2025 Fall Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

 

Fall steelhead “chromer” caught on Lake Erie tributary stream

As of October 9th, 2025 the Lake Erie water temperature (degrees F) off Toledo was 71 degrees, off Cleveland was 69 degrees, off Erie was 68 degrees and off Buffalo was 67 degrees.*

*Please go to the USGS real-time temperature data in the right menu bar for water temperatures for select Lake Erie tributaries.

As the days or “photo-periods” become shorter and the Lake Erie lake shore begins to nudge down to 68 degrees F, in early to mid September, steelhead (including some brown trout) will begin staging along the Lake Erie lake shore and tributary mouths as a “pre-spawn” movement.

Early cool fall rains and tributary run-off (54 degrees F or less) will initiate the first steelhead “runs” of the season into the lower part of Lake Erie's tributary streams. The smaller size tributaries (which cool quicker in late summer/early fall) will result in some of the earliest steelhead action in “steelhead alley” region of OH, PA and NY. Remnants of fall hurricanes and fall nor'easters coming up the Atlantic coast can bring bonus run-off episodes on the tributaries during dry falls.

2024 Lake Erie Steelhead Stockings*

*2024 steelhead stocking data not available yet

Lake Erie steelhead (smolt) stocking numbers for 2024 include: PA (817,488/51.6%), OH (466,520/29.5%), NY (251,104/13.6%), Michigan (50,048/3.1%) and ON (32,992/2%)).

This steelhead stocking total for 2024 (1,582,152) was a 11% decrease from 2023 and slightly below the long-term (1990-2023) average annual stocking of 1,837,578. Since 1993, annual stocking numbers have consistently been in the 1.7-2.0 million fish range for the Lake.

100,000 of Pennsylvania's steelhead stocking total in 2024 also included 100,000 Shasta strain rainbow trout (obtained from the ODNR). These fish were fin clipped (adipose fin) to determine their return rates and contribution to the fishery. Pennsylvania total steelhead stocked in 2024 (including rainbow trout) was down from its annual stocking objective of 1 million steelhead yearlings. This reduced stocking (which is even lower in 2025) was a result of changes in hatchery rearing and facilities available to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) for steelhead production (see below under PA).

50,000 of NY's total steelhead stocking total in 2024 also included domestic rainbow trout from the NY's Bath State Fish Hatchery, which in combination with steelhead stockings, was above their annual stocking target of 192,500 steelhead. Cattaraugus Creek received 20,604 surplus steelhead as a result of this above average stocking target.

Juvenile steelhead stocking in Ohio for 2024 was 16% above target objective of 400,000 yearling steelhead (including Shasta strain rainbow Trout).

The 2024 stocking strains of steelhead by the Lake Erie fishery agencies are 97% “naturalized” Great Lakes strains (with West Coast origin). They are as follows: PA (Lake Erie strain collected from Trout Run nursery waters and Shasta River Rainbow Trout), NY (Washington Strain collected from Lake Ontario's Salmon River in NY), OH (combination of L. Manistee River strain and Shasta River Rainbow Trout) and MI (L. Manistee River strain/Lake Michigan).

2024 Lake Erie Brown Trout Stockings*

*2024 brown trout stocking data not available yet

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) stocked approximately 163,394 yearling and adult brown trout in its Lake Erie waters in 2024 (the only fishery agency stocking brown trout into Lake Erie presently).

This was a substantial increase from 2023 and a big increase in the long-term (1990-2021) average annual stocking of 87,412 Brown Trout. The increase was a direct result of the PF&BC's decision not to raise steelhead anymore at its Tionesta State Fish Hatchery, which made more room for brown trout rearing (see below under PA).

These fish are in support of a put-grow-take brown trout program that was initiated in 2009. This program supports both an inland PF&BC brown trout fishery for tributary spring trout anglers and a Lake Erie lake-run brown trout fishery based in the Lake (with the potential of trophy lake-run brown trout “running” into the lake shore/tributaries on a fall spawning run). The PF&BC plans in 2025 to stock even more Brown trout to help make up for the steelhead stocking deficit.

Ohio

-The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) continued stocking the Cuyahoga River with steelhead in 2025 after its initial stocking in 2024 (both stockings included 60,000 steelhead juveniles). The Cuyahoga River for decades had a long history of industrial pollution and abuse (so polluted it famously caught on fire in the late 1960's). Conservation efforts in recent years cleaned this river up to allow these steelhead stockings and opened up 32 miles of public access to steelhead fishing.

-In 2024, the Harpersfield Dam lamprey barrier on the Grand River, was retrofitted with a second steel lip (on the upper barrier) to solve a nappe vibration that occurred under certain discharges. On Conneaut Creek, key landowners have rejected a new permanent lamprey barrier project on the river. An alternative to the barrier could be repairing the Bessemer Dam (located in PA on Temple Run a tributary of the East Branch of Conneaut Creek) and using portable electrical barriers to prevent escapement upstream.

-The Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders Association will be holding its 31^st annual Steelhead Expo, Saturday, September 27th, 2025 at the Rocky River Nature Center in North Olmsted, OH.

-Chagrin River Outfitters will be running a series of steelhead instruction schools in 2025 (Steelhead 101, 201 and 301) starting in September and going through November in Chagrin Falls, OH. Call Dan Pribanic of CRO at (440) 247-7110 for registration information.

Pennsylvania

-In 2024 and 2025, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) reduced its yearly steelhead stocking with the purpose of keeping all steelhead eggs obtained from returning Lake Erie fish in the same basin. (Approximately 800,000 steelhead in 2024 which included 100,000 Shasta strain rainbow trout and down to 500,000 steelhead in 2025 with no rainbow trout).

