about 20 % of what she is carrying, the dominant male will fertilize them (sometimes one, or possible two, sub-dominant male will also participate), and the female moves immediately upstream to begin making another redd. The displaced gravel from this redd covers the previously fertilized eggs downstream. The female will continue this process until she is spawned out.

When you are fly fishing a spawning bed there are several things to keep in mind. If you don’t notice any spawning activity on the bed itself, blind fish adjacent deep-holding areas. As previously stated, these areas can hold steelies that are not in a spawning mode.

Fishing on the redds themselves has a simple strategy; fish for the males. They will be easy to distinguish from the females since they appear almost black while the females are bright silver. If you catch the female first, the males will quickly scatter. These aggressive males become very territorial and are not actually feeding, but will chase flies to dominate the redd.

Before fishing, position yourself slightly upstream of the redd and cast your fly so it reaches stream bottom as it drifts through. Mend your line to maintain a dead-drift and keep a tight line so you are able to quickly set the hook. Try to visually follow your fly through the redd so that you target the males and react quickly to their takes.

More often than not you won’t be able to see spawning fish very well on the bed. This is usually the result of spring run-off, which causes high, turbid water, or a spawning bed with a dark bottom. The dead giveaway though is the female as she turns on her side; the tail shakes giving flashes of silver, or gold in muddy water. Wearing polarized sunglasses on bright days is a tremendous help in seeing these flashes. Mentally mark this spot in the stream and fish to areas just downstream where the males will be holding.

Effective fly patterns for spring steelhead include yellow, white, and black Wooly Buggers, bright egg patterns (glo-balls, sucker spawns, scrambled eggs and blood dots), various streamer patterns like the Lake Erie Emerald Shiner and Clouser Minnow, Wooly Buggers, Spring Wigglers and bead-head nymphs (prince’s, black stoneflies and green caddis larvae).

Fly rods in the 9 to 10 foot range with medium to medium-fast actions are ideal for fishing egg patterns, nymphs as well as wooly buggers and streamers. Longer 10 ½ foot fly rods (custom made from "noodle" spinning blanks) provide superior line and leader control when trying to achieve drag-free drifts. They also allow for big fish playing capabilities on light tippets due to their soft actions and shock absorbing abilities.

A floating fly line, like the Wulff Triangle Taper, works well on the spawning beds particularly when fly casting at a relatively short distance (30 ft. or less). They have the delicacy of a double taper at short distances, which makes line mending rather easy, and at the same time provide the power of a weight forward to turn over split shot and floating indicators. This is due to their unique triangle taper configuration, which concentrates the bulk of the heavy part of the taper (which can interfere with drag-free drifts) away from the butt of the leader.

Leaders should be kept relatively short (9-10 feet) when fishing the beds. This allows for close in casting in relatively shallow water. In adjacent runs and pools (which are deeper) longer leaders up to 12 to 14 feet work better especially when using a floating indicator. Adding a florescent red section of Sunset Amnesia monofilament to the butt section of the leader is a good way to build a strike indicator into your leader especially when you are not using a float.

Fly fishing steelhead spawning beds seems to have its proponents and detractors. In the Pacific Northwest this practice is strongly discouraged on rivers with wild steelhead feeling it is very detrimental to successful spawning. On the other hand Michigan steelheaders seem to have no problem with fishing on the beds even though 50 % of their fish are known to be naturally reproduced.

The American tributaries of Lake Erie produce a very small number of naturally reproduced steelhead (the runs are primarily based on hatchery raised steelhead smolts and fingerlings) so fishing the beds does not have much of an impact on future steelhead runs. One exception is Cattaraugus Creek in New York which has been documented with 25% naturally reproduced steelhead. Here it is not recommended to fish the beds in the spring to protect a developing wild steelhead fishery (several feeders to Cattaraugus Creek are actually closed to fishing in the spring inorder protect wild steelhead natural reproduction).

The Canadian tributaries of Lake Erie (Ontario Province) are almost entirely based on naturally reproduced steelhead runs with most tributaries closed in the winter and early spring to fishing.

If you do choose to fish spawning beds in the spring (where legal), land and release steelhead quickly, keep fish in water at all times, keep handling to a minimum and be sure not to wade on known spawning gravel.

