John Nagy's Steelhead Journal

John Nagy's New Book: the "Steelheader's Journal"

2011-10-29T11:34:00.027-04:00

Painting by Les Troyer (titled “Steelhead Catch-and-Release”) from the “Steelheader’s Journal”
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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
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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 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.
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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.
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The “old school” fell 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). 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”.
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Reviews of the "Steelheader’s Journal"
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“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”.
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“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!”

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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.”

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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 the fall of 2012. 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.”

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Joe Morgan (Veteran Great Lakes steelhead fly fisherman/Hamburg, NY).
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“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.”

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Joe Ciavaglia (Steelheading enthusiast/ Jim Thorpe, PA).
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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.
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The "Steelheader’s Journal" will be available in February 2012. Pricing and ordering information from Great Lakes Publishing will be posted shortly. For pre-ordering information contact John Nagy at (412) 531-5819 or steelheadguide@hotmail.com

Winter Steelheading Tips by John Nagy

2011-10-27T10:00:00.008-04:00

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

-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.

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 book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

Look for John Nagy's new book the "Steelheader's Journal" coming out in February 2012.

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions for Blue and White Temple Dog Tube Fly by John Nagy

2011-10-26T17:45:00.019-04:00

Lake Erie tributary buck steelhead that took (actually crushed!) a Scandinavian style tube fly on the swing

For step-by-step tying instructions for John Nagy's Scandinavian style Blue and White Temple Dog tube fly (as it appeared in the September/October 2008 issue of Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine) please click on the following link:

http://tubeflies.com/articles/EFFTempleTubeFly.pdf

More detailed information on tying tube flies for Great Lakes steelhead can be found in John Nagy's book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

Look for John Nagy's new book the "Steelheader's Journal" coming out in February 2012.

2011 Fall Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

2011-09-24T10:32:00.017-04:00

Lake Erie steelhead like this trophy male or "buck" are being threatened by the rise of invasive sea lamprey populations in the Lake Erie basin

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There is certainly a chill in the air this September! With the autumnal equinox here (the beginning of fall), the days are become shorter, the Lake Erie shoreline is starting to cool down and steelhead are beginning to stage for their fall migratory movements into the tributaries.
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An early September cold snap has moved small numbers of steelhead into the lower reaches of some Lake Erie tributaries. Periods of tributary run-off and colder temperatures in later September have caused more steelhead to trickle in. Expect this trend to continue into October with the peak of the fall run in November. The remnants of a fall hurricane (several days of a soaking rain) is always a bonus for good run-off and runs of fresh steelhead in the fall.
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On November 9, 2011 the Lake Erie water temperature (degrees F) off Toledo was 49, off Cleveland was 52, off Erie was 50 and off Buffalo was 52.
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News Around the Lake Erie Region

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A disturbing trend is occurring in the Lake Erie basin that is even more alarming (and threatening) than the Asian Carp invasion. Invasive sea lamprey populations in Lake Erie, which have been held in check over the last two decades by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) are on the rise. In fact they are at the record “pre-treatment” levels of 1985 according to Michael Fodale of the USF&WS. They are also 2 to 3 times higher than acceptable target levels set by the USF&WS.
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For more information on invasive sea lampreys in Lake Erie click on the following article by John Nagy for Fly Fisherman Magazine (Feature Spotlight/Steelhead Alley Fall Forecast) under the News section: http://www.flyfisherman.com/
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In Ohio, the second phase of an angler creel survey by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio State University was completed in May 2010. The survey was conducted from the fall of 2008 through the spring of 2010 on Ohio’s Lake Erie steelhead tributaries and access points. Survey results showed catch rates had dropped to .354 steelhead per angler hour (which is still comparable to steelhead fisheries in other areas of the Great Lakes) with 89% of steelhead caught by anglers released.
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The survey also showed that 34% of Ohio steelheaders use fly fishing equipment when steelhead fishing and spent an average of $399 on fishing equipment and $407 on travel during the previous 12 months. Overall the survey showed that Ohio steelheaders (versus the average fishing license holder) spent more money fishing, more time fishing, had greater trust in the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW) and more satisfaction with their fishing experiences. For the complete survey results please go to:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/6166/Default.aspx
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The 100 year old Harpersfield Dam on the Grand River in Ohio is undergoing a feasibility study (funded by Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds). The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) study is part of the Great Lakes Fishery & Ecosystem Restoration (GLFER) program whose goal is the restoration of the fisheries and other critical elements of the Great Lakes ecosystems. The primary focus of GLFER is restoration of fisheries habitat and related ecosystem elements through structural projects.
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According to the the Harpersfield Dam has promoted habitat degradation, altered sediment transport dynamics, and degraded water supply. It has also played a central role in the decline of migratory aquatic species, although sea lamprey prevention (which are at record levels right now) outweighs the negative impact the dam has on fish passage.
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Likely project alternatives include repairing or modifying the existing dam to maintain its current structure (which effectively prevents sea lamprey passage), construction of a sea lamprey trap at the existing dam or construction of a new barrier and trap at a location farther downstream of the dam (which would also include removal of the old dam).
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A public meeting was held on September 22, 2011 by the USACE (at the Harpersfield Community Center) which presented all the options available in the dam feasibility study.
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Dan Pribanic’s Chagrin River Outfitters in Chagrin Falls, OH will be having a Shop Day (Saturday, October 8th) featuring several steelhead experts including Brett McCrea, Jerry Darkes, Jeff Liskay and Greg Senyo. Please visit:
http://chagrinriveroutfitters.com/events.htm for more details.
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In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) has made available a free publication called Lake Erie Fishing Access Areas. It is a detailed/fold-out map showing all public fishing access areas for both the Lake Erie shoreline and also the Pennsylvania steelhead tributaries of Lake Erie. It includes many of the public fishing easements and land acquisitions acquired through the PF&BC’s Lake Erie Access Improvement Program. Ordering info can be found at: http://fishandboat.com/promo/form/pubs_free.htm
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On 4 Mile Creek, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) has nearly completed a four foot wide bypass around a waterfall (which is 500 feet above the Lawrence Park Golf Club Dam and fish ladder). Once finished (scheduled to be completed in early October 2011) it will allow steelhead to move upstream and create new steelhead fishing opportunities.
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Public fishing access areas above the bypass include the Lawrence Park Township Napier Park, the Wesleyville Borough Cumberland Park and the Penn State Behrend Campus Area (also known as the Wintergreen Gorge). The PF&BC will be making improvements to parking and trails on the upper sections of 4 Mile Creek and also purchasing public fishing easements through the PF&BC Lake Erie Access Improvement Program.
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With a $30,000 grant, the PF&BC along with Mill Creek Township and volunteers from the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association and the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie, completed work to improve fish habitat on Walnut Creek. The work was done at Mill Creek Township’s Cassidy Park (located at the intersection of Zimmerly and Love Roads) this past August. The goal of the project was to install stream improvement devices to create new pools and stabilize bank areas in that section of Walnut Creek (which is basically featureless and does not hold many steelhead).
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In New York, the USGS real time water gage for Cattaraugus Creek (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?04213500) has been updated to show, in addition to water discharge and height, both turbidity and temperature. The water data will also now be updated every hour versus every 4 hours with the old gage. Below 50 FNU units on the turbidity graph is ideal clarity for the Cat.
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The town of Westfield, NY is presently working on a construction easements for the Chautauqua Creek Dam Modification Project (which is a GLFER project). As of September 2011, there are 1 or 2 private landowners (out of a total of 6) that have not agreed to the easement. Because of this delay, construction work for modifying two low level dams on Chautauqua Creek is scheduled for the summer of 2012. Michael Greer of The United State Army Corp. of Engineers (USACE) says that design and funding for this project is complete with construction bidding ready to take place as soon as the easements are finalized.
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Michael Greer also relates that the feasibility study for the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project (another GLFER project) is still ongoing. Results of the study will determine whether to remove, modify and/or repair the Springville Dam on Cattaraugus Creek.
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Presently sediment samples are being taken directly below the Springville Dam by the USACE to check for possible contaminants. Specifically, nuclear contaminants deposited from the defunct West Valley Nuclear Reprocessing Facility located 8 miles above the dam (which is now being decommissioned by the Department of Energy). If the dam is removed, any contaminate deposits will have to be removed (prior to dam removal) to prevent them from washing down river. Significant deposits are unlikely but according to the USACE it needs to be checked. Federal funding for the final phase of the feasibility study by the USACE is still up in the air, which may delay completing the study in the future.
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New fishing license fees on the Cattaraugus Creek Indian Reservation are as follows:
Three day license/$25, season license (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31)/$45. Also, the steelhead limit has been lowered from 5 to 3 by the Seneca Nation and guiding by non-Seneca’s is strictly forbidden on the reservation.
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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”.

Look for John Nagy’s new book the “Steelheader’s Journal” coming out in February 2012.

The Tube Fly Advantage by John Nagy (Fly Fish America Magazine)

2011-09-16T20:48:00.010-04:00

Please click on the link below to view the digital version of John Nagy's The Tube Fly Advantage article from the archive of Fly Fish America Magazine. The article appears in the 2010 Annual Gear Guide of Fly Fish America (go to page 68 of this magazine issue using the digital "turn page" viewing feature).

http://www.flyfishamerica.com/i-ot-archive/2010-gear-guide

Tributary Run-Off by John Nagy

2011-08-31T11:36:00.025-04:00

High run-off conditions on a Lake Erie tributary stream

Tributary run-off is probably one of the most important factors influencing a successful steelhead trip
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So important that many guides in the Lake Erie region routinely fish all three states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York in order to be on a steelhead tributary with the best run-off for that specific day or days depending on how long the “prime conditions” last for that particular tributary
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What exactly is tributary run-off and how can the steelheader use it to his advantage to increase his success on a Great Lakes tributary through the course of the fall, winter and spring steelhead seasons?

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Run-off as defined in the dictionary is an over-flow of fluid or in the case of a Great Lakes tributary stream, an over-flow of water above its normal base flow. In the Great Lakes region tributary run-off is typically an episodic event (usually once or twice per week) and the result of a passing weather system that brings rainfall in the fall and spring months or a melting of snow and ice during the winter months due to increased air temperatures and/or rainfall. These events create surface water which drains into a tributary watershed increasing its flow substantially.
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There are exceptions to this, including some of the north shore tributaries of Lake Erie in Ontario where surface water run-off is not really relevant. Ontario tributaries like Big Creek and Young’s Creek require much more rain or snow-melt before becoming unfishable due to sandy soils. These porous soils prevent run-off and facilitate clear and cold groundwater seepage on a steady basis (and even then do not become muddy but just tea colored).
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Tributaries on the southern shore of Lake Erie normally have low and clear base flows due to poor groundwater flow and for the large part are entirely dependent from surface water run-off to reach flow levels ideal for steelhead fishing. Some of the tributaries (like the Grand River in OH) have dams on them but they don’t provide much of a minimum base flow.
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These periodic run-off events affect the tributaries in a number of ways during the course of the steelhead season. They include bringing up the flow to more fishable levels for performing techniques and presentations, increasing steelhead holding and resting areas, facilitating the movement of fresh steelhead from the lake into the tributaries, helping the migratory movement of steelhead upstream toward spawning gravel and energizing older fish that are already in the tributaries.
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Peak run-off levels on most tributaries are a muddy torrent with few fishing opportunities. As stream levels drop, the water clarity improves and the best run-off conditions occur. I call these conditions “prime conditions” due to the more fishable flows for both wading and fly presentations as well as a green tinted water coloration which is characteristic of many of the southern shore Lake Erie tributaries as they clear.
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In this type of water clarity steelhead are easier to catch because their visibility is limited. They can see your fly offering, but not too clearly. These ideal conditions can be short lived and vary in length from only several hours (indeed a small window of opportunity!) to a few days or as much as a week or more depending on the amount of run-off received, ongoing weather conditions, water table levels (current ground saturation) and the run-off characteristics of that particular tributary watershed.
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The tributary run-off characteristics or “run-off rates” are very important in predicting how a specific tributary will run-off to prime conditions after receiving precipitation from rainfall or snow/ice melt. Based on my observations over the years I have summarized the run-off rates for all the major tributaries in the Lake Erie system (refer to Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead by John Nagy).
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These run-off rates (in hours, days and weeks) are generalizations and are based on an “average” run-off episode of an inch of rain (or equivalent snow/ice melt) in less than a 24 hour period for that particular watershed. The length of these run-off rates roughly correspond to the size of each tributary watershed with bigger tribs like Conneaut Creek, OH (3-4 days) encompassing large watersheds and smaller tribs like 12 Mile creek (less than 1 day) draining smaller ones.
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Only a limited number of tributaries in the Great Lakes region have operating USGS river gages on them to measure real-time water flow in discharge (cubic feet per second) and stage (feet). This data is available on a 24 hour basis by going to the USGS site http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html or to www.steelheadsite.com
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If you know the ideal flow conditions for a specific tributary (again refer to the Steelhead Guide book for this info) you can predict prime conditions during the course of a run-off episode for that tributary by monitoring its real-time flow data on the internet as it progresses from peak run-off to prime conditions and eventually to low and clear flow.
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Even if the particular tributary you are interested in does not have a river gage on it you can predict its ideal flow by relating it to a river that does. You can do this by relating the flow performance of this nongaged tributary to a nearby gaged tributary of which you are very familiar with its flow levels. In other words you’ll have to fish both tributaries the same day to make the correlation.
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This is not an exact science though because weather systems can affect tributary watersheds in the Great Lakes region differently dropping more rain for instance west versus east (or vice versa) as they pass through. Therefore it is critical to follow weekly weather reports, watch regional radar displays for precipitation and monitor local 24 hour rainfall amounts as reported by the weather bureau to more precisely determine the location and amount of precipitation that has fallen. Calling local tackle shops and resident steelheaders is also very helpful in getting up-to-date information on weather systems as well as water flow and clarity conditions for specific tributaries.
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Snow or ice melting very quickly due to rain and/or rapidly increasing air temperatures (occurring both during the day and night) can cause tremendous run-off especially if heavy snow pack and ice accumulations exist. This obviously spikes the river gages to extreme levels and prolongs the run-off rates. Ideally you want a slow melt of snow and ice during the winter months with moderating air temperatures during the day (30’s and 40’s) to allow for a slow melt and sub-freezing temperatures at night to keep the run-off in check. This type of melt run-off typically runs clear to moderately stained as well as ice cold, keeping the tributaries fishable for extended periods of time.
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Being on a tributary during prime conditions does not guarantee steelhead nirvana though. A host of conditions can occur that can play havoc with your day including early fall run-off which can be very silty even at ideal levels due to summer silt accumulation, fall leaf-drop which can clog the stream with leaves hindering drifts and obscuring your fly, morning slush and ice flows which can make getting your fly on the bottom a challenge, spring smolt stockings and sucker runs which can make it impossible to hook a steelhead in some areas and unexpected run-off from bridge or road construction that is often a muddy mess ruining downstream fishing.
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Remember to respect your fellow fisherman, the private landowner and the magnificent steelhead itself when out on the tributaries this season to help ensure a better experience for all.
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More detailed information on fly fishing for Lake Erie steelhead can be found in John Nagy's book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

Look for John Nagy's new book the "Steelheader's Journal" coming out this November.

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

2011-08-31T09:08:00.004-04:00

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.

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Do’s

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-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.

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-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.)
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-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.
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-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!)
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-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.
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-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.
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-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.
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-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.
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-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!)
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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.
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-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!
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-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.

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Don’ts

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-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.
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-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).
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-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.
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-Rely strictly on dead-drifting flies in the fall. Try stripping and swinging flies for more hook-ups and excitement (See Do’s list.)
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-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.)
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-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.
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-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.
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-Fail to tie proper knot connections or use a quality tippet material (that is also new) which often results in break-offs.
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-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.
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-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.
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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.
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More detailed information on fly fishing for Lake Erie steelhead can be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”. Look for John Nagy's new book the "Steelheader's Journal" coming out this October.

Drop-Backs and Smallies by John Nagy

2011-04-24T13:40:00.000-04:00

Lake Erie tributary smallmouth which took an Emerald Shiner tube fly on the swing

The steelhead will always be the glamour fish on the Lake Erie tributaries but the scrappy smallmouth (most average 2-3 lbs with an occasional one pushing 4 or 5 pounds) provides some good variety for the Lake Erie tributary fly fisherman.
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Smallmouth start showing up into the Lake Erie tributaries in the spring when the tributaries start to warm into the 50’s (late April) with good numbers arriving by May.
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Running up from Lake Erie in a spawning movement, they are thought to be a river strain of spawning smallmouth as opposed to the smallmouth which exclusively spawns in Lake Erie’s rocky shoreline shallows. During this upstream migration they invariably mix in with “drop-back” steelhead in the tributaries which have already spawned and are moving back to the lake.
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Drop-back steelhead will be in the tributaries into May and even June (particularly on the bigger “tribs” like Cattaraugus Creek in NY and the Grand River in OH). They will start exiting the tributaries when they get above 70 degrees F. (Note: It is not advisable to fish for steelhead in the tributaries when they are above 70 degrees F since they are highly stressed under these conditions). Tributary smallmouth finish spawning by early June and exit the tributaries by mid-June.
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Smallmouth typically don’t run as far on the tributaries as steelhead, so look for them in the mid-to-lower part of the tributaries. They also prefer to hold in slower water than steelhead (especially when they first come in and the tribs are relatively cold), such as slower runs, slow/deep pools, pool tail-outs and also pool back-eddies.
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Streamer patterns that imitate Lake Erie baitfish such as round gobies, emerald shiners and rainbow smelt are killer for these fish. Crayfish, sculpin and large nymph patterns are also very effective. Top water bass flies will work when the water starts to warm up.
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An exciting way to catch tributary “smallies” is with a down-and-across swing presentation using a sink tip fly line. A slow and deep presentation through streambed shale ledges and cuts and near boulders and fallen logs will produce smallmouth. It is not uncommon to think you have hooked a drop-back steelhead on a swing but turns out to be a hard hitting and fierce fighting smallmouth.