In the past, the PF&BC sent fertilized steelhead eggs to the Tionesta State Fish Hatchery, which is out of the Lake Erie watershed. The Tionesta Hatchery had been annually producing stocking size smolt steelhead (averaging 400,000 to 500,000 per year).

After the PF&BC tested a false positive for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) at the Tionesta Hatchery, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommended to the PF&BC not to move any eggs out of the basin to prevent the spread of VHS. This forced the PF&BC to rear all steelhead at the Fairview State Fish Hatchery, which the PF&BC is now actively working to modify and expand to increase its steelhead rearing capacity and get back to its yearly steelhead stocking of 1 million yearlings.

The PF&BC expects it to take 4-5 years to get back to its yearly target steelhead stocking total. Adult Pennsylvania steelhead runs may be down in coming years (with 3-year-olds starting in 2026) but the PF&BC plans to make up for less steelhead with record lake run brown trout stockings. The PF&BC also hopes that stray steelhead (adult steelhead that have strayed from their home PA juvenile stocking tributary to nearby states in Lake Erie) will take the biggest hit on overall reduced steelhead adult return rates on the PA tributary streams.

-In 2025, the PF&BC awarded a grant sourced from the PF&BC Lake Erie Access Improvement Program (LEAIP) for Phase II of the McKean Conservation Area Project located on the upper part of Elk Creek in McKean Township, PA. Phase I and II project features include: pavilion, parking, signage, ADA accessible trail (all completed) and more formal parking, rain garden, ADA fishing platform on Elk Creek.

-In 2025 the PF&BC approved the purchase of a property easement in Girard Township, PA along North Creek Road for $170,000 from MJS Improvements (using LEAIP funding). The property easement included 7.52 acres and 535 feet of total stream footage along Elk Creek (between Whiteman's Bridge and the Conrail RR tunnels) and is located next to a 5.5 acre property already owned by the PF&BC known as the former PF&BC Coho hatchery. The PF&BC plans to remove all structures from both sites and develop formal parking areas and better access to Elk Creek.

-In 2025, the PF&BC approved a special regulation for fishing on Walnut Creek between Route 5 and Manchester Road bridge. The regulation limits fishing in this area to one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset to prevent steelhead anglers from disturbing residents with any flashlights or headlamps when accessing Walnut Creek at night.

-The Gilmore property off Beckman Road provides good access for steelheaders accessing Elk Creek south of I 90. The Outdoor Corps (an affiliate of the PA DCNR) has recently made improvements to the access corridor to Elk Creek (on the Gilmore property) starting at the parking lot on Beckman Road. This includes clearing paths, covering paths with crushed concrete and stone, and installing a set of wooden steps down the steep descent to Elk Creek. The PF&BC plans in August 2025 to double the size of the existing parking lot.

Steelheaders should be aware that the Beckman Road bridge is closed due to a rebuild (opening 2028) and that accessing the Gilmore property off Beckman Road will require a detour off Tannery Road (taking Keefer and Franklin Roads).

-The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association (PSA) will be holding its 4^th annual Fall Run picnic on Saturday, September 27^th @ 2PM at the Pleasant Ridge Park Pavilion, Girard, PA. This year's honoree is Jim Simonelli who has volunteered for many years with the PSA, the 3CU Trout Association and the Gem City Fly Tyers. Tickets are available at PSA general meetings, local tackle shops, online and at the door.

New York

-In June 2025, the Seneca Nations of Indians (SNI) amended their fishing regulations on Cattaraugus Creek to require any non-tribal members wishing to fish in restricted areas on Cattaraugus Creek must be accompanied by an enrolled SNI member. A map of these restricted areas can be found at: https://sni.org/community-services/conservation/

-The NYDEC says its fishery experiment at the Salmon River State Fish Hatchery (begun in 2021) to increase the size of spring steelhead yearlings was initially successful, by grading and growing juvenile steelhead as large as possible inside and then supplementing the outdoor hatchery raceways with warmer inside water during the colder winter months. But in recent years the benefits of this hatchery technique has stalled and even reverted to pre-experiment sizes.

The NYSDEC says that this was likely due to limitations in water quality and quantity at the hatchery. Future improvements at the hatchery to increase dissolved oxygen concentration are hoped to increase juvenile steelhead growth.

Fishery studies in the Great Lakes have shown that producing and stocking a larger steelhead yearling increases initial smolt survival rates and eventually better adult return rates. Studies have also shown that stocking steelhead smolts lower in the tributaries increases smolt survivability and adult return rates (a strategy that the NYDEC has started implementing).

Lake Erie Tributary Angler Surveys

-A 2023-2024 tributary angler survey (on the Ohio steelhead tributaries of Lake Erie by the ODNR) showed an average steelhead catch rate of .23 fish/hour. This was slightly below the catch rate goal of .25 fish/hour set in 2020 by the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. This survey is planned to continue in 2024-2025.

In contrast, a tributary angler survey partnered by the PF&BC and the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association on Pennsylvania's steelhead tributaries (also in 2023-2024) documented an excellent .97 fish/ hour catch rate.

The NYSDEC, has an ongoing 2024-2025 tributary angler survey on the Western NY tributaries of Lake Erie, designed to monitor steelhead catch rates and angler effort.

Fly Fishing Cattaraugus Creek, NY for Steelhead by John Nagy

 

November Cattaraugus Creek hen steelhead that could not resist a Nagy Steelie Rock Worm.

Of all the steelhead tributaries in the Lake Erie watershed, Cattaraugus Creek in western NY is considered by many steelheaders to be the classic steelhead river. 