Many steelheader's who frown on fishing steelhead spawning beds, prefer to target only pre-spawn, post-spawn and drop-back steelhead in order to protect both established and developing wild steelhead fisheries.

More detailed information on spring steelhead fishing can be found in John Nagy’s classic book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

John Nagy's New Book the "Steelheader's Journal" is now Available!

Painting by Les Troyer (titled “Steelhead Catch-and-Release”) from the “Steelheader’s Journal”<

John Nagy’s the “Steelheader’s Journal” is designed to help steelheaders in the "steelhead alley" region of Lake Erie, as well as throughout the Great Lakes, efficiently record information related to his or her tributary steelhead fly fishing trips
<This careful observation of details, as well as experiences, will not only make a better steelheader but also make steelhead fishing on the Great Lakes tributaries a much more satisfying and fulfilling experience

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A two page log/journal entry form (a total of 171 entry forms) allows steelheaders to log detailed information in over 25 categories (including various sub-categories) for each steelhead tributary fished that day. Some of these categories include weather, water temperature and flow, catches, technique, tackle, flies, rigging and access points. The “journal” section on the entry form allows steelheaders to write personal experiences and recollections for the day.>The Steelheader’s Journal (7x10 inches/192 pages/hard back) also has sections on the “do’s and don’ts of steelhead fishing, knot diagrams, a gear “pre-trip” checklist and a steelhead “profile”, as well as ample room for favorite steelhead contacts and misc. notes.>

The “old school” feel of the Steelheader’s Journal invites the steelheader to slow down and reflect carefully and thoughtfully on the days fishing. It is leather bound with low-sheen, natural paper and sepia ink (including a silk ribbon page marker and sewn binding for durability). It is also illustrated nicely by steelheader and artist Les Troyer including two color painting’s titled “Steelhead Catch-and-Release” and “In the Right Spot”.

John Nagy's Steelheader's Journal makes a great companion book to his classic Steelhead Guide

Reviews of the "Steelheader’s Journal"

“John Nagy’s new book the Steelheaders Journal is a beautifully organized and helpful publication which all Great Lakes steelheaders will enjoy and learn from. The quality of the lay out, artwork and John’s carefully worded advice has a “coffee table” look which has to be seen to be appreciated. Some sections are set aside for data entry and recording of data on each fish taken including a diary of special moments which this kind of publication preserves forever”.
>“There are also helpful tips on equipment, knots and pre-trip organization, all of which keep the angler focused, informed and connected to the rivers and streams of the Great Lakes steelhead. The quality and artwork alone more than justify the price , and it may be difficult for the angler to decide just where to keep this book-on the living room coffee table or inside his duffel bag, ready for the next trip.”

Lani Waller (Steelhead legend, guide/lodge owner, author and creator of the classic 3M/Scientific Anglers video series on fly fishing for steelhead. He also wrote the classics “River of Dreams” and “A Steelheader’s Way”).
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;“John Nagy is a master of his steelhead alley waters in every way! With his new Steelheaders’s Journal, with magnificant illustrations by Les Troyer, you delve into a world of old fashioned diary keeping. Including sections on the do’s and dont’s of steelhead fishing, a gear pre-trip checklist and knot diagrams, with the Steelheader’s Journal, the steelhead bum will always have a mantra to fall back on!”

<Matt Supinski (Great Lakes steelhead guide/lodge owner, writer and photographer/Muskegon,MI. The 10 year anniversary edition of Matt’s “Steelhead Dreams: The Theory, Method, Science and Madness of Great Lakes Steelhead Fly Fishing” is due to be released in the winter of 2011).
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“John Nagy’s Steelheader’s Journal is a great vehicle for cataloging your Great Lakes steelhead fishing trips. It provides a comprehensive way to record important details when planning future outings or when learning new techniques (which can be a key element to success). The journal also allows one to document the mood of the day and highlights of the experience from the eyes of the angler-personal thoughts that can be reflected upon at another time. Les Troyer’s illustrations and some well selected quotes complete its classic look and appeal.”