Some of the bigger tributary running smallies actually are better fighters than most spring drop back steelhead which (although having voracious appetites) seem de-energized from wintering over, spawning-out and enduring the gaunlet of fisherman. (The exception would be late winter/early spring arriving Little Manistee strain steelhead which have all the fighting ability and more of fall running steelies).

Spring-run Little Manistee steelhead that took a dead-drifted egg pattern

Smallmouth and steelhead are not the only fish to be found in the tributaries in the spring. Some of the larger tributaries also have spawning populations of walleye and catfish (running in from Lake Erie) which also can be caught with fly tackle and flies.
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Lake Erie tributary smallmouth fishing in the spring has a lot of pluses. A variety of fish are available to be caught, pleasant weather conditions are the norm and most of the crowds chasing “chrome” are gone, leaving solitude a refreshing companion for the fly fisherman.

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

2011 Spring Steelhead Report and News

2011-03-19T08:17:00.016-04:00

Spring-run Little Manistee steelhead caught on a Lake Erie tributary with a traditional swing presentation

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After a cold and snowy winter, old man winter finally eased up in late February bringing flooding conditions on many of the Lake Erie tributaries. Heavy rains and snow melt continued into the first part of March keeping most tributaries high and unfishable (particularly the big rivers like the Grand River in Ohio and Cattaraugus Creek in New York). Most tributary mouth/lakeshore ice (on the south shore of Lake Erie) had broken up and melted by March 19th.
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Look for a small-to-medium size run of fresh steelhead into the Pennsylvania tributaries this late winter/early spring (most PA strain steelhead have already run in from last fall/early winter) with a similar scenario on the New York tributaries of Lake Erie. The Ohio tributaries are a different story with the bulk of their run (Little Manistee strain steelhead) just beginning in mid-to-late March (peaking in April).
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Expect steelhead to begin moving onto gravel in March, with spawning rituals continuing into late April and early May (the bigger tribs encourage late spawning due to colder water temperatures and higher flows). Post-spawn or “drop-back” steelies will hold in the tribs until water temperatures become to warm (above 70 degrees F).
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Besides spring run steelies, look out for smallmouth running up from Lake Erie (which often fight harder than drop-back steelies), sucker runs out of Lake Erie (to avoid suckers concentrate on faster water or fish the very upper section of a trib where suckers usually don’t reach) and also spring smolt steelhead stockings (use “kid glove” care when releasing these juveniles or better yet, try to avoid these areas all together and seek “smolt-free” zones).
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On March 19, 2011 the Lake Erie water temperature (degrees F) off Toledo was 38, off Cleveland was 34, off Erie was 36 and off Buffalo was 32.
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News Around the Lake Erie Region

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In Ohio on February 28, 2011 at 10:07 am, the Gates Mills Dam broke on the Chagrin River. The combination of a later winter thaw, snow melt from a recent snow storm and heavy rains brought the Chagrin River to just over 20,000 cfs. After the dam broke (which is a “low-head” type built in 1906 and owned by the village of Gates Mills), flooding occurred in several areas downstream including Gates Mills and Willoughby. For flood video visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOHUhg1VpWQ

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With the loss of the Daniel Parks Dam on the Chagrin River in 2004 and now the failure of the Gates Mills Dam, the Chagrin River is getting back to its original free flowing nature (there is still a low-head dam on the East Chagrin River near Kirtland, OH). Benefits will include more upstream areas to fish for steelhead (at least 7 miles of water), potential natural steelhead reproduction in headwaters and improvement of streambed ecological systems directly downstream of breeched dam.
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Negative impacts include fishing pressure on normally low pressured private lands (which could lead to postings), lamprey movement/spawning in upper waters and steelhead impact on upper water ecosystems (including a very small rainbow trout fishery in the upper Chagrin River head waters).
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Kevin Kayle of the Ohio Department of Wildlife reports that there will be a reduction of steelhead smolt plantings in the Ohio tributaries this spring (down to around 275,000). All the Ohio steelhead tributaries will be stocked (with stocking percentages staying the same from previous years).
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A number of factors contributed to this reduction including: renovation at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery (the facility will not be able to incubate eggs until renovation completion in late 2011 or early 2012), a reduced/strictly all fingerling source of juvenile steelhead from Michigan (only 275, 000 fingerlings were available due to a shortage in Michigan) and some mortality from cold water disease at the Castalia hatchery. Kayle believes that this should not have a significant impact on future steelhead runs due to natural variables that typically occur in the Lake Erie ecosystem from season to season. In 2012 the ODW plans on getting back to its targeted number of steelhead plantings which is around 400,000 steelhead smolts.

In Pennsylvania, biologist Chuck Murray of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) related that he found no surprises in regards to examination of returning steelhead and brown trout in the nursery waters of Trout Run last fall.

Steelhead examined for lamprey wounds revealed a rate of 18%, with 2.8% having fresh wounds. This is comparable to other areas of the Great Lakes right now. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) has found that lamprey populations have significantly increased in the last few years (last year was the highest population total on record, with this year coming in second). One cause of this could be an increase in new habitat for lamprey natural reproduction (but at this point the GLFC doesn’t know).

Murray also found very few mature brown trout in the Trout Run nursery waters. Most were jacks with some 16-18 inch fish. The PF&BC began stocking brown trout juveniles in 2009 and 2010 with larger, mature brown trout expected to return in greater numbers in the fall of 2011.

In New York, the Chautauqua Creek Dam Modification Project has been delayed again as a result of the US Army Corp. of Engineers (USACE) requesting more matching funds ($50,000) from the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). As a result, contracts for completing the project will be awarded this summer (2011) with construction starting in 2012.

NYSDEC biologist Jim Markham continued his wild steelhead assessment studies on Chautauqua Creek this past summer (2011). This “pre-passage” monitoring will be invaluable for determining any increase in wild steelhead natural reproduction after dam modifications are complete (which is the primary goal of the Dam Modification Project).

A meeting held on March 15, 2011 between the NYSDEC and the USACE updated the present status of the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project. The Springville Dam stability study by the USACE has been completed. The study has brought mixed reviews, with the NYSDEC feeling that the dam meets standard to high levels for stability (which would make installation of fish passage device on the dam a viable option for the restoration project). The USACE recommend the dam have some repair work and/or a reduction in the level of the dam by 50% for a fish device passage device installation.

The next phase of the feasibility study by the USACE involves back sediment analysis on Cattaraugus Creek near the Springville Dam. All feasibility studies for the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project should be completed by 2013 according to Jim Markham of the NYSDEC.

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". Look for John Nagy's new book "Steelheader's Journal" coming out later this summer (2011).

Spring Steelies by John Nagy

2011-03-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

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 book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

Wading Strategies for Great Lakes Steelhead by John Nagy

2011-01-17T12:52:00.035-05:00

Steelheader swinging flies "close-in" at the head of a pool on a Lake Erie tributary

(Note dark area visible below steelheader where several steelhead are holding)

New entries to the sport of fly fishing are routinely bombarded with the importance of fly casting (distance, line speed, etc.) to catch fish with not much emphasis on wading strategies
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In Great Lakes steelhead fishing, wading strategies are often more important versus fly casting to consistently catch steelhead on the tributaries

A good strategy for the steelheader (before just "jumping" into the river) is to plan his or her wading path and final positioning before making a fly cast to a specific “target zone”. A target zone (TZ) will contain a current break in the stream flow which steelhead use for resting during their upstream migration in the fall and also as a holding area prior to spawning in late winter, early spring.
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A well thought out wading plan can result in a more effective initial fly cast (s) to the target zone and also allow for better line control and mending. This will ultimately result in a more effective dead-drift or swing presentation to the steelhead and a higher probability of an initial hook-up.
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My mantra as a steelhead guide on the Lake Erie tributaries over the years has always been to “get them on the first, second or third drift”. Remember that the more bad drifts over a steelhead you make (dragging on the bottom and drifting over their heads for dead-drift presentations or swinging your fly too fast or slow on the swing) the more you turn a steelhead “off” to striking your fly.
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High-Stick Nymphing

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In “high-stick” nymphing, whether bottom-bouncing or using a floating indicator, wading and positioning is everything in order to achieve flawless drag-free drifts on or near the stream bottom (where steelhead can be found the majority of the time). Fly casting at distance is detrimental to dead-drift presentations because a large amount of fly line can get into the water interfering with a drag-free drift.
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Better to wade as close as possible to the TZ and use a “short-line” approach to minimize fly line interference. This will result in much better line mending and line control over the dead-drift. Many Great Lakes tributaries are rather shallow making this close-in wading very feasible. Also post run-off stain (which gives steelhead a sense of security in shallow water) allows for wading in close proximity to steelhead lies as well.
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Before you begin wading, locate potential steelhead resting and holding areas by “reading” the water and observing any surface texture changes which would indicate current breaks below. Polarized sunglasses come in handy for cutting the glare on the water and picking-up even the subtlest surface texture variations.
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These TZ areas (which I also call “sweet spots”) are very specific and localized, are slightly slower than the surrounding current flow and have the right depth/clarity to give steelhead a sense of security. They can be found at current breaks created by shale ledges and man-made structures, in streambed depressions, pool tail-outs, slower areas in runs and eddies, behind rocks/boulders in pocket water areas and along downed timber.
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After wading into position, stand directly in front of the TZ, but not too close that it inhibits fly line/leader control. Cast a relatively short line (30 feet or less) upstream, following up with a mend(s) and a high-stick rod position, which helps minimize fly line contact with the water. Repeat drift several times and then take a few steps downstream and start over. (See John Nagy’s Steelhead Guide Book for a more detailed explanation of high-stick nymphing and other steelhead presentations).
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Swinging

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Swinging presentations require a completely different wading strategy versus a dead-drift presentation. Swinging also 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.
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Again, read the water first to locate likely steelhead lies. Ideal steelhead resting and holding areas for swinging (versus dead-drifting) are much larger and are conducive for being covered with a swinging presentation. They include current breaks at the head of pools, along parallel “seams” that run through pools/runs and also in pool tail-outs. Positioning yourself by wading above the TZ (easily done on many Great Lakes tributaries which are rather shallow) will allow you to effectively swing your fly “down-and-across” to steelhead.
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Begin the swing by casting your fly line at a 45 degree angle downstream to the left or right of the TZ. 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.
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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 the TZ. Next, take a few steps downstream and begin the entire sequence again.
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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.
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The strength of the current and depth of the river (as well as how strong of a wader you are) will determine how precisely you can position yourself above the TZ and also work your way downstream. Wading to a position slightly to the right or left (and above) is ok, as long as you can get the proper angle on your cast to the target area and swing through the target area.
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The temptation by most steelheaders swinging flies (especially double-handed casters) is to immediately wade into the head of pools and runs, throw a long line downstream and begin the swing presentation at TZ’s at distance. The problem is you will miss great opportunities to catch steelhead "close-in" with this strategy (duh, your standing on top the steelhead!) Also, swing presentations done at long distances can make precise downstream line mending and control difficult, which can prevent you from getting proper fly speed and fly depth on the swing.
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Be patient and work close areas first (you will need to position yourself far back enough to do this close-in swing properly). Steelhead will hold amazingly close, especially early in the morning, on overcast days and in heavily stained water.
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Switch Rods

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“Switch” type fly rods can make swinging flies for the Great Lakes steelheader an easy proposition. Close-in and medium range distances can easily be done using these rods single-handed. When distance is needed (when wading in higher run-off flows and wading/swinging your way down into deeper pools and runs) as well as when back casts are not practical due to obstructions, reaching down to the lower handle for a “double-hand assist” allows for double-handed over head casts and spey style casts.

These fly rods are also ideal for high-stick nymphing due to their long lengths, with some manufacturers offering more moderate actions that are ideal to protect lighter tippets when nymphing.
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Safe Wading on the Tributaries

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Here are a few safe wading practices to remember when wading on the tributaries:
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-Always use a wading belt with chest waders. If you take a dunking the wading belt will prevent the waders from filling with water and keep you afloat till you can climb out downstream.
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-Polarized sunglasses are essential for seeing rocks, ledges, holes, etc. while wading. If the tributary flow is stained and visibility is poor, slowly shuffling your feet and “feeling” the bottom as you go will prevent missteps and tripping.
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-Before wading a tributary in higher flows, learn the streambed “topography” for that tributary when the water is low and clear. This will not only help you safely wade the tributary (you’ll know where all the shallow crossings are) but will also show ideal steelhead holding areas such as ledge drop-offs, streambed depressions and shale cuts.
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-In higher tributary flows, cross the river slightly upstream, at an angle and leaning into the current (don’t let the current hit you directly from behind the knees).
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-You can get into a heap of trouble very quickly wading a tributary downstream in higher flows (especially when the river drops off quickly as you go downstream).
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-Be aware of steep/loose gravel bars that can break apart when wading and slide you into deeper water.
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-Monitor water levels (and weather reports) closely before crossing a tributary. Run-off from rainfall and snow-melt (and unexpected dam releases) can quickly raise tributary water levels and trap you on the wrong side of the river.
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-Studded boots and/or wading staffs are musts for the tributaries (particularly the larger ones) during high/stained run-off. For added safety, wearing an inflatable PFD can provide instant floatation with the pull of a lanyard. Stearns makes an inflatable fishing vest/chest pack ideal for the steelheader. The new William Joseph WST Waders (wader safety technology) have an integrated inflatable bladder which allows you either manual or emergency CO2 inflation.
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-The new rubber-bottomed wading boots like the light-weight Simms Rivershed boot (including Simms Hardbite Studs and Star Cleats) are ideal for winter steelheading. They will not accumulate snow and ice on the bottom when hiking snow covered tributary banks (which felt-bottomed boots are notorious for).

More detailed information on wading strategies for steelhead can be found in John Nagy's book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

The Wake-Up Call Tube Fly by John Nagy

2010-12-02T09:45:00.070-05:00

The Wake-Up Call Tube Fly can be tied in an endless number of color combinations. Some hot variations include the Black n Blue, the UV Olive and the Emerald Shiner

The Wake-Up Call Tube Fly uses the innovative Pro TubeFly System

by Pro Flytyer

Guaranteed to catch the attention of "chrome-runners" in the Great Lakes region,

the Wake-Up Call Tube Fly incorporates

several fish attracting features into its design.

These include Rabbit fur strip, soft hackle (or schlappen feathers), guinea feathers and silicon legs for motion, Angle Hair, Krinkle Mirror Flash and Polar Chenille for flash and jungle cock feathers for eyes.

The Pro Soft Disc adds color and rear turbulence/noise to the back of the fly. The brass Pro ConeDisc (at the front of the fly) has a convex or “arrow” shape that makes the fly cast and lift out of the water more easily.

The Pro SoftSonic Disc (can also be used at the front of the fly) has openings that allow water to flow through, adding movement to the fly and also making it easier to lift fly out of the water.

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Looking “under the hood” of the Wake-Up Call Tube Fly. The Pro TubeFly System tube component consists of Pro FlexiTube tubing, Rear Pro Soft Disc, Front Pro SoftSonic Disc (or Brass Pro ConeDisc), and Pro BulletWeight on tube body
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The Wake-Up Call Tube Fly

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Tube: Pro FlexiTube, 40 mm/10mm (small). This one-piece, injection molded plastic tube consists of two different dimensions of tubing (40mm and 10mm tube lengths). The 40mm length is approx. 2mm (o.d.) and the 10mm length is approx. 3mm (o.d.).
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Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0.
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Rear Cone: Plastic Pro Soft Disc (xl). Enlarge disc opening (with hot needle) so it can fit on smaller diameter tube section (40mm length) of Pro FlexiTube. Slide Pro Soft Disc on 40mm length (up against 10mm length).Exposed portion of rear tube (10mm length) acts as hook holder and also as a colorful tag feature if colored tubing is used.
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Body: UV Polar Chenille and Brass Pro BulletWeight. Pro BulletWeight is slid onto 40mm tube length, behind tie in point of wing (this location helps balance fly). Polar Chenille can be wrapped up to, or over Pro BulletWeight (the latter creating a fuller body and better front wing support).
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Legs: Hot Tipped Silli Legs.
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Wing: (Top to bottom) Rabbit fur strip, Angel Hair and Krinkle Mirror Flash.
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Collar: Schlappen feathers or soft saddle hackle with optional guinea feather.
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Cheeks: Jungle Cock (optional)
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Front Cone: Brass Pro ConeDisc (medium) or Plastic Pro SoftSonic Disc (xl). Note: Pro SoftSonic Disc can either be mounted permanently on tube or “line-mounted” on the river. Using Pro ConeDisc provides additional weighting to fly if desired.

Comments: The Wake-Up Call works well stripped or on the swing (particularly in higher/stained flows), not only for steelhead, but also for smallies, brown trout and salmon.

The finished fly measures approximately 3 ½ -4 inches from cone to tail but can be tied in smaller versions for low water steelhead and inland trout. Bigger versions are killer for largemouth, pike, muskies and saltwater species.

See article "Pro Fly Tyer Introduces New Tube Fly System" and ProFlytyer.com for more information on the Pro TubeFly System.