Located 30 miles south of Buffalo, NY, in the northern part of the famous “steelhead alley” region (a group of about 50 Lake Erie tributaries extending from Buffalo, NY to Vermilion, OH), it provides the ideal features as well as challenges to keep both novice and veteran “chrome chasers” coming back every season.

The future also looks bright for Cattaraugus Creek, with plans in the works for modification of the Springville Dam to allow Lake Erie migratory steelhead to move to new water above the dam where 34 miles of public fishing access is already in place.

The River: A Land of Glaciers, Indians and Natural Wonders

Hundreds of years ago Native American Indians that fished and hunted along the banks of Cattaraugus Creek encountered natural gas oozing from the river mud. Because of this natural phenomenon the Indians named the river “Cattaraugus” which means “foul smelling banks.” These days steelheaders in the Lake Erie region simply refer to it as the “Cat” for short.

More of a river in size than a creek, the Cat averages 100 foot wide and 2-6 foot deep in its lower reaches on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. High gradient in nature, it travels 68 miles from its headwaters at Java Lake in Arcade, NY to Sunset Bay at the Lake Erie shoreline, dropping a 1000 feet in elevation along the way.

The Cat is a relatively new river geologically speaking. Twelve thousand years ago, the advancing, 1 mile-high, Laurentide Ice Sheet blocked various northerly flowing rivers in Western NY, forming numerous finger lakes. Low spots in several of these finger lakes spilled over onto the Allegheny Plateau and flowed westerly (toward what is now Lake Erie), forming the Cattaraugus Creek watershed. Since that time the erosive force of water has progressively shaped and lowered the Cat forming its high-cliff canyons, gravel-bottom pools and shale-ledged streambeds that we see today.

The fishable steelhead water on the Cat begins at the Springville Dam, in the lower part of the Springville Canyon, and ends 34 miles down river at the lake shore. There is an undeveloped County Park at the dam (the dam blocks all steelhead migration up river) with some fishing opportunities below the dam and a short stretch of water below the Scoby Hill Road bridge (check for posted signs for this lower section).

Below the dam area begins the magnificent Zoar Valley. The upper part of the Zoar is a broad valley with limited public access except for 3.8 miles of New York State Public Fishing Rights (PFR) lands (two separate sections).

New York State PFR's are permanent easements purchased by the State of NY from landowner’s, giving anglers the right of way to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33’ strip on one or both banks of the stream).

Below the upper valley, the Cat (and its south branch), flow into a wild and remote, 14 mile long, narrow canyon area known local1y as the “gorge”. This geological and natural wonder contains 400 foot high cliffs, bald eagles, numerous waterfalls and the second largest concentration of old growth forest in NY State.

The Zoar Valley gorge is boulder strewn and contains many rapids in higher flows. A few rafting companies run white water trips through it during spring run-off, but at fishable levels it is very difficult to float due to low water between the deeper pools and runs.

Because there is limited streambed gravel areas in the gorge, steelhead seem to push pretty quickly through it (as a general rule steelhead prefer to hold and rest on gravel lined streambeds) although there is nice pocket water and shale ledges for indicating as well as some decent runs and pools for swinging flies.

Half of the canyon is contained in a 3,014 acre, state owned property known as the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (ZVMUA) which is open to the public for outdoor recreation use (including NY State PFR fishing access). 1,492 acres of the ZVMUA was named by the State of NY as a state nature preserve or “Unique Area” to protect it for posterity.

Accessing the ZVMUA is very strenuous and difficult and fisherman need to be aware of debris falling from the cliffs when fishing in the canyon floor as well as river water levels which can change quickly. There is roughly 7 miles of fishable water in the ZVMUA canyon section with numerous marked trails in the canyon accessing the river itself.

Around the town of Gowanda, NY no formal public access is in place within city limits. Good fishing opportunities exist above the Aldrich Street bridge and above the route 39 bridge to the ZVMUA (which begins 1 ½ miles above Gowanda). Be aware of some posted private lands below the ZVMUA towards Gowanada city limits.

A quarter mile down below Gowanda begins the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI). SNI lands surround 14 miles of the river down to the lake shore (except for Versailles area and the south bank of the river between Lake Erie and ½ mile north of Lake Erie).

The Cat on the reservation flows into a sand and gravel lake plain area that was formed from glacial outwash from the last ice age. It has bigger water than the Zoar Valley area (particularly below Versailles), containing good size pools and runs lined with gravel, rock and sand that are ideal for swinging flies as well as numerous tighter areas such as chutes, shale ledges and pocket water for indicating.

Non-Indians fishing on the reservation require a SNI fishing license (no New York State license is required though). SNI fishing regulations are in effect on the reservation. Licenses can be obtained at the William Seneca Administration Building on the reservation (https://sni.org/716-532-4900) and also a few authorized vendors on the reservation including the Seneca One Stop at the intersection of Routes 20 and 5.

Steelheaders who have a SNI fishing license are allowed to drive, park and walk just about anywhere on the reservation unless it is specifically posted. Be aware when taking dirt roads to access the river on the reservation. Driving can be hazardous in the loose, sandy soils and it is not uncommon for vehicles to get stuck (even 4WD’s). A good strategy is to park in heavily used parking areas and walk down to the river from there. Expect heavy crowds early in the fall on the lower reservation, with less pressure in the upper reservation (above the town of Versailles).

The Steelhead of the Cat

The steelhead of the Cat are legendary for their aggressive nature in taking flies and strong fighting ability. The majority of steelhead “running” into the Cat every season from Lake Erie are 3 year-old fish, averaging 5 to 6 pounds. Steelheaders commonly catch 8 to 12 pounders, with steelhead over 12 pounds caught every season.