<Rick Kustich (Fly fishing author and photographer/Williamsville, NY. His upcoming new book is called “Advanced Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead” and will be released in February of 2013. In addition to great writing and photography, Rick's book will feature 6 of John Nagy's Great Lakes tube fly patterns).
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“Every Great Lakes Steelheader should own a copy of John Nagy’s Steelheader’s Journal. It not only provides the angler a means to record valuable information and fishing memories but also has plenty of vital steelhead fishing tips. The journals format and artwork are superb.”

<Joe Morgan (Veteran Great Lakes steelhead fly fisherman/Hamburg, NY).>

“John Nagy is a master of Great Lakes steelhead fly fishing as well as a fine writer and photographer. If you fish for these sometimes difficult fish, purchase his new book the Steelheader’s Journal along with his Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead; they are a perfect marriage.”

<Joe Ciavaglia (Steelheading enthusiast/ Jim Thorpe, PA).<

"John Nagy's Steelheader's Journal will help you build a foundation of knowledge that will enhance your fishing experience, and also improve your chances of success when chasing steelhead in the tributaries of the Great Lakes. By using the journal to document your fishing experiences, you are laying the ground work for future success."
 

Jack Hanrahan (Erie Times-News photographer and frequent contributor to Fly Fisherman Magazine and Eastern Fly Fishing)

The Steelheader’s Journal makes a great companion book to John Nagy’s popular "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead" (updated and expanded 4th edition). The Steelhead Guide covers in detail how the techniques, equipment, flies, steelhead behavior, stream conditions and weather all combine to produce a successful Lake Erie steelhead trip. It has also proven to be very valuable to steelheaders in the rest of the Great Lakes region as well.<

John Nagy's Steelheader's Journal

 is now available!

jj

Please click on the following link to order a signed copy of the book:

Order the Steelheader's Journal

jj

Any questions in regards to ordering the Steelheader's Journal please contact John Nagy at (412) 531-5819 or steelheadguide@hotmail.com

Winter Steelheading Tips by John Nagy

Lone winter steelheader enjoying solitude on a Lake Erie steelhead tributary

Winter steelhead fishing provides the fly fisher with great opportunities to catch some of the biggest steelhead of the season

Hard-core steelheaders live for this time of the year; but be prepared for lake- effect snow, tributary slush flows and shelf ice, numb fingers with an added bonus of solitude

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-When tributary temperatures drop into the mid to low 30's steelheader's need not hit their favorite steelhead hole at the crack of dawn. Better to sleep in and try from late morning to early afternoon when water temperatures have nudged up enough to activate lethargic steelhead into biting (morning surface slush flows are usually also melted by then). Don't worry about the crowds; solitude is the norm in winter steelheading.
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-Dead-drifting flies like egg patterns and bead-head nymphs as well as small wooly buggers and streamers are deadly in the ice water tributary flows of winter as long as you keep them near the stream bottom (where winter steelhead hold), drifting at or slightly slower than the bottom water current. Incorporating brass, tungsten or glass beads as well as wire ribbing and heavier shanked hooks into these patterns ensures that they stay near the bottom and allows for less shot usage.

-Winter steelhead can be very finicky and fussy and prefer smaller, dead-drifted flies drifted literally into their face. They will rarely move more than a couple of inches for a fly on a dead-drift. With this said, it is extremely important to perform multiple drift presentations and cover the drift completely, whether a run, pool tail-out or back-eddy. The difference of a few inches in your presentation can result in a hook-up that you would have otherwise missed.

-Successful winter steelheading means patience. Multiple presentations covering the entire drift, precise indicator depth adjustment, tippet (length/size) and shot adjustments, fly changes (size/color) are all part of the game to get that perfect drift to steelhead that at times seem to have a severe case of lock-jaw!

-Dress properly for the frigid conditions (knit cap, wool fingerless gloves and mitts, thermal underwear, fleece jacket, windbreaker, chemical hand warmers, neoprene style/boot foot waders) and periodically walk between holes and runs to keep feet and hands warm for the fishing action.