More detailed information on tube flies for Great Lakes Steelhead can also be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

Edco Improves Solitude Fly Reel by John Nagy

2010-11-05T14:10:00.030-04:00

The newly improved Solitude Fly Reel by Edco

Edco has recently made some improvements to its Solitude fly reel that it feels will enhance the quality of the reel considerably

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The moderately priced but precision made fly reel has a large following and has been called the “guides” reel for its dependability and performance
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Edco has changed the cork material (that was previously used in both the original “Harris” Solitude and the redesigned Edco Solitude fly reel) to a much stronger, longer lasting cork material that is specifically designed as a friction material.
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The capacity for this cork to withstand heat build up far exceeds the limits of the former cork used. This new cork does not compress under stress which allows for the drag to remain constant even during heavy compression and subsequent release of drag pressure. The net effect of this cork is a drag system that will far out last the previous system and perform more consistently during its life.
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Edco has also changed the stainless material used in the reel from 416 stainless to 17-4 stainless (which is a highly corrosive resistant material). Based on both field and in-house testing (using a specialized saltwater chamber) the reel has performed admirably in both salt and freshwater.
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Ordering Solitude Fly Reel

Edco’s Solitude reel comes in 4 sizes (from trout to salwater) and 3 finishes (including pewter, gold and black). It is available in both a standard and large arbor spool design. (The large arbor Solitude V is what John Nagy uses on his Noodle Fly Rod).

If interested in ordering a Solitude fly reel (or John Nagy Noodle Fly Rod) please contact John Nagy at steelheadguide@hotmail.com or (412) 531-5819.

For technical specifications on this reel please visit Solitude Reels at: solitudereels.com

also go to:

The new Solitude Fly Reel...the Guides Reel

Pro Flytyer™ Introduces a New Tube Fly System by John Nagy

2010-11-05T10:01:00.034-04:00

Selection of Pro TubeFly System components by Pro Flytyer™ including the Pro FlexiNeedle

After 20 years of salmon and sea trout fishing in Scandinavia and Europe and 2 years of development and testing, Morten Bundgaard of Pro Flytyer™ in Denmark has released an innovative and high quality system of tube fly components called

the Pro TubeFly System™

Debuting in early 2010, it has been described by some as the “Lego set” for tube tyers due to its versatility and interchangeable/buildable components

With the help of Computer Aided Design (CAD), all components in Pro Flytyer’s Pro TubeFly System (proflytyer.com) were designed to match across the entire system. The system has both simplified tube tying for the beginner and allowed the experienced tube tyer to be creative and versatile in his tube designs.
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The heart of the Pro TubeFly system consists of the innovative one-piece FlexiTubing and small MicroTubing, the unique weighing components of sleekly designed weights and specialty brass cones, and the soft silicon and polymer discs that are designed for hackle and wing support, fly protection in fast river currents and also for imparting fly movement.

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Pro FlexiTube

The Pro FlexiTube is a one-piece, injection molded plastic tube consisting of two different dimensions of tubing. This precision one-piece component eliminates the tying step of joining different sections of extruded tubing by glue or other means and the inherent “weak point” that comes with joined tubes.
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The material used in Pro FlexiTubes is a special blend of 3 different plastic materials, each with its own advantage. This results in an extremely strong tube which has the same softness and strength from -22 degrees F up to + 122 degrees F.
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Pro FlexiWeights are designed for adding weight to Pro FlexiTubes (by fitting over the thinner tube at the front of the FlexiTube) without increasing the diameter of the body. This straight brass tubing has a fine chrome finish and comes in various lengths to vary the weight of the tube fly.
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Other features of Pro FlexiTubes include built-in hook connection with no junction tubing needed, 4 different lengths that give the tyer nearly unlimited weighing, sizing and hook placement options, 16 colors (including metallic copper, gold and silver).
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Pro MicroTube
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Another Pro TubeFly offering is the down-sized Pro MicroTube System which consists of a plastic Pro MicroTube (and the Pro Hookguide for hook connection) that is specially designed to except sleek/uniquely designed weights of different sizes and designs. This system is ideal for tying the new modern “short” or “no-body” style of flies that have thin/short body diameters for easy casting and sinking. These “quick- tie” tube patterns also use minimal tying materials. As Morten Bundgard says “add a wing, a little bit of flash and hackle and the fly is ready to go”. The Pro MicroTube is available in a standard 31mm length and 6 different colors.
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Weight can be easily added to Pro MicroTubes by using Pro FlexiWeights of various lengths, Pro BulletWeights which can provide 5 different weights by various combinations and also are ideal for accommodating zonker style wings, and the fast sinking Pro DropWeights which can be used to customize both fly weight and balance and have a tapered shape ideal for hair wing/hackle support.
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Pro TubeFly System Cones
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The Pro Cone which has a classic (concave) conehead design comes in 4 sizes and 7 colors. The large interior bore of this cone (a result of a specialty brass alloy that allows thinner sides) allows the tier to make less than perfect heads (e.g. too large) and still get a good finished result after cone is placed over fly head. The large bore size will also not crumple or surpress the hackle or hair wing of the fly and easily fits all Pro TubeFly tubing. The Pro Cone is polished by hand before the painting process of primer and two layers of paint, resulting in a smooth, shiny and very strong finish.
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The Pro ConeDisc is similar to the Pro Cone except it has a convex or “arrow” shape that makes the cone cast and lift out of the water easily. It is available in 3 sizes and 7 colors.
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Pro TubeFly System Discs
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The Pro HardDisc LM is a hard plastic disc that can be “tube-mounted” in front of the fly or “line-mounted” on the leader (also in front of fly) to help prevent soft hackle and wing materials from “flattening out” in fast current flows. Air and water resistance helps keep disc in place when casting and fishing fly. Light as a feather to cast, it can be used for both tube and hook designed flies. The Pro HardDisc comes in 3 sizes and 5 colors.
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The Pro SoftDisc is made of ultra strong, soft silicon rubber. It can be used on the body of a fly to provide wing and hackle support and slid on the leader to help maintain hackle and wing volume in faster currents. Its convex shape makes it easier to lift out of water and light weight makes it easy to cast. Large bore allows tyer to make less than perfect heads. The Pro SoftDisc is available in 4 sizes and 16 colors.
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The Pro SoftSonic Disc

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The Pro SoftSonic Disc is lightweight, large bore, soft plastic disc that incorporates 6 oval openings in a convex-to-concave shape. These openings allow water to flow through, adding movement to the fly and also making it easier to lift fly out of water when casting. Disc can be tube or line-mounted in front of fly to provide fly protection in fast current flows and also placed at back of fly (on tube) to allow fly to enter water more easily (which is helpful with weighted flies). This "rear positioning" (the Pro SoftDisc is ideal for this also) can add some rear turbulence to the fly. The Pro SoftSonic Disc comes in 4 sizes and 16 colors.
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Pro TubeFly System “Add-Ons”
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The Pro HookGuide is made of ultra-strong, high-stretch silicon whose tapered shape can hold a variety of hook sizes and also vary hook position or “strike point” behind the tube fly. Loose holding trebles (popular in Scandinavia and Europe), doubles and single hooks are held firmly in place with this tapered design. The Pro HookGuide is available in 3 sizes and 7 colors.
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The plastic Pro Propeller attracts fish by rotating in the current flow and making noise and vibration. Comes in small and medium sizes and 7 colors. The new 17mm large size makes even more noise and vibration. It has wings that are more flat angled making it easy to cast.
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Miscellaneous
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The Pro Starter Kit contains 50 Pro Tubefly System pieces that will give the tube tyer a good introduction to the innovation and flexibility of the Pro TubeFly component system.
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The Pro FlexiNeedle is a high carbon, tempered steel, tapered, tube tying needle. The sides of the needle are flat allowing it to fit into the jaws of most fly tying vices.
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Up and Coming
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In the future, Pro Flytyer is committed in designing new tube components and products with “cutting-edge” innovation, quality and function.
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During 2011, Pro Flytyer plans on launching two completely new tube systems. The Pro Predator System™ which targets big game fish like pike, tarpon, trevally, etc. in both fresh and saltwater (including a number of “add-ons”). The revolutionary Pro Evo System™ uses high quality plastic tube components that are “recompounded” with tungsten powder (similar to how fly lines are manufactured).

The Pro Evo System will come in 4 lengths and sink rates of floating (clear), sink 1 (light grey), sink 3 (dark grey) and sink 6 (black). Pro Evo tubes are ideal for Atlantic Salmon fishing in the Canadian Provinces (and elsewhere) where no added weight to the fly itself is allowed.
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Pro TubeFly Component Sources

US Retailers

Big Horn Fly Shop, Montana, 406-666-2375

Big R Fly Shop, Monatana, 503-579-4935

Deschutes Angler, Oregon, 541-395-0995

Fin and Fire, Oregon, 541-548-1503

The Fly Fishing Shop, Oregon, 503-622-4607

Lost Creek, Washington, 360-978-4059

River City, Oregon, 503-579-4935

The Caddis Shop, Oregon, 541-342-7005

Canadian Retailers

Grand River Troutfitters, Ontario, 519-787-4359

Wilsons, Ontario, 416-869-3474

Flymart, Ontario, 888-811-1163

More detailed information on tube flies for Great Lakes Steelhead can be found in John Nagy’s book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead" which has an exciting new chapter on tube flies, discussing their history, benefits and construction as well as tube tying material sources. It also includes 28 hot steelhead tube flies (both conventional and Scandinavian style) for Great Lakes steelhead.

Steelhead Alley Browns by John Nagy

2010-09-30T20:32:00.013-04:00

Steelheader on Elk Creek, PA with bonus brownie

The Browns are back in

Steelhead Alley

......and not the Cleveland Browns either!

In 2002 the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) started stocking the Lake Erie shoreline with a domesticated strain of brown trout from their Rome, NY hatchery. That initial planting included 25,000 yearling browns and was primarily geared to impact Lake Erie boat fishing.
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These browns not only showed good survival and growth rates but surprisingly started fall spawning runs into numerous Western NY tributaries of Lake Erie (including Chautauqua and Canadaway Creeks) providing a nice bonus to the already excellent tributary steelhead fishing.
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Averaging 5-6 pounds, these lake-run browns are smaller in size to their Lake Ontario cousins which are also stocked by the NYDEC but benefit by a deeper, colder lake which is thought to produce older/bigger fish. In 2008 the NYDEC stocked 36,000 browns into Lake Erie’s Dunkirk and Barcelona Harbors, the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek and Big Sister Creek.
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The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) began stocking browns in the shoreline and tributaries Lake Erie in the early 80’s but discontinued the program as the steelhead stocking program took off in the early 90’s. Due to increased requests for browns by tributary anglers, boat anglers and charter boat captains, the PF&BC and local sportsman’s cooperative nurseries, are collaborating to resurrect the lacustrine (lake related) brown trout program in the heart of steelhead alley.
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The program will initially be started with certified disease-free, fertilized brown trout eggs donated by the NYDEC in the first 5 years. The egg source for these eggs will be a domestic inland brown trout strain from the NYDEC hatchery system.
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As the program evolves the PF&BC hopes to secure a self-sustaining egg source through the development of captive brood stock and perhaps the use of feral (wild) brood stock by collecting eggs from browns returning to Pennsylvania nursery tributaries.
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The first stocking of 35,000 yearling browns (8 inch size) was done in the spring of 2009 by the 3CU Trout Association at the mouths of a select number of nursery tributaries. In 2010 the 3CU and the Wesleyville Conservation Club stocked 50,000 yearling browns (adipose fin clip) with the PF&BC planning on stocking 50,000 yearling browns at the end of this September. Future annual brown trout stocking will be in the 50,000 to 100,000 range representing about 5 to 10% of the steelhead stocking levels in Pennsylvania.
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The PF&BC browns will be either right or left ventral fin clipped to provide information on evaluating stocking locations. Approximately 25% will be left ventral fin clipped and stocked into Presque Isle Bay with the remaining 75% right ventral fin clipped and stocked at the mouths of Trout Run, Godfrey Run, Orchard Beach Run and the nursery water of Crooked Creek. If stream flows are low in these tributaries, stockings will be done directly in the lake near the tributary mouth.
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These new brown trout plantings will replace the surplus steelhead stocked by the PF&BC since the elimination of the Coho salmon program in 2003 (bringing down yearly steelhead stockings from 1.1 million to 1 million in the Pennsylvania tributaries).
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Chuck Murray, Fisheries Biologist for the PF&BC, says that brown trout should do very well in the relatively warm Lake Erie since they prefer an optimal water temperature range of 65-70 degrees (Lake Erie boat fisherman have report good catches of 18 inch browns during this past summer).
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Also, since they tend to be bottom and structure oriented, they will have good forage base in Lake Erie’s prolific round goby populations which like to sit on the lake bottom (steelhead prefer to feed further up in the water column where rainbow smelt and emerald shiners are more prevalent).
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Steelheaders specifically targeting steelhead alley browns in the fall should expect the peak of the run in late October to early November with a few around as late as January. Look for them in faster runs and shallow pocket water areas. In the spawning mode, they can be particularly aggressive, and will actively take streamers, wooly buggers as well as egg patterns and nymphs.
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More detailed information on the brown trout and steelhead fisheries in Lake Erie can be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

2010 Fall Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

2010-09-20T08:59:00.015-04:00

What steelhead dreams are made of!

A very hot and dry summer has kept most of the Lake Erie tributaries low, clear and warm into early September. Cattaraugus Creek has had a decent flow with a scattering of both adult and jack steelhead in the lower reservation waters. Water levels near the mouths off the tributaries are very good though due to good lake levels this year.
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Mid September has brought a good shot of some much needed precipitation to the Lake Erie watershed with early run steelhead entering the lower reaches of most of the tributaries.
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Periodic run-off episodes are the ideal scenario for a good fall run on the Lake Erie tributaries (with remnants from fall hurricanes an added bonus). 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.

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On October 25, 2010 the Lake Erie water temperature (degrees F) off Toledo was 54, off Cleveland was 57, off Erie was 56 and off Buffalo was 56.
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News Around the Lake Erie Region

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Last June, an Asian carp was found past the highest electronic barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System, with free access to the Great Lakes. If Asian Carp spread throughout the Great Lakes system it could disrupt the Lakes’ $7.5 billion commercial and sport fishing industry as well as its ecological systems.
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Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) has helped to introduce the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act and the Carp Act bills. If passed, these bills by law will completely cut off the flow of water between rivers that connect the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes and also provide other immediate interim measures to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan.
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The bills were introduced after the U.S. Supreme Court repeatedly declined to take up lawsuits filed by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox last December against the State of Illinois. Mr. Cox was requesting an injunction to immediately close the Chicago area locks and take emergency actions to ensure that Asian carp do not reach the Great Lakes.
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On September 8, 2010 President Obama appointed John Goss to the new post of Asian Carp Director and also met with representatives of the Great Lakes states to talk strategy for keeping Asian carp out of the five lakes.
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In Ohio last June 23, 2010, a potential new Ohio state record steelhead was caught by Jason Brooks of Tallmadge, OH while trolling Lake Erie 17 miles north of Avon Lake. The fish weighed on a certified scale at Erie Outfitters 21.3 lbs (38 inches long). The previous 1996 record steelie tipped the scale at 20.97 lbs. To be an official state record it needs first to be certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. To see Jason’s steelhead visit http://www.cleveland.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2010/06/tallmadge_angler_jason_brooks.html
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Kevin Kayle of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Division of Wildlife (ODNR/DOW) has released a progress report of a creel survey of the steelhead fishery on Ohio’s Lake Erie tributaries and access points. The survey is the first year of a 2 consecutive year study that will provide a detailed analysis of the Ohio steelhead fishery and its anglers and comparisons to historic Ohio steelhead fishery data and current steelhead fishery data collected in the PA and NY waters of Lake Erie
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The first year survey (done in September 2008-May 2009) has shown that fishing pressure, catch rates and average length of harvested fish going up substantially from the 1970’s and 1980’s. Catch and release practices are much more prevalent now versus previous years (89%). The survey also showed that the Ohio steelhead fishery is overall on par with neighboring Lake Erie states in terms of angling effort, catch rates and release rates. The ODNR/DOW creel survey showed monthly catch rates from 0.1 to 1.0 fish per hour on the major Ohio tributaries while both PA and NY surveys have shown values in similar to slightly higher ranges.
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The second year of the creel survey was planned for September 2009 through May 2010. For more detailed information on the survey visit:
http://dnr.state.oh.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TF2B8xLkl4k%3D&tabid=6166
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In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) completed the installation of a fish ladder (June 30, 2010) on the Lawrence Park Golf Club dam on 4 Mile Creek. The PF&BC has also submitted a grant application to the Fish America Foundation and NOAA to install a bypass around the waterfall that is 500 feet upstream from the dam. The bypass will include a 4 foot wide regulated channel to the east of the falls.
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The Primary goal of these projects is to enhance steelhead migration upstream on 4 Mile Creek to the Penn State Behrend Campus area (also know as the Wintergreen Gorge) and possibly beyond I 90 (a distance of about 5 plus miles). The PF&BC is also interested in making improvements to parking and trails upstream on this Lake Erie tributary and also purchasing public fishing easements (with private landowners) through the PF&BC Lake Erie Access Improvement Program.
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Steelheaders should be aware of the access change on the lower section of 4 Mile Creek. The Lawrence Park Golf Club is still permitting anglers to access their property but anglers are no longer permitted to utilize the foot bridge (at the lower dam) in order to cross to the west side of the stream.
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Anglers must enter the stream between the dam and club property line which is next to (north of) the dam. This will allow access to the lower fishing hole at the mouth by walking downstream. Also, anglers are prohibited from trespassing on the East side of lower 4 Mile Creek unless they are a member of the Lawrence Park Fishing Club.
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Chuck Murray of the PF&BC will be collecting steelhead and brown trout in the nursery waters of Trout Run this fall. He will be examining brown trout for fin clips in order to evaluate brown trout stocking locations (brown trout have been stocked since the spring of 2009 by the 3CU Trout Association and the PF&BC at the mouths of several Lake Erie tributaries and also Presque Isle Bay).
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He will also be looking for lamprey wounds on steelhead based on anecdotal reports from boat fisherman who have reported high lamprey wounding numbers out on the lake this past summer and also a substantial increase of lamprey nesting counts (in 2009 when compared to 2008) at monitored sites in several Lake Erie tributaries.
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In New York, the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is scheduled to complete a feasibility study for the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project this October. At that time the USACE, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (who have lamprey concerns) will meet to review the results of the study and determine all possible options available for the project (including installation of a fish passage device on the Springville Dam). The USACE is tentatively planning a public information meeting this upcoming winter concerning the project as well.
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Bidding and construction work in regards to the Chautauqua Creek Dam Modification Project has been postponed until next summer due to the USACE’s request for more matching funds from the State of NY (approximately $150,000 total). Also, negotiations with a private landowner for a permanent access road easement to the dam areas has stalled.
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Jim Markham of the NYSDEC has been doing wild steelhead assessment studies on Chautauqua Creek (including above both dams). This “pre-passage” monitoring will be invaluable for determining any increase in wild steelhead natural reproduction after the dam modifications are complete (which is the primary goal the Dam Modification Project).