The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) stocked 56,030 steelhead yearlings into the Cat in the spring's of 2020 and 2021. These juvenile steelhead are obtained from the NYSDEC Salmon River hatchery in Altmar, NY and are of Chambers Creek strain origin. They are popularly known as Salmon River strain, a naturalized Lake Ontario hatchery strain of steelhead which is basically a late fall/winter and spring run fish.

This is substantially down from the NYSDEC annual stocking target of 90,000 steelhead for the Cat due to a new experimental approach to rearing steelhead at the NYSDEC Salmon River Hatchery.

This experimental approach was a recommendation from a study conducted on stocked yearling steelhead in Chautauqua Creek by the NYSDEC. The study showed the stocking size of NYSDEC steelhead smolts are to small to imprint and emigrate out of Chautauqua Creek. Instead they remain stream residents, resulting in poor survivability and very little contribution to the adult steelhead fishery.

The goal of the experiment is to improve the overall size of steelhead smolts stocked into Lake Erie by the NYSDEC. (In recent years NY has had the lowest average mean length of yearling steelhead stocked into Lake Erie by all the fishery agencies). Early results indicate substantial increases in both size and weight as well as a more “consistent” steelhead hatchery product.

Larger stocked steelhead smolts have proven to have better survivability and return rates. Also, the NYSDEC has learned that stocking steelhead smolts well upstream of the lake confluence increases steelhead return rates to their stream of origin. This experiment is planned to continue over the next 2 years.

In addition to stocked fish by the NYSDEC, it is estimated that approximately 25% of all returning steelhead to the Cat are of wild origin. Most of the spawning of wild steelhead in the Cat occurs in its tributaries such as Spooner Brook, Derby Brook, Coon Brook and Connoisarauley Creek.

Steelheaders on the Cat should also expect to catch a few steelhead that have “strayed” from nearby states of Pennsylvania and Ohio (both have extensive steelhead smolt stocking programs) as well as the Province of Ontario which are all almost exclusively wild fish.

Water Conditions and the Seasons

Run-off conditions and associated water clarity are the biggest challenge for steelheaders fishing the Cat on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis. The Cat is similar to most steelhead alley tributaries in that it is heavily dependent on run-off from rain and/or snow melt to get it up to fishable flows. Because it has such a large watershed (551 square miles), excessive and consistent run-off can “blow-out” the Cat for weeks or even months at a time with high, unwadable flows and heavily stained water. It is not unheard of for the Cat to be only fishable for only a handful of days during the fishing season (fall, winter and spring) due to excessive and consistent run-off from rain and snow-melt.

Even when it does finally get down to a fishable flow, water clarity (or lack of) on the Cat can be an issue. The culprit is the Gowanda shale and siltstone contained in the Cat’s high cliff banks and river bottom. During run-off episodes, water erosion causes this very unstable strata to breakdown into fine clay sediment that suspends in the water. Along with topsoil erosion, early run-off flows on the Cat (like many steelhead alley tributaries) are a high, muddy mess. As run-off decreases, water visibility slowly improves as well.

Steelheaders should be prepared for water visibility to vary on the Cat from heavily silted water in early stage run-off to an opaque, chalky green color cast (after 1 week or less of run-off) to a somewhat clearer green tint after a week or more of run-off. Water visibility of less than 12 inches makes fishing very difficult. Steelhead not only have a hard time seeing your fly but they also spread out in the river more (particularly in higher flows) forcing you to work more for them.

During extremely dry fall seasons, the Cat clears up pretty good and maintains a fishable minimum base flow (unlike other Lake Erie tributaries which can be bone dry) due to its large watershed size and spring sources.

When the main branch of the Cat is unfishable, due to high/stained flows, fishing some of its feeders such as the lower section of the South Branch in the ZVMUA, Clear Creek on the reservation and Connoisarauley Creek are worth a try. (Note that the North Branch of Clear Creek and Spooner Brook are closed to fishing from Jan. 1^stto March 31^stto protecting spawning steelhead).

Also nearby Lake Erie steelhead tributaries such as 18 Mile Creek to the north of the Cat and Silver, Walnut, Canadaway and Chautauqua Creeks to the south provide good alternatives to fish when the Cat is blown-out.

The Cat is primarily a fall steelhead fishery with late September through mid November the best months. Early in the fall, expect steelhead to concentrate on the lower reservation waters. By mid-to-late October fish start moving into the gorge and upper Zoar valley especially with good fall run-off.

Mild winter periods usually mean high, unfishable run-off flows due to rain as well as ice and snow-pack melt. A severe winter can make steelheading on the Cat very difficult if not impossible due to ice-over and heavy snow-pack.

The spring can have excellent fishing to a mixed bag of fresh running, wintered-over and “drop-back” steelhead working their way down to the lake after spawning. Steelhead are spread throughout the river in the spring, with good numbers found early on in the upper Zoar Valley and Springville Dam area. Fishing in the spring is usually better later (May and June) when flow levels and water conditions are more favorable. A great bonus run of smallmouth run-up from Lake Erie into the lower reservation water on the Cat in the spring as well.

Technique, Flies and Equipment

Swinging streamers, wooly buggers, zonkers, spey flies, large soft hackles as well as tubes flies are something steelheaders should not pass up on the Cat. Many sections of the Cat have long runs and large pools of moderate depth, with relatively level bottoms of broken shale and rocks that are custom made for traditional “down-and-across” presentations.