-During a severe winter cold snap, steelhead will forgo overhead cover and hold in slower pools and runs that have moderate depth (4 feet or less) and dark bottoms. These locations (you have to fish them before they freeze over or break the ice and come back later) energize and activate steelhead since sunlight penetration warms the stream bottom as well as the backs of the steelhead. During milder winter periods look for steelhead to hold in more deeper bend pools, pool tail-outs, pool back eddies and runs as well as faster/broken water areas which all provide good cover from predators and direct sunlight without “super-chilling” the steelhead.

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This buck winter steelhead could not resist a bead-head scrambled eggs!

-Accidentally dunking your fly reel in the water is a “no-no” for the winter steelheader. The reel can quickly freeze-up and bind in sub-freezing air temperatures. Your windshield heater blower comes in handy to quickly thaw/dry frozen reels (although a complete drying will be required later to remove all the water in the reel).

-Felt bottom wading boots can quickly build up with snow making hiking along your favorite tributary difficult. Companies like Korkers, Simms and Patagonia offer rubber soled wading boots that are ideal for hiking in the snow without snow buildup. The Korker and Simms models also come studded.

-The tip top on your fly rod is the first guide to freeze over in sub-freezing air temperatures making fly casting, performing techniques and playing fish difficult and at times impossible. Remedies for this include installing an over-size tip top and over-size snake guides on your custom made fly rod (the John Nagy “noodle” fly rod has these built-in/see photo above) and applying Vaseline lip balm or Stanley ice off paste to the tip top and snake guides periodically throughout the day to prevent/slow down freeze-up.

-Fly fishing in the winter is tough on fly lines particularly when you cast them through iced over guides on your fly rod which can damage the exterior coating of the fly line. At some point this is going to happen no matter how diligent you are at keeping ice off the guides. A good strategy is to have a fly line strictly for sub-freezing conditions and keep your good lines for other times (fall and spring).
 

-Swinging flies in frigid tributary winter flows (30 degree range) can be successful as long as you keep your fly on the bottom (use the fastest sinking leader or sink tip you have without dragging bottom on the swing) and slow down the swimming speed of your fly (by doing multiple upstream mends of your fly line on the swing). Also use fly patterns like zonkers, marabou speys, long winged streamers, wooly buggers and sculpins that incorporate materials like marabou, artic fox tail, rabbit strip fur, temple dog fur, schlappen feathers, etc. that have great movement in the current flow.

Adding beads, cones or using metal tube designs will help keep these flies on the bottom. Adding fluorescent color(s) or a little flash material to the pattern can entice strikes. Swing them through pool tail-outs, eddies and slower/deep runs (of course you will need open water areas!). Jigging the fly or using a strip retrieve at the end of the swing can also be effective. Again, a few degree temperature increase during the day (usually occurring from mid-day to early afternoon) can activate steelhead into taking a fly.

-Run-off from winter snow-melt usually runs clear (typically a slow, steady melt) as long as night time air temperatures stay below the freezing mark. Rain and rising air temperatures though can quickly melt snow cover and result in high/stained tributary conditions.

-A common strategy for winter steelheaders is to break the ice in a pool that is partially iced over (using their feet and/or downed tree branches), letting it rest for awhile and then coming back later to fish it. Surprisingly the steelhead settle down pretty quickly after all the commotion. Dead-drifted flies are particularly effective after this tactic. This is a relatively easy thing to do when the ice cover is thinner (and in pools that can be waded) but with really thick ice it is not advisabe unless your looking for a sprained or even broken ankle!

-It is hard to predict what kind of tributary conditions ice water steelheaders will encounter on the Lake Erie tributaries during the winter. During mild winters, they remain open (including the lake shore) with only nuisance slush and ice flows in the morning.

Severe winters usually mean complete freeze-over (including the lake shore) in January and February. This is not a total loss since steelhead fishing through the ice (at the tributary mouths, marinas and lake shore) can produce some incredible action; albeit not fly fishing style. (It is pretty difficult fly casting your fly into a 8" hole cut through the ice!)

During a more average climatic winter, expect periodic tributary freeze-overs with both a traditional "January" thaw and also a number of "mini-thaws" opening up the tributary flows to fishing.