The 2009 study shows young of year (YOY) steelhead were the highest in the 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. For more information on Markham’s study visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32286.html

Study will be under 2009 Lake Erie Unit Annual Report March 2010.
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Jim Markham relates that the NYSDEC has discontinued stocking Cattaraugus Creek with Skamania steelhead due to marginal returns of Skamania at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Pulaski, NY (Lake Ontario) which can no longer allocate surplus Skamania to the Cat. Anticipate Skamania returning to the Cat as well as some of the other Western NY Lake Erie tributaries for the next few years though (since they have been stocked in the Cat by the NYSDEC from 2005-2009).

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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”.

Locating Tributary Steelhead Using Water Temperatures by John Nagy

2010-08-16T17:53:00.021-04:00

Claudia Buzsics taking an early fall Lake Erie tributary water temperature

Both successful and consistent steelhead fishing can be achieved by the Lake Erie steelheader if he or she simply gets in the habit of taking water temperatures when out on the tributaries

This is easily done these days with the advent of the standard type digital thermometer and the newer infrared models. The infrared designs (William Joseph, LL Bean and Orvis offer them) simply require pointing the unit at the water surface to get a digital temperature reading in milliseconds

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The USGS (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt) also provides internet real-time water temperature readings in degrees C (in addition to discharge flow and stage height data) for a limited number of Lake Erie tributary streams, including the Rocky River in Ohio and Walnut Creek in Pennsylvania.

Observing fluctuating water temperatures is not only vital for locating the bulk of steelhead in a tributary through the fall, winter and spring seasons, but also for monitoring steelhead holding locations (as well as movements) on a daily basis. It can also influence the technique and flies the steelheader chooses to use for that particular day on the water.

As the seasons and tributary temperatures change, steelhead seek current breaks that they can comfortably hold and rest in depending on the water temperature. This behavior is directly related to the fact that steelhead are a cold-blooded species and their metabolism decreases as water temperatures fall. As this occurs, steelhead become less active and more lethargic and will lose their ability to hold in faster currents.

Fall

Initially, fall steelhead stage along the Lake Erie shoreline starting in late August as “photo-periods” become shorter. Good numbers congregate by mid-September when shoreline temperatures dip to 68 degrees F. (Visit http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/twoeries.html for Lake Erie surface temperature map.)
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Targeting early fall steelhead along the shoreline (when the lake is flat) and at the tributary mouths can result in some fantastic fishing that few steelhead fly fishers take advantage of (either from shore, small boats and even belly boats). These lakeshore fish are the legendary fall “chrome bullets” and can be readily caught stripping streamers and wooly buggers with sink tip lines and shooting heads.

Fall steelhead begin running in large numbers into the tributaries when cool fall rains bring substantial tributary run-off and night time air temperatures start to drop (cooling the tributaries). Prior to fall run-off, the tributaries are typically low and clear and extremely warm from the summer heat.

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Fall tributary temperatures in September and October, although cooling to the 45 degrees F + range, maintain the metabolism of fall, lake-run steelhead encouraging them to hold in faster water like pool heads (including the pool lip), fast runs and chutes, lower pool tail-out’s (moderate current) and fast pocket water. Relatively warm tributary flows also make fall steelhead aggressive, hard-hitting fly takers. They will move out their way to take a dead-drifted egg pattern, nymph or small streamer and actively chase a swung wooly bugger, streamer, spey or tube fly.
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Energized fall steelhead can move great distances up a tributary especially with good run-off. Low water conditions along with abrasive, shale bottom streambeds (which can be physically rough on migrating steelhead) tend to slow upstream steelhead movement.
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Winter

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Winter water temperatures (December-February/32-37 degrees F) locate more lethargic steelhead into resting areas along shale ledges in deep, slow moving pools (look for current “seam” in water surface which indicates shale ledge below) as well as slower runs, pool back-eddies and the classic winter holding location of the upper pool tail-out of a deep sloping pool (very slow current).
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Ice water tributary flows shrink the “bite-zone” around a steelhead (they rarely move much for a fly) and seems to give them a case of “lock-jaw”, resulting in rather uncooperative fly takers. When they do bite, the takes are often soft and imperceptible to the rookie steelheader.
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Steelheaders looking for more hook-ups with finicky winter steelhead should try multiple presentations (you literally have to put fly on the noses of the fish), subtle rig adjustments (tippet size, shot amount) and numerous fly changes, including sizes down to #16’s for egg and nymph patterns.

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Steelhead movement in the winter occurs during periodic episodes of gradually increasing tributary temperatures to the upper 30’s degree F. The actual movement is slow, with fish methodically working their way to the upper half of the tributaries (during periodic thaw periods) where good spawning gravel exists.
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Spring

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Consistently rising tributary temperatures (into the 40-58 degree F range) and longer photo-periods in late winter and early spring (March-May) activate steelhead (many of which have wintered over) to move onto spawning gravel. After spawning, the tribs will hold the voracious eating “drop-back” steelhead until they get too warm (May-June/high 60’s and above) at which point steelhead head to the Lake Erie shoreline. It is not advisable to fly fish for drop-back’s when the tributaries reach water temperatures of high 60’s and above since playing fish under these conditions can stress fish to the point of mortality.
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Spring ice-out along the Lake Erie shoreline (which usually occurs from early to mid-March) initiates fresh runs of steelhead from the lake. In Pennsylvania and New York, these fresh runs are about 25% of the total number steelhead running for that year. In Ohio the spring running Little Manistee strain steelhead encompasses the majority of steelhead running for the year. Although good numbers of stray steelhead from Pennsylvania (and a direct stocking of Pennsylvania fall/winter strain fish into Conneaut Creek) contribute to the Ohio steelhead runs.
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Transition Temperatures

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Through all these seasons, there are transition temperatures that occur between the fall, winter and spring seasons that locate steelhead between the classic seasonal holding areas. Fall-winter holding steelhead (October-November/38-45 degrees F range) avoid holding in very fast water, and can be found instead in the middle sections of pools, moderate runs and slower pocket water flows. Pre-spawn steelhead (March-April/suddenly dropping or increasing tributary temperatures above or below the ideal spawning range of 40-58 degrees F) stage in holding areas adjacent to spawning beds in nearby runs, pools, pocket water and bank under-cuts.

Daily Tributary Temperatures

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During the course of a day, water temperatures are typically coldest in the morning, making steelhead less aggressive and more prone to take a dead-drifted fly in moderate to slower flows. Warming temperatures into the afternoon move steelhead into faster runs and pools where actively swinging flies in the traditional down-and-across manner can be very effective to energized fish.
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Late fall steelhead are still fairly active and aggressive but unusual cold snaps that drop tributary temperatures 4 or 5 degrees F or more can put a damper on an aggressive steelhead bite. This forces the fly fisherman to look for steelhead in more fall-winter (and even winter) type locations and slow down his or her presentation.

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In the winter, mid-day to early afternoon is typically when the warmest water temperatures (and active steelhead) will exist, even though only a few degree increase in water temperature has occurred from the frigid water temperatures of morning.
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If you forget your thermometer on a winter steelheading trip there is a way to roughly determine the water temperature based on observing how a steelhead fights after being hooked. Winter steelhead don’t fight much and will rarely break water. If a thaw occurs during the course of the day, causing gradually increasing water temperatures, a winter steelhead (after being hooked) becomes active enough to make that first jump when the water temperature hits the 40 degree F mark.

More detailed information on fly fishing for Great Lakes steelhead can be found in John Nagy's book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

More Info and Reviews of John Nagy's Custom Made Noodle Fly Rod

2010-08-15T10:48:00.029-04:00

John Nagy's Noodle Fly Rod is the ultimate "high-stick" nymphing/steelhead fly rod !

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Here are some of its best features:

-It provides excellent length (10'6") for mending and controlling long leaders and floating fly lines when nymphing (Wulff floating triangle taper design is recommended for this rod).
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-It's long/slow (moderate) action is ideal for playing big steelhead and buffering light tippets against steelhead runs and surges. Moderate action also protects against small hook "tear-outs".
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-Smoothily casts split-shot, indicators and tandem rigs (as opposed to stiffer/faster blanks which have more of a "herk/jerky" motion when casting these rigs).
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-Slower action throws larger casting loops which minimizes tandem rig/indicator tangles (as opposed to stiffer/faster blanks which cast tighter loops which can result in more tangles).
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-Detachable 5 inch fighting butt provides leverage in playing fish and also takes pressure off wrist (onto forearm) when "high-stick" nymphing.
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-Detachable 5 inch fighting butt allows rod to "switch" from single-handed cast to "double-hand assist" when needed (conventional roll cast, overhead double-hand cast for distance/power, spey cast for distance/power and avoiding rear obstacles on back cast).
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-Over-size snake guides and tip-top which cut down on guide freeze-up in the winter.
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-Over-size guides and tip-top also allow for easier casting in terms of line shooting ability and distance.
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-Reverse-wells grip provides sensitive feel for detecting strikes and bottom contact.

Please contact John Nagy at steelheadguide@hotmail.com or (412) 531-5819 for more details on his custom "noodle" fly rod.

John Nagy now offers the Edco Solitude fly reel to match up with his noodle fly rod. Please go to the Solitude Reel Page for more information on this great steelhead reel.

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More on Stream Reviews

of John Nagy's Noodle Fly Rod:
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John Nagy's Noodle Fly Rod casts easily and makes mending a breeze. It allows me to use light tippets by absorbing the shock of that initial steelhead run. Great steelhead rod!

Greg Martin of Keyser, West Virginia

Upcoming Magazine Articles II by John Nagy

2010-06-01T16:38:00.013-04:00

(articles already published have yellow titles)
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The Tube Fly Advantage
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (March 2011, Available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

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The Do's and Dont's of Indicating for Steelhead
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (November 2011, Available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

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How to Play a Steelhead
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (October 2012, Available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

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New Steelhead Equipment and Accessories
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (October 2011, Available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

Conneaut Creek, Ohio

by John Nagy

Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (November/December 2011 issue, available on newstands everywhere)

2010 Spring Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

2010-03-24T09:36:00.016-04:00

Early spring buck that took a rubber-legged olive stonefly nymph

Unusually warm, spring-like weather overtook the Lake Erie region by mid-march, melting snow cover as well as tributary mouth and lakeshore ice. Traditionally, the spring steelhead season begins by the second or third week of March when “ice-out” occurs (i.e., lakeshore ice melts and the tributary mouths open up). This encourages fresh steelhead to move into the tributaries mixing with “wintered-over” fish. As the tributaries warm-up in the spring and the days or “photo periods” get longer steelhead will move onto gravel and begin their annual spawning rituals.
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In Pennsylvania this spring (as well as Western New York), expect about roughly 25% more fresh steelhead in the tribs (to add to the total 2009/2010 run) with the majority of steelhead already having arrived by last fall and winter. Ohio will get some stray Pennsylvania fish as well as the bulk of their steelhead run this spring (the Little Manistee strain steelhead) which is primarily a late winter/early spring runner.
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Steelheaders should be aware that juvenile steelhead smolt plantings occur in the spring on the Lake Erie tributaries. Extreme care should be taken when catching and releasing these young steelhead. Tributary sections which have been recently stocked with steelhead smolts should be avoided by fisherman to protect future runs of steelhead.
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A bonus to spring steelhead fishing are runs of smallmouth, pike and walleye out of Lake Erie (usually on the bigger tribs). Also contributing to the mixed bag is the annual sucker run. Avoid catching suckers by fishing faster runs and pools and also fishing farther upstream on the tributaries since they are not as strong runners as steelhead.
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On March 25, 2010 the Lake Erie water temperature (degrees F) off Toledo was 40, off Cleveland was 35 and off Erie was 33.

News Around the Lake Erie Region

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April 1st is the deadline for the Army Corp of Engineers to report on the financial and environmental costs for dealing with the Asian Carp threat to the Great Lakes. Asian Carp are an invasive species big time that can consume 40% of its body weight daily in plankton and grow to 100 pounds. Since the major flood of 1993 they have been slowly migrating up the Mississippi River and right now are on the door steps of the Great Lakes (although some say they have already entered Lake Michigan based on DNA samples taken).
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Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has taken the position that the only the way to stop this invasive species dead in its tracks is to close the Chicago navigational locks on the Illinois River and prevent it from entering Lake Michigan. The problem is the Federal government has decided that the carp can be controlled by closing the locks for four days a week through a 75 million budgeted plan! This half-hearted effort by the Feds (which is geared toward protecting 70 million dollars worth of barge traffic on the Chicago River) puts the 7 billion dollar per year Great Lakes sport and commercial fishery at risk with disastrous consequences.
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Steel header’s interested in supporting Governor Strickland’s position of closing the Chicago navigational locks can register their opinion by calling the Ohio Attorney General’s toll-free hotline at 800-282-0515.
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In Ohio the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, in conjunction with the Ashtabula County Metro Parks, has developed a plan to increase public recreational access to Conneaut Creek. They have made an agreement to purchase the 35 acre Woodring property near Conneaut, OH and combine it with an adjacent 79 acre site already owned by the Ashtabula County (both properties are located on the south side of South Ridge Road). The goal is to create a 114 acre county park which would increase public fishing access to the river and also protect a sensitive riparian corridor. The Land Conservancy is seeking funding to finalize the purchase.
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In Pennsylvania the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission approved a long term lease agreement with the Lawrence Park Golf Club to install fish passage structures at two impediments in Four Mile Creek. Since 2007 a team of agencies and groups, led by the Pennsylvania Lake Erie Watershed Association (PLEWA), have worked to restore 4 Mile Creek to a more natural flow and facilitate steelhead migration farther upstream.
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The structures will be funded with monies from Pennsylvania’s DEP Coastal Zone Management Program and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program.
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Pennsylvania steelheaders are reminded that locations of finalized public fishing easements, obtained through the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Lake Erie Access Improvement Program, are available on-line. Go to the Commission’s website steelhead page at http://fishandboat.com/steelhead.htm for a map of public easement locations as well as other public access spots.
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In New York the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) has received federal stimulus money to fund the completion of a feasibility study for the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project. Part of the goals of this project are to further develop the wild steelhead fishery on the “Cat” and also open up 34 miles of existing NY State Public Fishing Rights land easements above the dam to steelhead fishing.
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The feasibility study primarily involves examining the stability of the Springville Dam as well as river hydrology work. Results of the study will influence development alternatives for the fish passage device (although dam removal is still an option). A public information meeting concerning the results of the feasibility study is tentatively scheduled by the USACE in the fall of 2010 or winter of 2011.
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The USACE has also received matching funds from the NYDEC to begin the construction phase of the Chautauqua Creek dam modification project. This project will modify two low level dams located on Chautauqua Creek above the town of Westfield in Western New York. When completed this will help steelhead to move up into an upper gorge area where New York State Public Fishing Rights (PFR) land is already in place. After bids are awarded by the USACE this spring, construction is planned to be started in August and finished by the fall in September.

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”.

Leaders for Steelhead by John Nagy

2010-03-03T09:19:00.018-05:00

Leaders and tippet material are all part of the well equipped steelheaders arsenal

Of all the equipment considerations that the Great Lakes steelheader makes probably the most overlooked are leaders and tippet material.

But without a proper leader and tippet you really can’t perform the technique being used correctly, deliver the fly effectively to the steelhead and play and land a steelhead quickly to minimize any stress or harm to the fish

Short-Line Nymphing

Leaders used for “short-line” nymphing methods, where you are fishing in close proximity to steelhead lies and using “high-stick” rod positioning, should have stiff butt and mid-sections (about 60 to 75% of the overall leader length) to turn over split-shot, indicators and weighted flies.

The taper design, whether you custom make it yourself or buy one off the shelf, need not be intricate as long as good power is maintained for turnover. The tippet section is ideally a softer material (3X-5X) allowing for drag-free presentations along the stream bottom.

Short-line nymphing methods can be categorized as either “bottom- bouncing” (without a floating indicator) and the “right-angle” floating indicator technique.

Bottom-bouncing steelhead egg patterns, bead-head nymphs, soft hackles, small streamers and wooly buggers works well in shallow, faster flows like pool heads, runs and pocket water. A good rule of thumb when bottom-bouncing is to use a leader (including the tippet) roughly the length of your fly rod. Since most steelhead fly rods are in the 9 to 10 foot range you’re talking about a similar size leader.

This leader length allows for easier fly line and leader control when assuming the high-stick rod position during the drift. There is just enough fly line extending off the rod tip to balance the weight of the split-shot and fly (which may be weighted) at the end of the leader. The result is a relatively tight fly line that helps the fly fisherman feel the stream bottom and more importantly detect any steelhead strikes.