The warm flows of the fall and spring (above 40 degrees F), make steelhead of the Cat very aggressive (particularly the wild fish) and they actively move for flies (referred to as “players”) even grabbing a swung fly on or near the surface. Incorporating materials like marabou, rabbit strip fur, arctic fox tail into fly patterns imparts additional movement to the fly on the swing which can prove irresistible to steelhead. Look for these hard-hitting fish to hold along current seams in moderate to fast runs, pool tail-outs and below mid-stream rocks and obstructions.

Swinging white or lightly colored patterns (size #8-#6/3XL), like Lake Erie emerald shiner or rainbow smelt imitations, work well on sunny days due to their ability to reflect light which attracts steelhead especially in clearer flows. For more stained water, on overcast days and early morning/late afternoon, try swinging larger, dark patterns in black, purple and dark olive which provide a large, bulky profile that steelhead can spot more easily in limited light conditions. Rigging two patterns on the swing, or using tube flies tied as long as 4 inches, can increase your chances of success on the Cat in really turbid water.

John Nagy's Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt tube fly pattern is very effective when swung "down-and-across" in the warm run-off flows of the fall or spring on the Cat.

Warm run-off flows can make steelhead very receptive to added movement to the fly. At the end of a swing presentation (when the fly line straightens out), hold the fly stationary in the water below you and begin twitching it. Also, instead of just directly retrieving your line at the end of the swing, “jerk and strip” it in as you bring it in for the next cast.

Dead-drifting bead-head nymphs, egg patterns, soft hackles, small wooly buggers and streamers is very effective on the Cat for picking up less aggressive and tightly holding fish during the fall (water temperatures typically start to drop below 45 degrees in late October on the Cat). It is especially effective for lethargic fish in the colder flows of late fall and winter (below 38 degrees F). These bottom hugging fish often get cases of “lock jaw” in the ice water flows and require multiple presentations and subtle changes in drift (usually from tippet and shot adjustments) to get hook-ups.

Since the Cat is often stained to some degree, finding areas to dead-drift flies on the big water of the Cat can take work. Look for obvious breaks in the surface water texture that indicate subsurface holding and resting areas for steelhead like below boulders, pocket water areas, shale ledges and streambed cuts and depressions (polarized sunglasses cut the glare on the water to make this easier).

When the Cat does get down to a fishable flow (after a run-off episode) it is mostly shallow and easy to wade (although a stain in the water can make wading difficult in terms of seeing where you are going). This allows the steelheader to wade into close proximity to steelhead lies and “high-stick” nymph with long fly rods, long leaders and floating fly lines by either floating indicator fishing or bottom-bouncing (without an indicator) to achieve drag-free drifts. (See John Nagy's Steelhead Guide Book for detailed information on his Right-Angle-Floating-Indicator Technique).

Holding areas are more difficult to locate in higher flows and stained water on the Cat. Riffles, runs and pools seem to blend together with the steelhead spread out more. Under these conditions find steelhead by working the water methodically until you catch a fish. Mark this spot mentally since more steelhead will likely be holding there.

Neon-colored egg patterns (particularly chartreuse) work great in the stained flows of the Cat. A good setup is to rig an egg pattern (sizes #12-#8) in tandem with a bead-head nymph, soft hackle, small wooly bugger or streamer as the bottom fly. (Note: SNI regulations allow tandem fly rigs on Reservation water but the use of more than one hook is illegal on NY State waters).

Keep both flies relatively close together on the leader (within 6 inches) so the steelhead can see both flies on the drift at the same time. If the steelhead does not take the bright colored egg pattern (which acts as an attractor in the stained flows) he will usually take the more naturally colored fly nearby. Incorporating some flash into egg patterns, nymphs, soft hackles, buggers or streamers can help steelhead spot them in heavily stain water.

Since the Cat normally has some sort of stain to it, tippet size is normally not critical. The stain actually is beneficial in that it allows steelheaders to use heavier tippets, which means more landed fish. For swinging flies, 1X or larger is ideal. For dead-drifting, 2X is a good all around size. In less common, low, clear flows, 3X or less may be necessary when dead-drifting.

High-stick nymphing fly rods for the Cat are on the long side (9 ½-11 feet/6 or 7 line weight) which allows for maximum line and leader control and minimal floating fly line contact with the water (which can interfere with drag-free drifts). They also are somewhat limber to buffer the surges and runs of steelhead after being hooked. Longer, more moderate action rods also help to land steelhead when using lighter tippets and smaller flies, which at times are needed in clearer flows. Smaller two-handed spey rods can act as great “cross-over” rods for both nymphing and swinging techniques.

Fast action, single-handed fly rods (9 ½-10 feet/6 or 7 line weight) for swinging flies have the ability to handle floating lines, sinking leaders, interchangeable sink tip lines or shooting heads depending on the water flows.

“Switch” style fly rods are becoming popular for swinging flies on the Cat. These down-sized, double-handed rods give the steelheader the ability to cover the water at greater distances in moderate to higher flows with minimal wading and less casting fatigue all while avoiding rear obstacles. They are ideal for both swinging and nymphing presentations and can perform both standard single-handed or spey type casts. Compact size “Skagit” heads have been developed to work with switch rods to make throwing big flies and heavy sink tips a relatively easy operation.

The Future

The “Springville Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project” on Cattaraugus Creek, NY was initiated in 2004 by the US Army Corps. of Engineers (USACE) and NYSDEC and includes Erie County, NY as a partner. The main purpose of the project is to restore ecosystem connectivity above and below the dam (including steelhead runs) while preventing invasive sea lamprey movement above the dam.

The approved project plan will lower the existing spillway from 38 to 13.5 feet to serve as a sea lamprey barrier. A 15 foot wide rock riffle ramp (denil fish-way) with seasonal lamprey trapping/sorting capability is included in the design. Requests from the National Historic Registry will be fulfilled by preserving a portion of the original spillway on both banks to show the original structure.