Note: Often the toughest part of winter steelhead fishing is actually getting to (and traveling back) from the Lake Erie tributaries. Local steelheaders definitely have an advantage here. Anyone considering steelhead fishing this time of the year (and traveling at a distance) should carefully monitor the weather for lake effect snow and ice conditions as they impact the interstates and state routes. No steelhead is worth being stranded on the highway or getting into an accident for. Look for "windows" in the weather for traveling to and from the tribs. If bad weather hits (after a day of winter steelheading) seriously consider spending the night at a local motel to avoid any problems.

More detailed information on winter steelheading can be found in John Nagy's classic book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead". His new "Steelheader's Journal" makes a great companion book to the Steelhead Guide and is now available. 

2012 Fall Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

Fall buck steelhead that fell for a black stonefly nymph

An early fall cool down this past September and early October, along with some decent run-off has brought some early runs of steelhead into the lower reaches of most Lake Erie tributaries. Most of October has been relatively dry but a good amount of precipitation is forecast for later in the month into November (including remnants from hurricane Sandy).

A surprising number of steelhead caught so far have been large (up to 30 inches). One theory is that the mild winter/spring last season along with the early spawn (March) has had a positive effect on both the survivability and health of last year’s run. The result could be both good numbers and size of steelhead this fall (as well as earlier runs). The intensity of the fall run on the tributaries (as always) will be directly related to consistent, periodic run-off episodes with remnants from fall hurricanes and added bonus.

Even though Cattaraugus Creek in NY has been exceptionally low most of this fall (due to a low water table) it has had some early fall runner’s including some trophy size steelhead.

Brown trout numbers have been excellent so far this fall, especially on the Pennsylvania tributaries, with brownies averaging 5-6 lbs. (trophy size fish have been up to 10 lbs.)

Expect early fall run-off to be heavily silted (requiring longer time to clear) due to summer silt accumulation. Also, the fall leaf drop usually peaks at the end of October with most leaves clear from the tribs by early to mid-November.

On October 24, 2011 the Lake Erie water temperature (degrees F) off Toledo was 53, off Cleveland was 57, off Erie was 57 and off Buffalo was 57.

News Around the Lake Erie Region

Steelheaders can review historical Lake Erie steelhead smolt stocking data from 1990-2011 (as well as brown trout, salmon and lake trout stocking numbers) by going to the Lake Erie Coldwater Task Group Report (March 2012) at:  http://www.glfc.org/lakecom/lec/CWTG_docs/annual_reports/CWTG_report_2012.pdf 
Yearly stocking data can be found on pages 47-49 of the report.

Lake Erie Steelhead smolt stocking for 2011 (including a small number of domestic rainbows) was as follows: OH (265,469), PA (1,091,793), NY (305,780), MI (61,445) and Ontario (36,730). 2012 smolt stocking data is not presently available but is similar to 2011 totals. The NY 2011 steelhead smolt stocking was the highest number of steelhead ever stocked in the NY tributaries of Lake Erie by the NYDEC.

It is interesting to note that no salmon have been stocked into the Lake Erie basin by any state or province agency since 2003 (the last year for coho stocking by PA) and 1997 (the last year for chinook stocking by NY) but every fall a small number of salmon are caught. Apparently there is a naturally reproducing source for these returning salmon (or other unknown source). Why were the salmon stockings discontinued?

Salmon returns into the Lake Erie tributaries were becoming marginal at best. Steelhead demonstrated better growth, survival and return rates and were more versatile feeders (versus salmon) in the rather shallow Lake Erie ecosystem. The end result was discontinuing salmon stocking and managing and developing an interagency Lake Erie steelhead fishery that has now become world famous.

The balance of salmonid stocking in Lake Erie includes brown trout (which has seen a recent resurgence with yearly stockings by both NY and PA and lake trout (whose restoration by the US Fish & Wildlife Service /USF&WS has been hampered by the resurgence of sea lamprey populations in Lake Erie).

Michael Fodale of the USF&WS is concerned about the adult sea lamprey population in Lake Erie. Presently, there are estimated to be 15 to 30,000 adult sea lampreys in Lake Erie. A parasitic phase sea lamprey can destroy up to 40 lbs of fish during its lifetime.

Despite lampricide treatments in 9 Lake Erie lamprey producing tributaries in the spring of 2008 and the fall of 2009, adult lamprey populations are at record levels based on sea lamprey nest counts the last two springs, trap catches in several Lake Erie tributaries and higher steelhead wounding rates.