Too long of a leader makes fly line and leader control more difficult when short-lining due to mostly monofilament leader extending off rod tip resulting in a slack or loose leader and a loss of strike detection and bottom feel. The opposite of this scenario is using too short of a leader (all fly line off rod tip) resulting in excess fly line getting into the water which can interfere with drag-free drifts.

Longer fly rods are ideal for high-stick nymphing since they enable the steelheader to effectively use longer leaders. These long leaders can “cut” through the water column easily (with minimal fly line interference) to achieve drag-free drifts.

Using a 25 or 20 lb. section of fluorescent red Sunset Amnesia (hard nylon running line) for the butt section of the leader works great as a built in strike indicator especially when bottom-bouncing. Keep in mind that going to a heavier leader butt size can reduce the ability of the leader to sink quickly through the water column and get the fly quickly to the fish. Lighter than that can cause poor turnover of the leader when casting especially when using shot or indicators.

The right-angle-floating-indicator technique is a deadly method for dead-drifting flies adjacent to stream structures such as drop-offs and shale ledges. This technique is most effectively done with a buoyant floating indicator and a leader that is longer (versus bottom-bouncing) since you are covering more distance due to the right angle formed in the leader. Using a continuous piece of tippet material at the end of the leader (same size and without any knots) allows for easy indicator adjustment along its entire length depending on the water depth.

For the rather shallow tributaries of Lake Erie a 3-5 foot, knotless tippet section is ideal for most water depths. In clear flows, it may be necessary to add a short section of lighter tippet (to the base tippet) to get hook-ups. Just make sure the knot connection location does not interfere with the floating indicator adjustment.

Fishing roughly the depth of the water in this method (indicator is set at water depth) requires a fair amount of adjustments depending on the water being fished but is a very precise way to present your fly to finicky/drag conscious steelhead, especially in colder flows. Fishing more than the depth of the water (1½ to 2 times or more) is more forgiving in terms of getting the fly on the bottom but it has inherent problems. Namely, possible loss of bottom contact and strike feel and accidental snagging of fish since the swirling fly and tippet in the current flow can easily “line” the fish.

Swinging Presentations

Leaders used for swinging flies with some sort of sinking system should be on the short side (2-5 ft.) with a simple taper design. The sinking system can be incorporated into the fly line or leader itself. There are numerous sinking systems (each with various sink rates or speeds and lengths) that you can use to get your fly down close to the bottom on the swing. These include: custom mini-tips made of Rio tungsten T14 shooting head material, tungsten coated sinking leaders, interchangeable sink tip lines and shooting heads systems.

The mini-tips (which are looped on the ends and easily connected into the leader) and sinking leaders are ideal for small to medium size tributaries that are running medium to low in flow and have tight holding areas. Sink tip lines and shooting heads (which are longer in length) are ideal for bigger rivers that have broad pools and runs and also faster, deeper flows. In general as flows become faster and deeper go to a faster sinking system to keep your fly down where the steelhead are most of the time (particularly in flows below 45 degrees F).

The tippet used on a sinking system can be kept heavy (1X-3X) since keeping the fly “swimming” on the swing is more important than a drag-free drift. Also a steelhead will normally never see the tippet on the swing, just the rear or side of the fly. In clearer flows, fluorocarbon tippet material may be helpful at times on the swing.

In warmer flows (above 50 degrees F) it is not unusual for a steelhead to “look up” to take a swinging fly or even a dry fly. In this case a slower sinking system or just a floating line and a longer leader (9 ft. or longer) will do the trick. This traditional swing presentation, just below or at the surface, was originally made popular with Atlantic salmon in the Canadian Provinces and is known as “greased-lining”.

(Note: refer to John Nagy’s Steelhead Guide book for custom steelhead leader formulas. Recommended manufactured or “off-the-shelf” steelhead leaders include the following. For short-line nymphing: Frog Hair’s Great Lakes Steelhead and “Hi-Vis” Transition Nymph Leaders, Rio’s Indicator and Steelhead/Salmon Leaders, Scientific Anglers Steelhead/Salmon Leader, Cortland’s Climax Nymph Leader and John Nagy’s custom-made “Hot Butt” Leader. For sub-surface swinging presentations: Rio’s VersiLeaders, Airflo’s Trout and Salmon Polyleaders.)

Tippet

Tippet selection seems to vary as personalities out on the steelhead tributaries. For dead-drift techniques in higher, stained flows the conditions allow you to use a tippet that is heavier in strength as well as stiffer and more abrasion resistant like Dai-Riki GTS copolymer monofilament nylon or Maxima Ultra Green. The result is a definite advantage in landing more and bigger steelhead. In lower, clear flows using a thin diameter tippet that is more supple like Orvis Super Strong mono will get you more hook-ups but at a lower landed percentage due to a loss of strength and abrasion resistance in the material.

Color is another consideration with green cast monofilaments such as Maxima Ultra Green or Damyl Tectan Premium Plus (which is sold as a fishing line) easily blending into the olive-green clay tinted flows of the Lake Erie tributaries and black Maxima Chameleon mono ideal for the darker cast flows of the Salmon River in New York.

Most of the new generation fluorocarbon tippet materials can be rather pricey and include Umpqua Super Fluoro, Rio Fluorflex and Grand Max Seaguar. These materials are nearly invisible in the water and are great for dead-drifting flies in super-clear conditions. They also have excellent knot and breaking strength, are more supple than earlier fluorocarbons, have improved abrasion resistance, excellent UV protection for longer life (particularly the Umpqua) and sink quicker than regular monofilament nylons. Orvis, Climax and Dai-Riki make fluorocarbons that are somewhat more economical with good properties also.

Gamma Technologies makes a next generation fluorocarbon material called Frog Hair FC that is not only supple but also has great stretch and shock resistance properties that are ideal for playing surging and running steelhead. They also offer an innovative knotless fluorocarbon Great Lakes Steelhead leader that incorporates light, long fluorocarbon tippets for dead-drift fishing.

Some frugal steelhead fly fisherman buy fluorocarbon marketed toward spin and bait fisherman such as P Line Fluorocarbon or Seaguar CarbonPro which are sold in large filler spools. They claim the quality is generally good (versus fluorocarbon tippet materials) with some loss of suppleness/breaking strength versus diameter. There are also fewer size selections (in terms of pound test) but the steelhead don’t seem to mind!

More detailed information on leaders for Great Lakes steelhead can be found in John Nagy's book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

Steelhead Technique, Equipment and Fly Selection by John Nagy

2009-12-03T08:18:00.023-05:00

Hen steelie that took a Black and Blue Stonefly nymph on a dead-drift

Having fished for steelhead in both the tributaries of the Great Lakes and the coastal rivers of British Columbia I have learned to adapt my technique, equipment and fly selection to the river size, specific water type and water conditions being fished

Matching River Conditions with the Right Technique, Equipment and Flies

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On the Kispiox River in British Columbia (especially when the water turns cold in early to mid-October), I predominantly swing flies with sink tips, in a “down-and-across” fashion, in the large classic pools and runs that the river is known for. Also, during warmer water conditions of September, I will use a floating line and lightly dressed wet flies swung within a foot of the water surface or skate dry flies on the surface to rising steelhead.
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But when I encounter small slots, narrow deep holes, ledges, and pocket water on the Kispiox (that are easily waded to), I quickly switch to techniques and flies that are more commonly used in the Great Lakes; more specifically, short-line-bottom-bouncing or the right-angle-floating-indicator-technique with egg patterns and bead-head nymphs.

Both these techniques are ideal for getting a fly dead-drifting on the bottom in a very specific area, which would be difficult to reach with a more traditional approach like swinging a fly.

In the Great Lakes (and particularly on the Lake Erie tributaries) similar opportunities present themselves, except short-line nymphing techniques far outweigh the traditional fly swinging opportunities due to the rather small size (and holding areas) of many of these streams. Also, during the course of a long steelhead season in the Great Lakes, the majority of the time these tributaries run cold (at or below 40 degrees F) which are ideal conditions for lethargic steelies to key in on dead-drifted flies.

The typical scenario (whether on a British Columbia river or a Great Lakes tributary) is not only to carry a selection of steelhead flies but also as least two fly rod set-ups: a long, limber (6 or 7 weight), high-stick nymphing rod for dead-drifting eggs and nymphs and a stiffer, heavier line weight rod (7 or 8 weight, single handed or switch/small double-handed rod) for swinging flies.

Having two rod set-ups (as opposed to one rod) allows the steelheader to more quickly and effectively fish various types of water as it is presented to him whether walk-in wade fishing or on a float trip. The nymphing rod is rigged with a floating Wulff triangle taper fly line and a long leader (the progressive action John Nagy "noodle" fly rod is ideal for this) and the stiffer action swinging rod is rigged with a muti-tip floating fly line and a short leader.

Line selection includes a Versi-tip line for single-handed rods and a shooting line/Skagit line for switch/double-handed rods (with various sink tips of different sink rates including full tip, sinking leader or custom made mini-tips). Using the “loop-to-loop” system, these sink tips can be swapped out (depending on the water being fished) without changing the fly line.

Note: To save time I actually carry two “pre-rigged swing rods” with me on the river (along with my nymphing rod) for personal and guided trips. One rigged with a medium sink tip for slower runs and pool tail-outs and the other with a faster tip for fast runs, pools and pocket water. This is obviously more easily done on float trips versus a walk-in trip. I started doing this after meeting an older gentleman in BC who rigged three spey rods up in his drift boat, each with a different sink tip. As he drifted down the river he would pick the rod with the right sink tip for the water being fished.

Dead-Drifted Flies

Egg patterns will always be effective for catching Great Lakes steelhead because steelhead (a sub-species of the rainbow trout) inherently eat fish eggs. Since fish eggs are typically bright in coloration, you want to obviously match that in your egg patterns. Large, bright egg flies (size 10 to 16) in chartreuse, orange, pink and red work well in stained water flows. As water conditions improve and clear up, smaller egg patterns (size 18 to 14) in more subdued tones or pastels like creams, light oranges, light pinks, etc. are the ticket.

Metal or glass beads should be added to egg patterns to help them sink, especially those made with materials that have some buoyancy like Glo Bug Yarn. Effective egg patterns include the Cook Angel Hair Sucker Spawn, Letera Synergy Spawn, Scrambled Eggs, Glo Balls, Crystal Meths, Nagy Half-n-Half, Nuclear Roe Bugs and Blood Dots.

Lake Erie steelhead really key in on nymphs, especially in lower, cleaner flows. A brass, tungsten, or glass bead will help get them consistently down and drifting naturally along the bottom in a variety of run-off conditions. Brass or copper ribbing as well as lead under-wrappings will help nymphs sink quicker, thereby requiring less shot to be used. Thinner profile nymphs will also sink faster than bulkier patterns, which is a definite advantage in faster stream flows.

Simple, general-purpose nymphs in black, gold, white, and natural are very effective for steelhead. Adding some type of flash material (and bright color) to their wing case, ribbing, or tail will make them more detectable by steelhead in stained water. Some specific nymph patterns that are hot for steelies include the Prince nymph (including the flash version aka “the fly formerly known as prince”), Brugger Orange Flash Pheasant Tail, DeFrank Blue Steel, Rubber Legged Copper John, Nagy Black and Blue Stonefly and Steelie Rock Worm, Yerger Miracle Nymph, 60 Second Stone, Letera Luminus Maximus and Vidmar Woven Caddis.

An effective technique is to fish an egg fly (top fly) in tandem with a bead-head nymph (bottom fly). The egg pattern acts as an attractor (especially in stained water) with the nymph as a teaser. If the steelie doesn’t take the egg they will usually take the smaller, more buggy looking nymph which is nearby. The more closely you keep the flies together on the leader the more effectively the tandem fly technique works. You can also use a streamer as a dropper in this technique.

Swung Flies

When tributary water temperatures are over 40 degrees F (in the fall and early spring) steelhead are very eager to take actively fished flies, especially on the downstream swing. Flies that impart the slightest movement and undulation in the water can prove irresistible to steelhead that are holding in faster current flows. Leeches, Wooly Buggers, spey and tube flies, soft hackles and traditional steelhead wet patterns can induce explosive strikes which are far from the soft takes that are characteristic of dead-drifted nymphs and egg patterns during the late fall and winter.

Post-spawn steelies are particularly fond of any baitfish imitation fished during their “drop-down” mode to the lake. The vigor of spawning gives these slimmed-down steelies voracious appetites and they will strike streamer patterns with seeming abandon.

Effective flies for swinging techniques include the Guida Mirrored Minnow, Darkes Funny Bunny Emerald Shiner, The Weamer, Chandler Pink Matuka Spey, German’s White Nightmare, Ken’s Beady Zonker, Nagy Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt and Lite Brite Intruder tube flies and DiBennedetto Mini Steel tube fly.

More detailed information on Great Lakes steelhead techniques, equipment and flies (including many of the fly patterns mentioned in this article) can be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt by John Nagy

2009-11-18T13:25:00.014-05:00

Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt tube fly pattern

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Lake Erie rainbow smelt (as well as Lake Erie emerald shiners) are pelagic forage fish and prefer to live in the open water of Lake Erie as opposed to round gobies which mostly sit on the lake bottom. Since steelhead are primarily pelagic feeders, both rainbow smelt and emerald shiners are an important forage species preyed upon by them in Lake Erie. Brown trout target round gobies in Lake Erie (which are benthic organisms or bottom feeders) since they are also primarily bottom feeders in the lake themselves.
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Rainbow smelt are an invasive species native to the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They were introduced into the Great Lakes in the 1930’s (originally as a food source for Atlantic salmon in Michigan’s Crystal Lake in 1912). They have been shown to compete directly with juvenile walleye for food and even consume other fish in their early life stages.
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Recent trawl survey data in the March 2009 Lake Erie Forage Task Group report shows moderate to high populations of rainbow smelt in Lake Erie (west to east) with an overall higher abundance of rainbow smelt (as well as round gobies) versus emerald shiners (which show a decrease from previous years). Rainbow smelt average 3-4 inches long with adults reaching 7-8 inches long.

The Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt tube fly pattern below incorporates a compact Wurm bottle tube (www.tungstenshop.de/) which is placed just behind the wing (on small diameter plastic tubing) and camouflaged under dubbing. This balances the Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt nicely on the swing while providing enough weight to sink the fly without interfering with its lively action.

The wing uses T’s Fur (www.tubeflytech.com) which is an extremely soft and semi-transparent natural fiber material that is completely free of stiff guard hairs and excess under-fur, providing superb action in the current flow. Fly finishes out at about 4 inches long.

Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt Tube Fly

Tubes: Clear, transparent Canadian Tube Fly Co. FlexTube (1 ½ inches long), extra small (.60 grams) Wurm Micro Tungsten bottle tube and Wurm small diameter (1/16 inch o.d.) clear/stiff plastic tubing (2 inches long).
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Thread: Uni-Thread, white, 8/0.
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Tail (in tube body): 5 strands of pearl Orvis Krinkle Mirror Flash which extends 2 inches beyond end of FlexTube with “taper-cut” ends.
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Body: Hareline pearl Ice Dub (loop dubbed over front of FlexTube and Wurm bottle tube).
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Wing (tied on small diameter tubing, from bottom to top): Krinkle Mirror Flash, white T’s Fur, silver Angel Hair, white T’s Fur, plum Angel Hair, Wapsi multi-color smolt blue SLF Hank, plum Angel Hair, dark olive T’s Fur, rusty olive Angel Hair, eight peacock herls.
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Head: Spirit River polar pearl Lite Brite and 3/16 inch Holographic Eyes epoxied in place.

Comments: John Nagy’s Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt was recently featured in the December 2009 issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine along with an article on Cattaraugus Creek, NY by John Nagy. More detailed instructions on tying the Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt can be found in the Tube Fly Chapter of John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

2009 Fall Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

2009-11-17T19:00:00.008-05:00

Late fall buck steelhead caught on an Ohio Lake Erie tributary

Late September shows steelhead staging along the Lake Erie shoreline with good numbers of steelies being sighted in the lower reaches of several Lake Erie tributaries including the lower reaches of Walnut Creek in Pennsylvania and Conneaut Creek in Ohio. Expect larger numbers of steelhead to stage along the shoreline as the days become shorter and lake shore temperatures drop below 70 degrees F. Cooler air temperatures (which cools the tributary flows) and run-off from cool fall rains will encourage these staging fish to run into (and up) the tributaries in greater numbers.

Early October has seen decent run-off from fall rains (and a sharp drop in the Erie lakeshore water temperature) bringing in fair numbers fresh steelhead into all the Lake Erie tributaries. In Pennsylvania the main concentration of steelhead are up to the Route 5 bridges with more scattered numbers south of there. Expect runs to be consistent in October as long as precipitation continues. By the end of the month steelheaders should anticipate the annual leaf fall which can certainly make steelheading challenging in the tributaries. By early to mid-November most leaves will be flushed out of the tribs and running clean.

November is typically the peak of the fall run on the Lake Erie tributaries. Expect excellent numbers of steelhead in all the tributaries by the end of the month with steelhead movement well upstream to pre-spawn/winter holding locations. So far this fall it seems to be a big fish year on the Erie tributaries, (particularly in Pennsylvania) with numerous steelies in the 14 pound plus range being caught.

November is seeing very little precipitation in the Lake Erie watershed resulting in extremely low and clear conditions on the tribs. Many steelheaders have decided to wait out the drought but some are hitting the lakeshore and trib mouths. The lower Niagra River in NY has also been an option for some steelheaders.

The first part of December has brought good amounts of precipitation (including snow-melt) into the Lake Erie tributary watershed. Along with this good run-off has been unusually cold temperatures (more like January than December) which has ushered in early winter steelheading conditions. Steelhead are scattered throughout all the tributaries with good numbers in the middle to upper sections.