Allowing fish to pass through the Springville Dam opens up 75 miles of water to steelhead fishing on the Cat where 34 miles of New York State PFR land easements exist (including 15 parking areas). It would also likely result in significant levels of natural reproduction of steelhead due to the prime spawning, nursery and feeding habitat that exists in Cattaraugus Creek and its tributaries above the dam.

The upper Cat and its tributaries, notably Clear Creek, Elton Creek, Hosmer Brook and Lime Lake outlet, are all of higher quality than any of the tributaries located downstream of the Springville Dam with regards to water quality and spawning habitat. Because these streams support abundant numbers of naturally reproduced resident rainbow and brown trout, and some native brook trout, it is believed that excellent populations of wild steelhead would develop in these streams should access be gained. In the long term this could mean a self-sustaining steelhead fishery in the Cat with minimal (if any) hatchery stockings by the NYSDEC.

However, this could come at a cost to the resident trout populations due to increased competition for food and habitat with juvenile steelhead.

NYSDEC Senior Biologist James Markham has completed a year-round angler survey in the Upper Cattaraugus Creek system in 2020. The survey provided baseline estimates of effort, catch and harvest for the existing fishery (which includes brown, rainbow and brook trout) in the Upper Cattaraugus Creek. This “pre-fish passage” survey will be helpful to determine possible impacts to the local fish community once the steelhead pass over the dam. The survey will continue every 2-3 years after fish passage to document any impacts. A formal report discussing the pre-fish passage data will be available sometime in the fall of 2021.

The NYSDEC has decided to maintain the current inland trout regulations above the dam, meaning that it will primarily be Catch-and-Release, Artificial Lure Only from mid-October until April 1. This keeps in line with the NYSDEC Steelhead Management Plan (completed in 2016) to promote natural steelhead reproduction when practical.

The Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) for the project was signed by the USACE, NYSDEC and Erie County, NY in 2017. Construction was targeted for either 2020 after the sea lamprey spawning run but Project Partners have decided to put the project on hold in 2020 (as well as 2021) due to impacts from the CO-VID 19 Pandemic.

For a video of the Springville Dam PPA signing and discussion of the project go to: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1629197503780864

More information on fly fishing Cattaraugus Creek (including access maps, recommended fly patterns and ideal USGS flow conditions for swinging and “high-stick” nymphing the river) is available in John Nagy's book Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead (Updated and Expanded 4^thEdition). This classic book is available in both print and E book versions (see right menu bar for ordering information).

Surf Fishing for Lake Erie Steelhead by John Nagy

Picture postcard scene of the Lake Erie surf near the out-flow of an Erie tributary stream

 When the Lake Erie tributaries are low and clear, early in the fall (September/October), steelhead fly fishers should take advantage of  surf fishing at or near the tributary mouths. 

Here "staging" steelhead (triggered by shortening daylight or "photo periods") have picked up the “scent” of a tributary and are preparing to begin their fall migratory run. 

This staging is characterized by steelhead "cruising" in large oval shaped patterns just offshore of the tributary mouths.

 Ideal Lake Erie lakeshore staging temperature for fall steelhead (prior to running into the tributaries) is around 68 degrees F. Early spring is also a good time for lakeshore fishing for spring run steelhead and later, “drop-back” steelhead

Ideal lake conditions for surf fishing occur with a southerly wind which creates a “flat” lake with clear water along the lakeshore. Northerly winds create waves (called “breakers” by boaters) and muddy water along the beach, making fishing tough (although breakers up to 2 or 3  feet can be fished if the water is not stained). Muddy run-off from a tributary (from fall rains) can also stain lakeshore beach water. 

Easterly or westerly winds will move the “out-flow” (and scent) of the tributaries into the lake either to the left or right (which the steelhead will follow).  Check the National Weather Service marine forecast for Lake Erie wind and wave conditions. A hard southerly wind can push the scent of a tributary out-flow up to a mile directly from the shore. 

Some steelheaders have taken to powered boats (including "belly" boats) to access some areas not accessible from shore. (Note: belly boater's should constantly monitor lakeshore weather for changing wind directions which could push unpowered craft a great distance offshore).  

The smaller size tributaries can really concentrate steelhead at their mouth since their out-flow channels become blocked during low water conditions. Larger size tributary mouths usually provide a deep enough channel for some fish passage even in low flows.

Try casting (and strip retrieving) generic streamer, wooly bugger, clouser minnow patterns or specific bait fish imitations (like Emerald Shiners, Rainbow Smelts, alewives and round gobies) to cruising steelhead (they often cruise in numbers or “pods” of fish), varying the size and brightness of the patterns depending on the clarity of the water (large/bright patterns for stained/choppy water, smaller/sparsely tied patterns for clear/flat water). A “Baby” rainbow patterns are very effective for imitating steelhead smolts that hang around the lakeshore in the spring.

Early in the morning steelhead can be found amazingly close to shore (typically in deeper troughs and drop-offs) but as fishing pressure increases (anglers wading further into the surf) and sunlight increases, they are forced to cruise further out. An hour or two before dark the steelhead start moving back in toward the shore.

 “Indicator” fishing with bead-head nymphs, egg patterns and small streamers and wooly buggers is possible right at the out-flow of the tributary mouths. Look for washed out channels and pockets (where staging steelhead will move in and out of). Steelhead will also cruise along concrete breaker-walls, marina walls, broken debris and other structures.