The barometer for sea lamprey populations in Lake Erie has always been lake trout wounding rates. An obvious disconnect exists there now since lake trout wounding rates are declining (except for large lake trout over 736 mm with wounding rates of  163 wounds/100 fish based on survey data in the 2012 Lake Erie Coldwater Task Group Report).

Fodale believes a possible recruitment area for sea lampreys in Lake Erie could be the Lake Huron/Lake Erie corridor (St Clair and Detroit Rivers) as well as harbor and near shore areas in the western basin area. Last June (2011), a USF&WS sea lamprey population estimate survey in the St Clair River revealed a larval sea lamprey population of 150,000 (based on 34 surveyed plots of 500 meter square in size). This lamprey population is the only documented, un-treated sea lamprey population in the Lake Erie basin.

A mark/recapture juvenile sea lamprey study begun this fall by the USF&WS will determine if tagged sea lampreys released from the St Clair River and several Lake Erie tributaries can survive and show-up in the eastern basin of Lake Erie. Fodale says that if returning marked adult lampreys are captured in any number from the St Clair River this could mean that reproducing sea lampreys are coming from the St Clair River.

During 2013, USF&WS crews will work to inventory larval habitat and estimate the abundance of sea lamprey larvae in the St Clair River to determine the magnitude of the population and the best solution (s) if control is warranted.

In the future sea lamprey control by USF&WS could include using lab refined lamprey mating pheromones (scents emitted by male lampreys to attract females) to "guide" spawning phase sea lampreys into rivers baited with lamprey traps treated with lampricide.

Other plans for Lake Erie sea lamprey control include: A US Army Corp of Engineers study to access the feasibility of repairing or rebuilding the Harpersfield Dam on the Grand River, OH (including lamprey control modifications), construction completion of a lamprey trap at the Scoby Hill Dam on Cattaraugus Creek, NY, and efforts to find a lamprey candidate site on on Big Otter Creek on the Ontario side of Lake Erie.

In Ohio, Kevin Kayle of the Ohio Department of Wildlife (ODW) has confirmed that the renovations to the Castalia State Fish Hatchery have been complete. These improvements (including a 900 foot enclosed raceway and a new water condition monitoring system) will allow the ODW to except strictly steelhead eggs from Michigan (as opposed to all fingerlings).

The improved quality control of egg incubation and juvenile rearing will hopefully result in bigger steelhead smolts for stocking the Ohio tributaries of Lake Erie. Presently they are averaging about 6 inches with Pennsylvania steelhead smolts around 6.6 inches and New York smolts a rather small 4 to 5 inches (the NY smolts are limited in growth due to the cold water intake of the Salmon River fish hatchery). Too large a smolt can be problematic in that larger smolts can result in pre-mature smoltificaton in the hatchery and not in the tributaries.

Kevin Kayle believes that the increased quality control of the newly renovated hatchery could mean increased steelhead smolt production (right now they at 400,00 per year) and stocking additional Ohio Lake Erie tributaries in the future (like Ashtabula Creek, Cuyahoga River and Huron River). But first he says the ODW will have to see how egg production goes now.

In Pennsylvania, Chuck Murray of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) plans on quantifying the Pennsylvania steelhead fishery with a population study to be conducted at Godfrey Run. The study will use an artificial trap (to be operated 10 times per month) to monitor both adult returning steelhead (September) and emigrating steelhead smolts (March). A new PF&BC angler diary program will also be initiated to determine catch rates on the Pennsylvania tributaries.

Murray says that this fall on the Pennsylvania tributaries multiple year classes of brown trout should be arriving (the fall of 2009 was the first year for the PF&BC brown trout stocking program). This past spring 30,000 brown trout were stocked with a total of 29, 015 planned to be stocked this fall. All these fish are Rome NY hatchery strain browns, which the NYDEC also uses in its Lake Erie brown trout stocking program.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has acquired 92 acres of property from the Fairview Evergreen Nurseries. The property (which is located ½ mile south of Erie Bluffs State Park) includes access to Elk Creek and will be open to the public for fishing and recreational activities.