The Cat in NY has been fishable but stained this fall, especially in its upper reaches. The excessive stain (even at fishable levels) is a result of the flooding this past summer which deposited a tremendous amount of silt into the Cattaraugus Creek watershed. Steelheaders should expect a longer time frame for the Cat to clear (after a run-off episode) due to this excessive silt.

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Fly anglers anxious to get a crack at early "chrome" can try the Erie lakeshore (when the lake is flat and calm/early morning or overcast days are best) by drifting egg patterns and nymphs at tributary outflows and also casting wooly buggers and streamer type patterns along the shoreline to cruising steelhead (a shooting head system works best for the latter).
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The lakeshore temperature off Erie, PA on December 9, 2009 was 44 degrees F. Tributary water temperatures have ranged from 40 to 33 degrees F during the second week of December.
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News in the Lake Erie Region

Ohio

The Vermilion River, a Lake Erie steelhead tributary in North Central Ohio, is being considered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for state scenic river designation. This would make the 64 mile Vermillion River the 15th river by the state of Ohio to be protected by scenic river designation (Ohio's Conneaut Creek and Chagrin, Grand and Ashtabula Rivers also have this status). This potential designation (it must be approved by the numerous townships, villages and cities that the Vermillion River corridor drains through) mandates that any public project that might effect the Vermilion River and its resources will be subject to a thorough review, ensuring that no threat is posed to the waterway and at the same time not compromising the rights of the private property owners along the stream.

The designation also gives the affected property owners a chance to participate in preservation programs which will protect the Vermilion River watershed. For more information on Ohio's Scenic Rivers Program please visit:

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/Home/Scenic_Rivers/rivers/scenic_rivers_main/tabid/985/Default.aspx

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) have begun an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will determine the possible impacts of the modification and/or removal of the Brecksville Dam on the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga National Park. The EIS will include discussion of the project's potential impacts to environmental, cultural and recreational resources including the migratory steelhead run in the Cuyahoga River.

For background information on this project as well information on a public meeting concerning the project (to be held October 28, 2009 in Boston Heights, OH) please visit: http://www.nps.gov/cuva/parknews/newsreleases.htm

(look under Oct. 5th news releases).

The public meeting will be held by the NPS and will provide an update of the project and also welcome any comments from the general public.

Pennsylvania

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The Gem City Outdoorsman and Fly Tiers Club of Erie, PA (with the help of the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association and the Northwest Chapter of Trout Unlimited) plans to distribute fruit baskets again this fall to numerous Erie County, PA landowners in thanks for allowing steelhead anglers to access their streamside properties. This very successful program is an admirable example of how the fisherman and private landowner relationship can be maintained and improved. Anyone interested in donating to the fruit basket program can send donations to: Pennsylvania Steelhead Association, PO Box 8892, Erie, PA 16505.

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 574 was signed into law on August 28, 2009 by Governor Ed Rendell. The bill extends the period of time that fees obtained from the sale of Lake Erie fishing permits can be deposited in a restricted account within the Pennsylvania State Fish Fund through December 31, 2014. It also extends the use of funds in the restricted account for the protection or improvement of fish habitats on or at Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries.

Last fall, on November 8, 2008, 140 year-old Gudgeonville Covered Bridge that spans Elk Creek in Girard Township (a well known landmark to steelhead fisherman) was burned down by arsonists. Jeffrey Gleason and Joshua Bell plead guilty to police in torching the bridge “for fun” after a night of drinking (Gleason has also admitted to firing a .22 caliber rifle into a car carrying four people two weeks later on November 21). The bridge has since been demolished and will be rebuilt with a new span costing $120,000. The new bridge is set to be open for traffic at the end of August 2009. Although not of covered bridge design, it will have a wood deck with low profile railings to allow motorists an unobstructed view of the Elk Creek valley.

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The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission on October 6, 2009 voted at its quarterly meeting to acquire two public fishing easements along Crooked Creek providing approximately about 1/2 mile of stream frontage. They are located along Happy Valley Road and Lucas Road in Springfield Township. The properties are next to each other with the Lucas Road property providing parking and a trail to the creek.

Chris Niebauer (president of the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association) has the following message for steelheader's fishing the Pennsylvania tributaries this fall:

-Please be courteous of land owners along the Pennsylvania Tributaries.
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-Please keep noise low in the early mornings. Park in areas that do not disrupt or block the land owners vehicular ways (it is still harvest time).

-Please police our ranks if you see a problem individual either call the PA F&BC at (814) 337-0444 or in a non confronting manor inform the individual of the situation and the status quo.
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-Above all remember fisherman are uninvited guests and should be discreet about their actions on all landowners property. All it takes is a few to ruin it for all of us, or the next time we fish we may see a No Trespassing signs.

- Hot spots are:
20 Mile Middle Road area, and Pond area, due to parking.
Elk upstream of American Legion.

New York

A major flooding event occurred on Cattaraugus Creek and other Western NY Lake Erie tributaries on August 10, 2009. The USGS gage for Cattaraugus Creek on that date recorded 30,000 CFS and 13 feet gage height which resulted from a late summer thunderstorm that dropped 9 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. To put these numbers into persepective, the “Cat” is usually fishable (depending on clarity) below 500 CFS. Gowanda, NY (which is located on Cattaraugus Creek) received major flooding, with 2 people losing their lives and the municipal water supply system severely damaged. Numerous local roads were also severely damaged. For flooding video visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKOi6fh-K7U

From the fishing perspective the “Cat” has obviously been significantly impacted by this event. How much of an impact is too early to tell since (as of August 29, 2009) the river is still running somewhat high and muddy and will be difficult to access damage until things clear up. Since a tremendous amount of silt and sediment has been flushed into the Cattaraugus Creek valley it may take a good while before the Cat clears (which may impact the fishing this fall). Also, any rain events (whatever the magnitude) will more than likely continue stirring up this excessive silt and sediment. Will be interesting to see how the river fishes this fall. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the people of Western NY who experienced this terrible flooding.

John Nagy has an article on Cattaragugus Creek, NY in Fly Fisherman Magazine (December 2009 issue/available September 2009). The article details techniques and strategies for fly fishing the Cat (also including John Nagy's Lake Erie Rainbow Smelt tube fly pattern) as well as information on the proposed fish passage device installation on the Springville Dam on the upper Cat by the Army Corp. of Engineers.

This project (also know as the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project) would further develop the wild steelhead fishery on the Cat (there is ideal habitat for natural reproduction above the dam) and also open up 34 miles of existing New York State Public Fishing Rights land easements above the dam to steelhead fishing. This would go a long way in relieving the heavy fishing pressure on the lower river.

Update on Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project (proposed fish passage device installation):

The Army Corp. of Engineers is continuing a feasibility study this fall (2009) investigating the structural integrity of the Springville Dam and powerhouse. The results of this analysis could influence the development alternatives for the fish passage device (although dam removal is still an option). The Corp. will also be doing an ice study this winter on Cattaraugus Creek to see if the Springville Dam acts as an ice barrier and how this effects the river below the dam.

A public information meeting concerning this project is expected to be held by the Corp. in the spring of 2010. The Corp. encourages the public (both fisherman and private landowners) to attend this meeting not only for the latest information on the feasibility study but also for public concerns/recommendations on the Cattaraugus Creek Restoration Project in general.

Fly Fishing Tail-outs for Tributary Steelhead by John Nagy

2009-10-13T19:37:00.015-04:00

Steelheader working his way toward a pool tail-out using a traditional swing

< Fly fishing the tail-out section of a steelhead tributary is fundamental to successful steelhead fly fishing whether you are dead-drifting egg patterns and nymphs, stripping streamers and wooly buggers or swinging spey flies downstream.

Steelhead will often use this area of a tributary water flow for resting and holding due to the current breaks that exist there. Whether the steelhead fly fisher can expect good numbers of steelhead to hold in pool tail-outs depends on a variety of factors including water temperatures, water clarity, water flow and the fall, winter or spring seasons.

Tail-out Basics

In the lower end of a typical tributary stream pool the streambed eventually levels out from a higher gradient at the upper part or the head of the pool (see Figure 4.0 in John Nagy's book Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead). This causes the current to slow down, creating a current break ideal for steelhead resting and holding. Steelhead will especially take advantage of this current break in the fall/winter transition period of October and November when water temperatures range in the 38-45 degree F.

At the very end of the pool (the upper pool tail-out), the streambed starts to rise abruptly. Here even slower currents are found due to the current flow being deflected and dispersed upward (and to a lesser extent to the sides) making it slow down for a short distance. If you look carefully at this point you can see the water rise slightly due to the deflection of the current. As the streambed levels off again, the current picks up speed very quickly, forming a faster but rather shallow flow of water. This area is called the lower pool tail-out.

Tail-out Steelhead

Most steelheaders realize that during high water conditions steelhead will drop down in a pool since it requires less energy to hold in slower currents. In the fall months of September and October (water temperatures above 45 degrees F) steelhead are much stronger and can hold in the faster currents in the upper part of a pool as well as the lower pool tail-out where the flow becomes shallow and faster.

Some steelheaders are not aware of the lower pool tail-out holding location of steelhead in the fall. Here, classic nymphing or short line bottom bouncing (with or without a floating indicator) is very effective for catching strong, energized fall steelhead. The steelhead fly fisher will discover that good numbers of steelhead will locate in this shallow, fast water in the fall especially if there is some stain to the water. The stain gives the steelhead good cover and a sense of security and comfort in the shallow water. It also allows the steelheader to wade in close proximity to the fish without any danger of spooking them.

Indicating a Tail-out

In the ice water temperatures of December through February (32-37 degrees F) steelhead become lethargic and prefer the slower current areas at the end of the pool. They particularly like the upper pool tail-out section where some of the slowest current in the pool exists. Here floating indicator fishing allows for precise presentations with flawless drag-free drifts for fussy winter steelhead that rarely move for a fly. Often a vertical structure such as a rock or shale ledge, boulder or gravel bar exists in the pool tail-out creating a slight current break for winter holding steelhead. Using the “right angle” floating indicator technique (keeping the float, tippet and fly aligned vertically in the water column during the drift) is a very effective method for drifting along these structures.

Swinging a Tail-out

The traditional approach of swinging a fly in the downstream current direction in a down-and-across manner is a very effective way to cover steelhead holding areas in a pool tail-out. In higher flows, swinging a fly through a tail-out is easily done due to the faster current speeds. If the water is too fast a few upstream mends of the fly line on the fly’s swing will slow the fly down a bit and allow it to drop down to steelhead holding in the tail-out. As the water drops and the current slows in a pool tail-out, steelhead will move up in the tail-out and often the steelheader is required to help his fly along in the swing due to the slower current speed. This is accomplished by a downstream mend or mends of his fly line on the swing, which allows his fly to pick up speed on the swing and move more quickly across the tail-out.
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A pool tail-out section is a magnet for steelhead when it is located above a long series of rapids, runs and boulder strewn pocket water. After working their way up through these faster flows and stream obstacles steelhead will quickly hunker down in a pool tail-out and use it as a resting and holding area. This is especially true in higher tributary flows and during the cold tributary water flow months of late October through March.

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

Should I Hire a Lake Erie Steelhead Guide? by John Nagy

2009-08-20T07:06:00.022-04:00

Great Lakes steelhead guides are real handy for landing trophy chrome!

Hiring a guide for a steelhead fly fishing trip on the Lake Erie tributaries (or anywhere in the Great Lakes for that matter) could make or break a newbie’s first steelhead trip.

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Is this added expense really necessary for the rookie steelheader? How about steelheaders who have already wet their line for steelhead but have had limited success on the tributaries? Would veteran steelheaders benefit from a guide as well?

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The following is an informal run-down of reasons not to hire (as well as to hire) a steelhead guide on your next steelhead trip.
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You do not need to hire a steelhead guide if you:
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-Prefer to do your own homework in finding and catching steelhead (self service/do it yourself type of fisherman). Can go on multiple trips to achieve this and feel this is much more satisfying and rewarding than depending on a guide for success on the tributaries. Besides, guided trips really result in fish that are caught essentially by the guides and not their clients!

-Have a solid fly fishing background and don’t need basic technique instruction, reading the water strategies, and fish fighting coaching, etc.

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-Can find information on tributary run-off, access points/parking, hot flies, etc. from local shops, local fisherman, internet, books, DVD’s on my own.

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-Put mobility at the top of your agenda and like to cover as much water as possible in a day including various tributary sections and multiple tributaries. Many walk-in guides do not have this approach and prefer to “park” their customers in a couple holes all day (float trip with guide is option/see “you need to hire a steelhead guide” below).

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-Prefer to use your own personally tied flies and experiment with a wide variety of patterns (even though this may affect my hook-up rate). This is not normally possible on guided trips since guides prefer to use their own flies and normally stick with a handful of patterns they know will work.

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-Can find pre-trip driving directions, places to stay and eat on my own.

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-Pressed for funds and prefer to use extra cash for equipment, flies and travel expenses.

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-Prefer to fish by myself and don’t need a guide breathing down my neck all day!
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You need to hire a steelhead guide if you:
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-Don’t have time to do the necessary homework to find and catch steelhead.

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-Can only fish once or twice per year and need catered to in all aspects of the steelhead trip (i.e., work too much to plan, prepare and put my dues in for a successful steelhead trip). Besides that’s a lot of work….let the guide do it!

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-Need personal help/recommendations in tackle, equipment, flies (if I choose to use my own on the guided trip) as well as travel directions, lodging, food, etc.

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-Need some fly fishing instruction in drift and casting techniques (including double hauling and spey casting). Tip: Basic fly fishing instruction should be taken care of by client prior to a steelhead guide trip (some guides will provide this though).

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-Want to benefit from experience of guide who’s on the water almost everyday and knows where the steelhead are located (specific tributaries and tributary sections) and what flies they are biting on. Tip: you can come back to hammer them at the guide spots but try not to wear out your welcome!

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- Want to fish private water to get away from crowds and fish virgin water as well. This is very controversial since steelhead are paid for by public license fishing dollars and not stocked by private land owners. (Public fishing easements such as obtained by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission through the Lake Erie Access Improvement Program have helped keep many sections of Lake Erie tributary water open to public fishing).

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-Like to be catered to by a guide (e.g., driving to fishing spots, rod/reel setup, rigging/leader setup, flies tied on all day, un-doing leader/tippet tangles, getting out snags, landing fish, photography, snacks/water, hot/cold shore lunch).

-Need help wading and crossing rivers, particularly in higher flows.

-Want to see how steelies are caught by a pro. Obviously the guide is not being paid to fish but a guide executing drift and swing techniques and catching fish can be an invaluable learning experience for the guided customer.

-Enjoy feedback, company and personality of a guide. Appreciate guides knowledge of natural history of area as well as local history (some guides lack in this though).

-Don’t have any equipment including tackle, waders and flies (guides may charge rental fee for some items including extra charges for flies used).

-Will not be using my own equipment (or don’t have any) and want to try the newest fly tackle and equipment from major/high-end manufacturers (some guides do not update their equipment and/or use cheaper tackle).

-Don’t have confidence in my own hand tied flies and want to take advantage of proven guides flies (although local shop flies can be killer as well).

-Want to benefit from guides access to drift boats, canoes or pontoons (including shuttle) for big water drift trips. Float trips require very little walking and allow the steelheader to fish lots of water in a day (but usually on only one river).

-Are a seasoned steelheader and realize that you can always learn something new from a good steelhead guide!
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Whether you are a self service type steelheader or feel more confidant with a guide on a steelhead fishing trip, John Nagy’s Steelhead Guide book is a great primer for success on the Lake Erie tributaries as well other areas of the Great Lakes.
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Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead (updated and expanded 4th edition) covers in detail how the techniques, equipment, flies, steelhead behavior, stream conditions and weather all combine to produce a successful Lake Erie steelhead trip.
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Steelhead Guide also includes stream profiles of various Lake Erie tributaries, a tributary ideal flow table, hot steelhead fly pattern recipes including steelhead tube flies (all photographed in 11 color fly plates), updated guide and tackle shop lists, current smolt stocking lists and web sites as well as lakeshore lodging and dining.

The Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank by John Nagy

2009-08-08T04:48:00.026-04:00

Tony DiBenedetto studies a tube fly's performance in the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank

Tony DiBenedetto of Tube Fly Tech has recently manufactured a “swim tank” for testing tube flies and other standard streamer type patterns right off the fly tying vice before they are fished in your favorite stream or river!

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The Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank is ideal for evaluating tube fly component systems and standard streamer designs as well as new material performance. This is accomplished by “swimming” the fly design in a simulated current flow in the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank which closely mimics the hydrodynamics of a stream or river flow. Tony DiBenedetto says that “short of a snorkel outfit, there is no other effective system on the market right now to evaluate fly pattern materials, components and systems.”
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I use the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank in testing my steelhead tube fly patterns prior to hitting the tributaries. It has helped me develop patterns that maximize their “swimability” in the current flow (e.g., more natural and lively) as well as are more balanced on the swing. (See www.TubeFlyTech.com for Tony DiBenedetto’s findings in regard to solving “hang-down” effects in tube fly and streamer patterns as well as video of Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank in action.)
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Tony DiBenedetto’s background of orthotic and prosthetic device design/manufacture and his experience in working with materials such as thermoplastics, thermoset acrylic, expoxies and polymers and other materials made the actual manufacturing of the swim tank a rather simple process (although there was a fair amount of trial and error and experimentation and testing in designing an effective swim tank prototype.)
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Specifications on the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank include:
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- Tanks are constructed of high grade optically clear acrylic with NO seams along the length of the tank which increases rigidity and reduces chances of leaks.
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- The completely clear acrylic construction allows for nearly 360 degree viewing for you video and photography buffs.
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- The dimensions of 27 inches long 4.5 inches wide and 10 inches deep make it easily portable.