The tributary out-flow and lake surface waves can help move along the indicator (otherwise try a twitch retrieve to entice strikes). Set the indicator depth to keep the fly generally near the bottom (although cruising steelhead can be found higher up in the water column). Steelheader’s should be aware of the early season crowd’s right at the tributary out-flows (but there is always room in the adjacent beach area).

Ideal fly tackle for steelhead surf fly fishing would include a 6 to 8 weight fly rod in the 9 to 10 foot range. Heavier line weight fly rods will allow for double hauling into stiff winds (when required) and the longer rods give you a little more distance in your cast by keeping the line higher above the water. A fly reel with a smooth/fine adjustable drag (that can hold at least 150 yds. of backing) and a large arbor design will tame most surf steelies.

A floating/weight forward fly line is sufficient for casting big flies and indicators. More specific lines like striper tapers or clouser lines in both floating and sink tips are ideal for casting big flies at distance when needed. Leaders 6 to 9 foot in length with 6-12 lb tippet (fluorocarbon for clear water) will cover most fly sizes and water conditions. 

The newly released Steelheader’s Journal by John Nagy makes a great companion book to his Steelhead Guide. Please click on the following link to order the Steelheader’s Journal: Order the Steelheader's Journal

The Do's and Don'ts of Fall Steelhead Fishing by John Nagy

Steelheaders wetting their lines for fall running "chrome" on a Lake Erie tributary

Fall steelheading is an exciting time for the Lake Erie steelheader. The shorter, crisp days spark both an energy and urgency in the natural world that initiate spectacular leaf color changes, the timely deer rut, ancient bird migrations and the much anticipated seasonal fall movement of steelhead into the tributary streams of Lake Erie.

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Hooking up with one of these “silver bullets” is without question a thrill unmatched by fisherman in the fresh water fishing world. The following lists are a compilation of the Do’s and Don’ts of fall steelheading that every steelheader (both novice and veteran) should keep in mind when making his seasonal journey to chase “chrome” on the Lake Erie tributaries.

> Do’s

-Monitor the lake shore temperatures. Lake shore temperatures dropping to 68 degrees F and below (usually occurring by the third week of September) are optimum for large numbers of steelhead to move to and stage along the Lake shore prior to running up the tributaries. Typically the initial runs contain a fair number of smaller "jacks" or two year old steelies. The larger mature adult fish (that are capable of spawning) are mostly 3 year olds with some 4 year old bruisers.

-Monitor tributary run-off from cool fall rains into a very warm Lake Erie. This run-off initiates fresh steelhead runs and provides fishable water flows, especially in the smaller and medium size tributaries, which are normally low and clear.
(The flip side of this fall scenario is in the winter where Lake Erie water temperatures are warm (40's) compared to ice water tributary flows that can bottom out into the low 30's. Fresh winter steelhead are reluctant to run into these icy tributaries unless a winter thaw occurs warming up tributary run-off and encouraging steelhead movement from the lake.)

-During a particularly dry fall, target some of the bigger tributaries which can (but not always) maintain a decent minimum base flow allowing for some steelhead migrations especially in their lower reaches.

-In September concentrate on the lower reaches of the tributaries for the initial fall steelhead movement targeting holding areas such as pools, runs and pocket water that have good depth and flow (beware of congested fishing though!)

-Waiting a few weeks after the initial fall run (and allowing for some run-off episodes to occur) can spread the fall run out (further upstream) as well as give the fisherman a little more elbow room.
 
-Purchase more than one state or province fishing license (PA, NY, OH, MI or Ontario) to increase success rate (both hook-ups and numbers of fresh steelhead) and experience some new Lake Erie tributaries. Pennsylvania has an excellent fall run but Ohio (which is stocked primarily with late winter/spring run Little Manistee strain steelhead) gets a good number stray/fall running Pennsylvania strain fish. The exception in Ohio is Conneaut Creek (which drains both Ohio and Pennsylvania) which gets a direct stocking of Pennsylvania fall run fish by the PA Fish & Boat Commission in its upper waters in Pennsylvania. New York tributaries of Lake Erie also get an excellent run of fall steelhead including a bonus run of fall running domesticated brown trout.

-Hike more this fall to more inaccessible areas and over come the “car door” mentality to find new water and decreased fishing pressure. When attempting this though obey all posted signs and respect the rights of the private landowner! If in doubt about access on private land ask the landowner for permission first.

-Locate fall steelhead in the faster water flows such as the upper parts of pools, fast runs and pocket water areas. Steelhead have a lot of energy at this time and prefer to hold in these faster flows as opposed to late fall and winter when the water cools and they drop down to the pool tail-outs, slower runs and back eddies.

-Steelhead are very active in the warm tributary flows (45 degrees F and higher) of the fall. Dead-drift presentations of egg patterns and bead-head nymphs along the stream bottom will work at this time but why not make it a point to also strip wooly buggers and streamers across pools and runs and swing flies (such as spey and tube flies) down-and-across in the current flow to active fall steelhead? (Note: Stripping flies when done properly is not a snagging technique!)

This is especially effective in higher flows after peak run-off. The takes on these type of presentations can be bone crushing and memorable to say the least! When water starts to cool later in the fall/early winter (below 38 degrees F) switch over to primarily dead-drifting until early spring when more active presentations will work again.

Dry flies swung down-and-across in the surface current and then stripped in can also be effective in igniting the predatory instinct of fall run steelhead (if it is moving they are going to chase it and eat it!). Best water conditions for this type of presentation are water temperatures in the 50's and post run-off flows (medium to low levels) that have decent water clarity.

-Down-size your steelhead fly pattern sizes as water flows drop and clear at the end of a run-off episode. Also go to more muted and natural colors as run-off flows drop and clear. In pressured fishing areas try something completely different from the norm (trout, bass, saltwater patterns) or maybe some off the wall concoction you made up the night before in the motel room. You will not be sorry!