The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will host the 2nd annual Great Lakes Steelhead Expo on November 3, 2012/11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Rainbow Gardens, Waldameer Park, Erie, Pennsylvania.

This past October, the PF&BC completed an easement agreement with the Lawrence Park Golf Club allowing steelheaders to fish upstream of cables (to Route 5) on Four Mile Creek. The completion of a fish ladder (July 2010) and natural rock cut bypass channel (December 2011) on the golf property has facilitated steelhead movement past Route 20. Good access is provided above the golf course property at Napier Township Park and Wesleyville Borough Park. Steelheaders should be aware that a 100 ft. zone below the fish ladder is off limits to fishing.

In New York, Jim Markham of the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) relates that the NYDEC’s September 2011 to May 2012/Angler Creel Survey (for the Lake Erie tributaries of Western NY) has been completed.

The data collected showed overall catch rates increasing from .54 fish/hour in 2010 to .70 fish/hour in 2011. This was similar to 2009 catch rates and higher than the long term average of .51 fish/hour. Markham says the runs are better now (2012) in Western NY than 2 years ago (2010). His says the sub-par run 2 years ago was also characteristic in PA and OH.

The Chautauqua Creek Dam Modification Project was completed this past August 2012. For the next 3 years, Jim Markham will conduct a fish passage survey (above the modified low level dams) to compare with pre-project data already collected. He will also be looking at any differences in wild steelhead natural reproduction with previously collected data. The primary goal of the project was to facilitate steelhead passage above the dams and encourage wild steelhead natural production in this upper water (where ideal spawning and rearing conditions exist).

A 2009 study by Markham showed young of year (YOY) steelhead were the highest in a 3 year sampling period at a site below the dams. Also, YOY densities at a sampling site above the dams were comparable to the most productive sites below the dams in past years.

A steelhead otolith microchemistry study by Jeff Miner and Chris Boehler of Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has shown that an amazing number of returning adult steelhead sampled in various NY Lake Erie tributaries (both spring and fall sampling) were of PA and OH origin (approximately 75%). Surveyed streams included Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Creeks. 

The BGSU researchers believe this could be a result of a number of factors including:

-70% of the almost 2 million steelhead smolts stocked in Lake Erie each year are from PA and OH (NY stocks approximately 300,000 steelhead smolts into its NY Lake Erie tributaries).

-PA and OH stock numerous of their steelhead tributaries near river mouths (February-April), often during high flows, which may force smolts into Lake Erie thereby affecting straying into NY tributaries.

-The small size of NY smolts (110-130mm) versus the desirable stocking size of  >160 mm could have an impact on NY smolt mortality.

-Most NY steelhead smolts are stocked farther upstream putting them into competion with naturally reproducing steelhead juveniles (the study showed that less than 10% of NY returning adult steelhead were of naturally reproduced origin).

BGSU plans to do more steelhead microchemistry work in the future to better understand the dynamics of returning adult steelhead to their release tributaries. They will also be looking at emigration of steelhead smolts from the Lake Erie tributaries as well as sea lamprey attach rates.

The Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project is still ongoing with a new US Army Corps. Of Engineers project manager on board to oversee the project. Results of a feasibility study (to be completed in 2014) will determine whether to remove, modify and/or repair the Springville Dam on Cattaraugus Creek.

Surplus Skamania steelhead from the Salmon River Fish Hatchery were stocked in the Cat this past spring (in addition to the bulk stocking of Salmon River Strain juvenile steelhead) but the NYDEC does not anticipate a repeat stocking this coming spring. Surplus Skamania steelhead have been stocked in the Cat seven of the last eight years. Steelheaders should be able to distinguish them from the Salmon River Strain by an adipose and left pectoral fin clip made by the NYDEC.

A regulation proposal allowing multiple hook points on the Lake Erie tributaries has been adopted by the NYDEC for implementation on October 1, 2012. This new reg will legalize dropper flies (including tandem flies) as well as spinners and spoons with treble hooks for steelhead fishing on the Lake Erie tributaries.

More detailed information on steelhead fishing in the Lake Erie region can be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”. Steelheader’s looking for a detailed way to keep track of their steelhead adventures should check out John Nagy’s new book the “Steelheader’s Journal”.