- The pump system has adjustable flow rate and will push 740 gallons per hour or close to nearly one liter every second at the highest setting with four lower settings (pump system imported from Italy).
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- Approximately three gallons of water are needed.
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-Tank Price: $325.00 (plus shipping and handling)
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Tube Fly Tech also offers T’s Fur (aka “Bionda Fleece), a natural fur product for tying long streamer patterns like steelhead Temple Dog style tube flies as well as sculpin, bass and saltwater patterns. T’s fur long fibers (4 to 6 inches) are extremely soft, supple, semi-translucent and provide incredible action in the current flow. T’s Fur is completely free of stiff guard hairs and excess under fur and is available in a variety of popular colors including custom dyes.

Please visit www.TubeFlyTech.com for information on how to purchase the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank, T’s Fur and other Tube Fly Tech products.

The Steelhead of Lake Erie.....what to expect for the 2009/2010 steelhead season by John Nagy

2009-06-30T18:53:00.059-04:00

Little Manistee steelhead spawning in an Ohio steelhead tributary of Lake Erie.

The steelhead of Lake Erie are truly a mixed bag with Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan and the Canadian Province of Ontario contributing both hatchery based and naturally reproduced steelhead to the Lake Erie fishery.

Pennsylvania "Mutts"

Pennsylvania contributes the largest number of steelhead to the Lake Erie fishery with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC) and local sportsman’s cooperative nurseries (such as the 3-C-U) stocking an average of 1.2 million steelhead yearlings into 11 Pennsylvania Lake Erie tributaries over the last 5 years.
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The juvenile steelhead stockings are done in early spring prior to “smolting” with the theory that the steelhead will chemically imprint to the specific tributary watershed they are implanted in. Smolting steelhead lose their oval parr markings and coloration and turn predominately silver before migrating to the Lake Erie shoreline in late spring.
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A good number of the 1,157,968 steelhead stocked in Pennsylvania’s tributaries in March of 2008 (considered 2007 year class by biologist's) will return, after spending two full summers in Lake Erie ("two-lake-year" fish), as mature adult spawners in the fall and winter of 2009. Walleye predation can result in juvenille steelhead mortality as high as 90 % and variability in Lake Erie forage base can effect steelhead survivability and growth rates as well. A smaller number of “jacks” (mostly males) from that 2007 year class already arrived in the fall 2008.

A large percentage of the "two-lake-year" fish arriving this fall (2009) will be females (averaging 24 inches and 5 pounds). A smaller number of "three-lake-year" fish wil also enter the Pennsylvania tributaries this fall (both virgin and repeat spawners) and will also be predominately females (averaging 26 inches and 8 to 12 pounds).

Lake Erie steelhead reach sexual maturity much quicker than other Great Lakes steelhead due to the relatively warm waters of the shallow Lake Erie. Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan steelhead tend to be older/bigger fish (versus Lake Erie steelhead) due to the cool water of these deeper lakes which slows growth rates to sexual maturity. This analagous to the brown trout of Lake Ontario, which on average are bigger than the lake run browns of Lake Erie.

Through the continual collection of eggs from returning spawning steelhead over the years the PF&BC has been able to develop a unique, “naturalized” Lake Erie hatchery strain of steelhead that has adapted very well to the Lake Erie ecosystem. Not a pure strain steelhead by any means, it has a varied genetic background including winter run Washington strain, summer run Skamania and domesticated rainbow which is a spring spawner. Very satisfied with the performance of the Pennsylvania strain, the PF&BC no longer receives shipments of steelhead from other fishery agencies not only to maintain its successful natural strain but also to protect its hatchery system from potential disease problems.
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The varied genetic background of the Pennsylvania strain (they are affectionately known as steelhead “mutts” by Pennsylvania steelheaders) strongly influences their “run” timing with a small number of steelhead moving into the Pennsylvania tributaries early in the fall (late August and September), a large number arriving in fall through winter (with November the peak of the run) with a smaller number of fish arriving in the spring. In order to help spread the run out over the course of the year the PF&BC starts collecting and fertilizing eggs in the fall continuing into late winter. This results in steelhead of different age maturities for that year class.
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The majority of Pennsylvania strain steelhead start spawning in March, after the lake shore and tributaries thaw and the days progressively start to get longer. Spawning activity is over by late April with most steelhead dropping down to the lake by early May.
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Because of the strong fall running nature of the Pennsylvania strain steelhead, the PF&BC began stocking the upper part of Conneaut Creek to help Ohio develop a fall steelhead run on the Ohio portion of the tributary (Ohio steelhead runs are primarily late winter/spring run fish). Although the stocking was primarily done to take pressure off some of the high pressured tributaries like Elk and Walnut Creeks in Pennsylvania and encourage steelheaders to fish the upper part of Conneaut Creek in Pennsylvania (which has public access).
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It is no secret that many Pennsylvania steelhead end up as strays or free “roamers” contributing good numbers of fish (particularly in the fall) to both Ohio and New York tributaries. Since fin clipping is not a standard practice done by the Lake Erie state fishery departments anymore (Ontario and Michigan did some limited fin clipping in 2005) there really does not exist any hard fishery data to support this.
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This could all change in the near future with the federal Great Lakes Restoration Act which has approved a mass marking program (managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service) for tracking steelhead. The marking program will include adipose fin clippings and code wire tags which are embedded in the nose of the steelhead and require harvesting of the fish to read the tag. The data collected will be used to help better manage steelhead and salmon fisheries in the Great Lakes. Congressional funding for the program is hoped for in 2009 with tracking to begin in 2010.
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“Recruitment” from the survival of naturally reproduced fry and smolts in the Pennsylvania tributaries does exist but is limited primarily by summer tributary temperatures. High water temperatures can be lethal to juvenile steelhead due to poor stream canopy (that helps to reduce tributary temperatures), low base flows in the summer months as well as limited cold spring sources. Water quality and aquatic food sources also may be limiting factors to juvenile survival.

Ontario's Wild Steelhead

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) has a totally different management approach to its steelhead program when compared to Pennsylvania which is obviously based on a vigorous seasonal stocking program. The OMNR estimates that 90% of the steelhead runs in southern Ontario are a result of natural reproduction. Most southern Ontario steelhead tributaries and feeders are fed by cold water ground sources through sandy/gravel bottomed streambeds. They also have excellent water quality, are very fertile and contain a variety of aquatic insect life. All these characteristics provide prime conditions for both natural reproduction and juvenile survivability for not only steelhead and salmon but also resident stream trout.
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Because Ontario’s steelhead tributaries have ideal habitat for natural steelhead reproduction, the OMNR management policy is committed to protect and enhance them for the future and do minimal (if any) stockings. Limited stockings in the past by the OMNR with a wild, naturalized strain of steelhead from Lake Ontario called the Ganaraska strain (36,500 in 2008), have included tributaries such as Big Creek to jump-start and rehabilitate a declining run and Lake Erie stockings to promote a lake shore steelhead fishery.

New York Salmon River Hatchery Strain

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in 2008 stocked approximately 269,800 steelhead juveniles into its New York’s Lake Erie tributaries. These steelhead were obtained from the NYSDEC Salmon River hatchery in Altmar, NY and are of Chambers Creek strain origin. They are now commonly known as Salmon River strain, a naturalized Lake Ontario hatchery strain of steelhead which is primarily a late fall/winter and spring run fish.
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The Cattaraugus Creek in New York received 90,000 juvenile steelhead plantings in 2008 but also contains a good number of wild steelhead that run the river (documented as high as 30%). Since 2005 the NYSDEC has been doing spring experimental stockings of surplus Skamania strain steelhead into the "Cat" (obtained from the Salmon River hatchery). Approximately 9,800 were stocked in 2008.

According to Fisheries Biologist Jim Markum of the NYSDEC, these plantings of Skamania (a summer run fish) will hopefully move into the river earlier (late August and September) to supplement the existing Salmon River strain run which starts later (October). To help track these fish, about half were adipose and left ventral fin clipped.

Ohio Spring Runners

For years the Ohio Department of Wildlife (ODW) had been trying to develop a successful steelhead program for its numerous steelhead tributaries. After the disappointing return and growth rates of London strain stockings (more of a domesticated rainbow) they hit pay dirt in 1989 when they began stocking Little Manistee strain steelhead.
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Obtained from Michigan Department of Natural Resources in exchange for catfish, these steelhead are a naturalized Lake Michigan wild strain fish (egg source is obtained from wild returning steelhead in the Little Manistee River, MI). The ODW found the Little Manistee strain superior in growth, return rates (3.5 to 1) and length of run versus their hatchery raised London strain fish. Little Manistee’s are primarily a late winter/early spring run steelhead with the peak of the run in the Ohio tributaries in late March through late April. In the spring of 2008 the ODW planted a total of 465,347 steelhead juveniles into the Vermillion, Rocky, Grand and Chagrin Rivers and Conneaut Creek (the majority of these fish are expected to return in late 2009/early 2010).

Michigan's Huron River

The Michigan portion of Lake Erie has a large tributary called the Huron River that has been receiving successful plantings of Little Manistee strain steelhead by the Michigan DNR, averaging about 60,000 since 1998 (65, 959 in 2008). Like the Ohio steelhead tributaries, it is primarily a late winter/early spring fishery.

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

Beulah Switch Rods and Fly Lines

2009-06-18T10:30:00.021-04:00

Beulah Switch Rods feature Lamar Exotic cork inlays that have zero sponge factor while casting and fishing, providing long time durability and good looks.

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Beulah Fly Rods pioneered the first full line-up of “switch” rods in 2005 with its 5/6, 6/7, 7/8, 8/9 and 9/10 (medium-fast action) switch rod designs. These hybrid fly rods are down-sized, double-handed rods that give the Lake Erie and Great Lakes steelheader the ability to do either standard single-handed casts or spey type casts (including single-hand double haul, two-handed overhead and two-handed anchor point/”splash-and-go” spey casts) for more distance, less casting fatigue and avoiding rear obstacles.

Switch rods are also very effective for both "high-stick" nymphing and swing presentations due to their longer lengths (versus shorter single-handed rods) which allows for easier line control and mending at distance.

Beulah’s Switch Rods are made of IM8 graphite and come in 10 ½ foot lengths (4 piece) making them ideal for the tight casting quarters characteristic of many Lake Erie and Great Lakes tributaries. The 7/8 Beulah Switch Rod is their number one seller and has been described as a 6/7 on steroids. Beulah Switch Rods are also relatively light, making them easier to single-hand cast than other switch rods and small spey rods.

Beulah’s innovation continues with the introduction of their Tonic Fly Line which comes in four sizes to match Beulah’s Switch Rod line-up. This takes the guess work/trial and error out of matching fly line grain weight with a specific fly rod design.

Beulah designed their switch fly lines for shorter spey and switch rods. These shorter rods perform much better with condensed spey lines by maximizing casting performance, line control and ease of casting.

The Tonic has a compact type “Skagit” head that can be described as having a short front taper with a large tip diameter. The Tonic easily turns over heavy/long sink tips and large flies such as streamers, leeches and tube flies.

Beulah’s Elixir Fly Line (comes in 5 sizes also to match Beulah’s Switch Rods) is ideal for throwing lighter flies and lighter leaders. The Elixir head taper is longer and lighter than the Tonic but is still a condensed design ideal for shorter spey and switch rods.

Both the Tonic and Elixir Fly Lines come as a full line (integrated with a thin diameter running line for direct connection) or are sold as a head only (for loop-to-loop connection to running line). These lines also make excellent performance matches for many other two-handed fly rod manufacturers.

For more information on Beulah Switch Rods and Fly Lines please visit the Beulah Fly Rod website at: www.beulahflyrods.com

Beulah Switch Rods and Fly lines can be purchased through Chagrin River Outfitters (www.chagrinriveroutfitters.com). Dan Pribanic is the owner of Chagrin River Outfitters in Chagrin Falls, OH and he can answer any questions you may have on Beulah Switch Rods and Fly Lines for Lake Erie and Great Lakes steelhead.

John Nagy Custom "Hot Butt" Leader and Indicator Kit

2009-06-17T09:15:00.013-04:00

This 10 foot, hand tied, knotted leader is ideal for high-stick nymphing whether bottom-bouncing or using the "right-angle-floating-indicator technique". The design of this leader is identical to the leader formula found in John Nagy's Steelhead Guide book.
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Features of John Nagy "Hot Butt" Leader and Indicator Kit:
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-The "hot butt" section of the leader is constructed of fluorescent orange Sunset Amnesia which acts as a strike indicator when high-stick nymphing.
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-The leader's mid-section is made of a hard nylon material (Maxima Chamelon) which is ideal for turning over weighted flies, split-shot and floating indicators.
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-The tippet section of the leader consists of 36 inches of 3X Frog Hair Fluorocarbon. Froghair is very strong versus diameter and also very limp (yet abrasion resistant) making it ideal for delicate, drag-free drifts.
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-The suppleness of the Frog Hair tippet section easily allows for a "right angle" to be formed at the point where the floating indicator is placed on the leader. Note: It is recommended to keep the tippet section knotless to allow for easy adjustment of floating indicator. Also, tippet section may need to be modified for deeper flows (longer) and clearer flows (lighter tippet diameter).
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-Leader comes with an assortment of Little Corkie style floating indicators in various sizes for varying water conditions.
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John Nagy Hot Butt Leader and Indicator Kit retails for $15 + $4.00 s/h + $1.33 PA state sales tax (7%) if applicable.
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If your interested in purchasing the John Nagy Hot Butt Leader and Indicator Kit, please use Paypal ordering (see book ordering information page) or mail check to:
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Great Lakes Publishing
606 Crylser Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15226
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Contact John Nagy at (412) 531-5819 or steelheadguide@hotmail.com for information/questions on ordering the Hot Butt Leader and Indicator Kit.

McLean Angling Nets from New Zealand

2009-06-13T20:25:00.023-04:00

The McLean Weigh Net features a hinged/telescopic handle with built in scale.

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The McLean Angling Weigh Net is a great net design to use on the Lake Erie triubutaries. The combination of strength and lightness from the thick wall aluminum tubing, large hoop design (21 x 17 inches), built in 14 lb. scale (contained in the watertight handle) and hinged/telescopic handle make it unbeatable for landing large fish like Great Lakes steelhead.
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The McLean M130 comes with a large Micro Mesh net bag (17 inch depth) which minimizes harm to fish. The McLean 130 model comes with a standard net bag in soft woven knotless nylon (27 inch depth). The compact hinged design of the McLean M130 and 130 net allows for out of the way attachment to the back of the fishing vest with a net release like the mechanical release manufactured by Rose Creek Anglers, Inc. (www.rose-creek.com/index.html).
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The Rose Creek Net Release has a quick-release snap made of a high-impact polymer which provides the ideal tension for keeping the net secure when not in use (it also comes with an elastic cord for those who prefer added security). The net release leather straps are not only classy looking but also keep the net bag from swinging. Throw in some brass fittings and you have a dynamite design!
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The retail price of the M130 net design with Micro Mesh bag is $114.95 (the 130 model with a soft woven knotless net bag is $109.95) plus $15.00 shipping (UPS ground shipping). Pennsylvania residents please add an additional 7 % Pennsylvania state sales tax.
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If your interested in purchasing the McLean Weigh Net, please use Paypal ordering (see book ordering information page) or mail check directly to:

Great Lakes Publishing
606 Crysler Street,
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15226.

Contact John Nagy at (412) 531-5819 or steelheadguide@hotmail.com for information/questions on ordering the McLean Weigh Net or any other McLean Angling Net designs.
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The complete line-up of McLean Angling Net models are also available as well as replacement net bags. See McLean Angling of New Zealand (http://www.mclean-angling.co.nz/) for information on all McLean products.

Hot Tandem Flies for Steelhead by John Nagy

2009-04-07T19:51:00.020-04:00

Most Great Lakes tributaries run high and turbid during and just after peak runoff. To consistently hook steelhead with dead-drifted flies in such flows, you really need to get their attention. Large densely tied, neon-colored flies, like the Scrambled Eggs pattern are just the ticket.

John Miller of New York State designed his Scrambled Eggs pattern to catch steelhead in Lake Ontario tributaries when they are high and stain-colored. Tied entirely of Glo Bug Yarn, the unique feature of the fly is its “scrambled eggs” texture which steelhead can’t seem to resist.

My variation of Miller’s Scrambled Eggs includes a “blood-line” of flame Glo Bug Micro Yarn tied through the length of the fly and a brass, tungsten or glass bead to help sink it quickly in fast flows (and also allow for less split-shot usage). I also tie smaller versions (down to size 16) for lower, clearer runoff flows.

The Scrambled Eggs works great dead-drifted alone or rigged in tandem above a small bead-head nymph, wooly bugger or streamer. If a steelhead does not take the conspicuous egg pattern, it often takes the more natural-looking nymph, bugger or streamer pattern nearby. Tie the flies no more than 6 inches apart on the tippet so the fish see both flies more easily, especially in off-color flows.

The Steelie Rock Worm is a simple caddis larvae pattern that I developed to imitate the green caddis larvae that inhabit the streambeds of many of Lake Erie’s tributary streams. It works great tied in tandem (as bottom fly) with an egg pattern like the Scrambled Eggs.

Scrambled Eggs

Hook: Dailchi # 1530, sizes #14 - #8

Thread: Danville, fluorescent red, 6/0

Body: For a size #10 hook, secure a piece of chartreause Glo Bug Yarn and one piece of flame Glo Bug Micro Yarn together just behind the hook eye. The exact thickness of the chartreuse Glo Bug Yarn piece used will vary according to the hook size (less for a smaller fly, more for a larger fly). Each piece is about 3 inches long, with the flame piece positioned on the top of the chartreuse. Working backward, starting just behind the hook eye, make three segments out of the yarn with the thread finishing at the bend. Next, take the thread and work forward, wrapping diagonally over each segment once (creating the "scrambled eggs" effect), and whip finishing at the eye. Cut surplus yarn at the hook eye and bend to form "head" and "tail".