-Practice catch-and-release more often than not (which helps to maintain good numbers of fish in the tribs through the fall, winter and spring seasons and protects potential natural reproduction). Report poaching and fish law violations. Understand the value of the total fishing experience versus the must kill/catch mentality which can potentially lead to problems on the tributaries (see Don’ts list). Also make it a point to instruct/help the novice steelheader and youngsters on the tributaries and make way for the elderly and handicap in terms of access.

Don’ts

-Fish your favorite tributary regardless of run-off conditions. It may be low and clear or high and muddy when you arrive. Monitor weather reports and tributary run-off conditions to get on the tributary with the best water (“prime water” is the classic green tint with fishable flows). Taking this approach can also increase your odds of catching fresh steelhead.

-In dry falls, fishing small and medium size tributaries can mean very little water and few steelhead (even close to the lake). If a small/early fall run has already occurred (due to limited run-off) it can quickly turn to “fish bowl” conditions and concentrated fisherman on smaller tributaries. Targeting larger tributaries that have at least a minimum base flow is your best choice at this time. The flip side to this is extreme run-off (usually remnants of a fall hurricane) means targeting the small to medium size tribs and ignoring the larger ones (although the feeders can be an option on the larger ones).

-Fishing only slow water areas in the early fall (a habit usually developed by hard core steelheaders who fish the ice water flows of late fall and winter!). Steelhead are cold blooded and their metabolism or energy is directly related to the water temperature. Fall steelhead are energized by the relatively warm fall tributary flows and readily hold in faster water areas such as the upper parts of pools, fast runs and pocket water areas.

-Rely strictly on dead-drifting flies in the fall. Try stripping and swinging flies for more hook-ups and excitement (See Do’s list.)

-Fail to try new flies. Standard steelhead patterns and "go-to" flies that you normally use in higher flows with stained water often have limited success in low/clear flows or pressured water. Here downsized more natural colored flies as well as new fly patterns and odd ball flies can save the day! (See Do’s list.)

-Fail to let a hot fall steelhead run after hooking it. Novices typically inadvertently hold the reel handle and/or line (after hook-up) resulting in a quick break-off.

-Fail to play a fall steelhead properly. They don’t call these fish “silver bullets” for nothing! Initially let the steelhead run and keep rod high to absorb any surges or runs. Be aggressive. You may have to run along the bank with them in higher flows to minimize the amount of fly line in the water (which can lead to a break-off due to the excessive weight of the line in the current flow) and steer them around obstacles. Apply consistent pressure by “pumping the rod” with also intermittent side-to-side rod movement to keep fish off balance. This not only results in quicker battles and more fishing time but decreases possible fish mortality from over stressing fish.

-Fail to tie proper knot connections or use a quality tippet material (that is also new) which often results in break-offs.

-Lack proper wading gear on the slippery shale bottom tributaries (which are still covered with algae in the fall making them even more treacherous). At a minimum felt bottom wading boots are a must. Carbide studs and felt are the ultimate for sure traction. Wading staffs are very helpful in higher flows.

-Bad steelhead fishing etiquette and ethics. This is especially relevant in Pennsylvania where 90% of the tributaries are on private lands, which have a fair amount of postings, and are packed into only 40 miles of Lake Erie shoreline. Pennsylvania has great steelhead fishery, as the incredible runs over the years will attest to, but to sugar coat it and ignore on going social problems would be irresponsible and ignore the need for more law enforcement, fisherman education, public relations with the private landowners and the need for more public access areas. (Note: In recent years the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's Lake Erie Access Improvement Program has opened up a good amount of privately owned tributary water to public fishing through land acquisitions and public fishing easements.)

Bad steelhead fishing etiquette and ethics can mean (some of these are obviously worse case scenarios but they do occur) racing to prime fishing spots, hogging a prime steelhead hole all day, failure to accommodate/respect the handicap, elderly and youngsters who are challenged for access, pressuring/confronting steelheaders on the water, ignoring posted signs and landowners rights, littering (which is the #1 complaint of the private landowner), public relieving, public drug/alcohol use, continually harvesting steelhead (while too often wasting/discarding them later or just using the females for eggs), snagging fish, competitive fishing and bragging, failure to practice catch-and-release more often than not, poor fish handling when practicing catch and release (including mature adult fish, jacks and juvenile steelhead smolts), failure to recognize the value of total fishing experience versus the “must catch/kill fish mentality at all costs” which invariably results in problems on the tributaries.

There is an old saying that goes something like this. Most of the fun and enjoyment in fishing is in the “fishing” itself and everything that goes along with it versus the “catching” which is more or less the icing on the cake. There is a lot of truth in that! Being caught up in the numbers or harvesting game puts unnecessary pressure and stress on yourself that can potentially result in problems on the tributaries and ultimately jeopardize the chance for true enjoyment and fulfillment when fishing for these magnificent fall runners.

More detailed information on fly fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead 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" makes a great companion book to the Steelhead Guide for steelheader's looking to keep track of their steelhead trips on the steelhead tributaries. Please go to sidebar for ordering information for these books.

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.

Swing Technique

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 almost 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 traditional spey or double handed casting approach will allow the steelheader to stand much closer to the river bank and effectiveily reach most target zones.

A fly line with a floating/weight-forward taper design (including steelhead and "switch" taper fly line tapers and the very popular "Skagit" head tapers including the new OPST Skagit Commando lines) 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

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.

The Take on the Swing

Most steelhead take the fly at the end of the swing (more likely chasing the fly across the current and hitting it from the side or 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 Experience

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.