The addition of the flame Glo Bug Micro Yarn creates an appealing blood-line effect. Steelhead orange, baby pink, oregon cheese, egg and peachy king Glo Bug Yarn can be substituted for the chartreuse.

Steelie Rock Worm

Hook: Dai Riki #135, sizes #16-#14

Thread: Danville, fluorescent chartreuse, 6/0

Body: Fluorescent chartreuse antron yarn (spooled), ribbed with round gold tinsel (small or medium) and sealed with Loon Outdoors Hard Head clear finish.

Head: Single strand of black angora yarn, wrapped to form head behind 3/32 inch or 1/8 inch gold bead.

For more Great Lakes steelhead fly patterns refer to John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

The Tube Fly Advantage by John Nagy

2009-04-03T20:36:00.010-04:00

A selection of steelhead tube fly patterns tied Scandinavian style

Even though tube flies seem to be all the rage in the Great Lakes region right now, many steelheaders are still hesitant to add this innovative system to their fly boxes.

To the uninitiated, a tube fly seems more like a novelty or even a gimmick until you realize the impressive inherent advantages of using a tube fly design versus tying on a standard hook.

-Tube flies allow you tie a large fly (on the tube body) and use a small hook (which is inserted into the rear of the tube). This big fly/small hook advantage results in a dramatic increase in landed fish since short-shank tube hooks do not bend and twist like long-shanked hooks during a fight often resulting in a dislodged hook.

-Tube fly hooks cause less injury to a fish versus the “lever action” of a long-shank streamer hook which can gouge a much bigger wound in the fish’s mouth during a long fight. This is obviously not good for the fish but also contributes to hook dislodgement during the fight.

-Tube flies have a long fishing life since the fly normally disengages from the hook and slides up the leader. This prevents the fly from being damaged from the fish’s teeth and allows easy access for hook removal.

-Dull or damaged hooks can easily be replaced on the stream without discarding the fly.

-A tube fly hook can be adjusted to sit further back in longer tube fly patterns by using a longer tube body or extending the junction tubing connection to compensate for “short-striking” fish.

-Tube fly hooks can be configured with the point in the “up” position like a keel fly reducing the chances of bottom snagging which can occur with heavier metal tube designs.

-Tube flies allow you to control the weight of the fly for various water flows by changing the weight of the tube body (plastic, metal or combinations) and adding coneheads or bead-heads.

More detailed information on tube flies for Great Lakes steelhead (both conventional and Scandinavian designs) can be found in John Nagy’s book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

The Blue and White Temple Dog Tube Fly by John Nagy

2009-04-03T17:33:00.030-04:00

A Blue and White Temple Dog tube fly tied by John Nagy

The Blue and White Temple Dog Tube Fly combines the innovation of a tube fly design and the beauty and effectiveness of a Scandinavian Temple Dog style wing. Temple Dog wings incorporate soft materials like Temple Dog fur, Arctic fox tail, Russian silver goat and T’s Fur into the wing and are characteristically long, tear-drop shaped and angled high and away from the body (to maximize profile and movement in the water).

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These materials also allow for bulk and volume at the front of the wing and then taper nicely to form a pointed tail (tear-drop shaped). The taper of the wing is formed by layering small amounts of hair, of different thicknesses and lengths, from bottom to top.
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The wing is very light and translucent allowing for light penetration and reflection while absorbing very little water. Small amounts of flash material add subtle reflection, color and movement throughout the Temple Dog wing. The lightness of the wing in combination with a short, light wire tube hook (like the Partridge Nordic Single) makes the fly very easy to cast as opposed to a fly tied on a standard streamer hook with a heavier, wind resistant, water absorbing wing like a rabbit fur strip streamer. At the same time it maintains the full baitfish silhouette.
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The volume or fullness of the wing is achieved by interspersing it with sparse layers of flash material like Angel Hair, Fire Fly or Krinkle Mirror Flash which provide a delicate support structure for the wing. Collared hackle throughout the wing and a long stiff tail also help to support the wing as well as small amounts of stiffer materials like T’s Hair or buck tail in the bottom wing layer provide added support also.

The silhouette of the wing and the movement provided by the soft wing materials with added jungle cock cheeks (suggesting eyes on a baitfish) make the Temple Dog fly design very effective for imitating Great Lakes baitfish. Coupling this with the advantages of using a tube fly system makes it incredibly effective steelhead pattern design.

The Blue and White Temple Dog utilizes a Eumer brass Tear Drop tube body (available in 8 colors) and a front plastic liner which makes tying a tube fly pretty easy since dubbing the body is optional.

The upward slanting, front taper of the Eumer Tear Drop tube helps keep the wing pointed up and helps prevent it from entangling with the hook. Tying on the front liner (made of thin diameter, hard plastic) results in very little tying bulk and small, finished heads (Scandinavian patterns characteristically have heads 2mm or less). The liner also acts as a sleeve protecting the leader from abrasion.
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The tapered design of the Tear Drop tube puts the center of gravity beneath the wing which balances the fly and keeps it swimming level on the swing. This is problematic with straight metal tubing which can experience rear “hang-down” on the swing.

The Blue and White Temple Dog works particularly well on sunny days due to its predominately white coloration and flash that reflects sunlight. The blue in the top wing layer is an under-used color on the Lake Erie tributaries that steelhead just love. Hold on because the takes can be brutal!

Materials

Tube: Eumer Teardrop brass tube (large/silver) and stiff plastic tube liner (.07 inch/outside diameter).

Hook: Partridge Nordic Single tube fly hook, # MM3STBN, size #8, connected to rear of Eumer Teardrop Tube with clear vinyl or silicon junction tubing (1/4 inch). By making junction tubing connection longer you can locate hook further back for “short-strikers”.

Thread: Bennechi, white, 12/0.

Tail: Red or orange Fluoro Fiber.

First wing layer (bottom to top): silver Angel Hair, white T’s Hair or buck tail, silver Fire Fly, stiff white saddle feather, silver Angel Hair.

Second wing layer (bottom to top): white temple dog fur, silver Fire Fly, stiff white saddle feather, blue Krinkle Mirror Flash.

Third wing layer (bottom to top): kingfisher blue T’s Fur, peacock Fire Fly,
Kingfisher blue teal flank feather.

Forth wing layer (bottom to top): dark blue T’s Fur, peacock Fire Fly, black ostrich herl.

Cheeks: Jungle cock.
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Notes: Eumer tube bodies, tube fly vise adapters and tube tying starter kits are available at: http://hycreek.com/eumer.wcs. The Irish Angler (http://www.irishangler.com/) and the Canadian Tube Fly Company (http://www.canadiantubeflies.com/) also have tube fly tying accessories and materials.
Fluoro Fiber is available at: http://www.irishangler.com/. T’s Fur and T’s Hair are available at Tube Fly Tech at: http://www.tubeflytech.com/

Tying steps

Step 1: Assemble the tube body by inserting the plastic liner into Eumer Tear Drop tube (coat liner with super glue first) leaving at least 1/2 inch of liner in front of the tube for tying the fly on. Prior to inserting liner into tube, slightly melt one end of liner with flame to form lip. This end of liner will snug against rear of Eumer tube after insertion into tube.
Insert assembled tube body onto Eumer tapered tube pin (which can be secured into Eumer tube tying tool or vise jaws directly). Tie in Fluoro Fiber tail (1 inch long) onto rear of the Eumer tube body with tying thread (super glue in place) leaving 1/8 inch space for ¼ inch junction tubing connection to be added later. Tail is angled high and tapered to a point with scissors. It can be tied in thin or wider in profile for more stained flows. The long tail supports the wing and helps prevent wing from getting tangled around hook.

Step 2: Assemble first wing layer in this order (start just in front of Eumer tube body on plastic liner): 6 strands of silver Angel Hair, white buck tail (1 ½ inches), 4 strands of silver Fire Fly, stiff white saddle feather (tube body length), 6 strands of silver Angel Hair. All wing layers should be angled high like tail.

Step 3: Assemble second wing layer in this order: white temple dog fur (2 ½ inches), 4 strands of silver Fire Fly, stiff white saddle feather (tube body length), 4 strands blue Krinkle Mirror Flash.

Step 4: Assemble third wing layer in this order: kingfisher blue T’s fur (3 ½ inches), 4 strands of peacock Fire Fly, kingfisher blue teal flank feather (tube body length).

Step 5: Assemble fourth wing layer in this order: dark blue T’s Fur (3 3/4 inches), 4 strands of peacock Fire Fly, 3 or 4 black ostrich herls (3 7/8 inches).

Step 6: Attach jungle cock eyes (slightly over 1 inch) angled up along wing. Remaining plastic liner in front of unfinished fly head is then cut to approximately 1/16 inch and then melted to form lip (use bottom of flame from lighter to do this). Head is then finished with thread wraps. Fly finishes out at about 4 inches long including head.

Tying notes: “Double” wing flash materials by stroking back extra material at tie-in point and tying in again. Also “taper-cut” wing flash materials with the longest strands slightly over the length of the ostrich herl topping (3 7/8 inches). Use a dubbing brush on all wing materials to remove under fur and guard hairs prior to tying in to reduce tying bulk.

More detailed information on Scandinavian style tube flies (as well as conventional style designs) for Great Lakes steelhead can be found in John Nagy’s book "Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead".

2009-04-01T23:28:00.014-04:00

Russian-born fly fisher Yuri Shumakov, who lived in Sweden and unexpectedly passed away in 2006, not only introduced me to the world of Scandinavian style tube flies (a design which I have incorporated into many of my own Great Lakes Steelhead patterns), but also taught me what it is to be a generous and thoughtful human being.

Here is a video tribute (by Scottish fly tier Leon Guthrie) to some of his innovative and beautiful tube fly designs.

The New Solitude Fly Reel....the "Guides" Reel

2009-03-31T09:35:00.023-04:00

A winter buck steelhead and the new Solitude fly reel by Edco

In March 1994 steelheader Craig Harris of Michigan designed a steelhead fly reel that has become a standard for guides all over the world. This reel, without a doubt, is the most reliable and affordable steelhead/salmon reel on the market. To boot, cosmetically it is a great looking reel (John Nagy had to put it on the back cover of his new 4th edition of Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead!)

Here are some of the criteria Craig used in designing this reel:

1. The drag must function properly and the reel cannot lock up or free-spool when the air temperature is below 32 degrees F. and when the water temperature is near freezing.

2. The finish on the reel must protect it from the rigors of steelhead and salmon fishing; exposure to stones, sand, boat gunnels, water loaded with ice and sediment, pick-up truck beds, etc.

3. The spools need to be easy to change.

4. The reel needed to be lightweight to reduce casting fatigue.

5. It had to be low maintenance.

6. The reel should be able to be operated with gloves on - oversize knobs.

7. There should be no shapes or objects on the reel that could catch the line or tippet.

8. And, most importantly, the drag must have a zero start-up inertia to let the drag engage instantly and apply constant pressure. A drag that intermittently sticks/slips means lost fish.

John Nagy uses the Harris Solitude Large Arbor V (8.5 oz.) with his custom 10 1/2 foot steelhead "noodle" fly rod. It has the right amount of weight to balance this long fly rod. The Harris Solitude III and Solitude IV are ideal for shorter/production steelhead fly rods.

In 2005, the Harris fly reel production facilities were sold to Edco (www.solitudereels.com) and moved from Michigan to Mount Vernon, Washington.

Edco will continue the “guides reel” tradition laid down by the Harris Reel Company by offering and improved version of the out of production Harris Reel (considered by many to be the best steelhead reel ever made) called the Solitude.

The Solitude drag system is silky smooth with multiple settings on the light end to protect lighter tippets, has zero start-up inertia, delivers even and consistent pressure during the fight and performs extremely well during freezing conditions due to its sealed design.

The new Solitude design has a reversible drag created to facilitate right and left hand reel conversions. Also, manufacturing tolerances have been tightened to improve fit between the spool and housing. Presently, the moderately priced Solitude reels come in four models (standard spool sizes) with two large arbor designs and a spey size reel due out shortly.

If interested in ordering a Solitude fly reel (and/or John Nagy Noodle Fly Rod) please contact John Nagy at steelheadguide@hotmail.com or (412) 531-5819. Please visit www.solitudereels.com for more information on this reel.

Trip Preparation is the Key for Success on the "Steelhead Alley" Tributary Streams by John Nagy

2009-03-30T08:59:00.019-04:00

A well equipped Tony Dibeneddeto, Jr. on a steelhead alley steelhead tributary

The famous “steelhead alley” region of southern Lake Erie encompasses a group of steelhead tributary streams and rivers that stretch from New York, through Pennsylvania and into Ohio.
The potential to “hook-up” with steelhead on these unique tributaries is excellent, but for consistent success in steelhead alley, steelheaders need to do a good amount of trip preparation and planning.

This includes fly tackle considerations, fly selection, daily monitoring of weather reports and run-off conditions and having the right equipment (waders, clothing, accessories) to deal with varied weather and tributary water conditions.

Fly Tackle

Selecting the proper fly tackle would be at the top of the list for preparing a trip to steelhead alley. For dead-drift presentations, which are effective most of the time in the normally cold flows of the Lake Erie tributaries, longer fly rods in the 9-11 foot range, in medium to medium-fast actions and 6 to 7 line weights are very popular.

These rods are ideal for reaching out in the classic “high-stick” nymphing rod position with long leaders (up to 14 feet which minimizes floating fly line contact with the water) to achieve drag-free drifts along the stream bottom. The length and more moderate action of these fly rods also help to play larger steelhead on the lighter tippets which are often used when dead-drifting small egg patterns and bead-head nymphs to fussy, drag-conscious steelhead.

For swinging flies, stiffer/faster, single-handed rods, 9 to 10 foot long in 6 to 8 line weights are more appropriate for casting, shooting and mending both floating fly lines and various sinking systems.

Down-sized, double-handed rods (also known as “switch rods”) give the steelheader the ability to do standard single-handed casts or spey type casts (single-hand double haul, two-handed overhead and two-handed anchor point spey casts) for more distance, less casting fatigue and avoiding rear obstacles. High-stick nymphing and swing presentations are also easily done with switch rods as well. Switch rods typically come in 10 ½ to 11½ foot lengths and 5 to 8 line weights.

Typical sinking systems for swinging include a weight-forward floating fly line, “loop-to-loop” connected to either a custom made mini sink tip made from sinking shooting head material, a sinking leader or a longer interchangeable sink tip head. The loop-to-loop connection allows for various lengths and sink rates of sinking materials to be used depending on the flow and depth of the water as well as the size of the tributary.

For swinging flies the leader varies from 2 to 8 feet with the shorter lengths ideal to keep flies down near the stream bottom as tributary flows cool later in the fall. Tippets as heavy as 12 lb. test can be used since drag-free drifts are not a concern and steelhead normally will not see the tippet as the fly “swims” on the swing.

There are a super abundance of fly reels on the market but first pick a reel that balances the weight of the fly rod, including the fly line strung through the guides. This is an important consideration (especially when using a longer fly rod) since fly reels these days are being manufactured more and more lighter for the same line weights and capacities. You don’t want to cast a fly rod that is tip heavy all day due to too light of a fly reel. This can lead to both bad casting and casting fatigue.

The drag of the fly reel is very important for steelhead fishing. Look for a zero or slow start-up inertia (initial drag engagement) to protect tippets from sudden steelhead surges or runs, a good range of light end adjustment settings for tippet protection also and a drag that is sealed from grit and dirt as well from water which can freeze and lock drags up during winter steelheading. Large arbor reel designs increase line pickup speed dramatically and come in handy when a steelie is running right towards you after you hook him!

Fly Selection

A successful steelhead alley trip always starts at your fly tying vice or the fly bins of your local fly shop. For egg patterns the specific pattern is not as important as is varying the size, color and material density for the water conditions at hand. This means carrying a selection of eggs in sizes #6-#16, in bright neon colors with added flash from Flashabou or Estaz (for stained flows) and pastel/muted colors (for clearer flows). Densely tied egg patterns are great for murky water and sparsely tied eggs that have a translucent effect are best for clear water.

An assortment of bead-head nymphs in sizes #10-#16 (some with flash or rubber legs added) work great in tandem with an egg pattern especially when kept close together (less than 6 inches). If the steelhead does not take the egg pattern, which acts as an attractor in stained water, he will often take the bead-head nymph which is nearby.

For swinging flies, choose wooly bugger, streamer, soft hackle, spey and tube patterns that incorporate materials like marabou, rabbit fur strip, artic fox tail, T’s fur, schlappen, guinea and grouse feathers and soft, long fibered synthetic materials like polar fiber. These materials all impart irresistible movement to the fly as it is swung down-and-across in the current.

White or lightly colored flies work best on sunny days due to their ability to reflect light. Large, darker patterns are more easily spotted by a steelhead on overcast days and in stained water due to their large profile.

Pressured water (especially if it is low and clear) often requires multiple fly pattern changes to get hook-ups. Also, unique patterns (those off the wall, one-of-a-kind concoctions!) often get results in this type of water since the steelies have never seen them before.

Monitoring Weather and Run-off Conditions

Another necessary element in trip preparation for steelhead alley would be monitoring weather reports and tributary run-off conditions in order to predict “prime” conditions (to be defined shortly) for a specific tributary or tributaries. Prime conditions are very important since the normal base flow of most Lake Erie tributaries is low and clear due to poor ground water flow. This obviously makes for extremely tough fishing.

Lake Erie tributaries require run-off from rain and/or snow-melt to get them up to fishable levels. These increased flows (you want to be there after peak run-off as the tributaries are dropping) allow for a number of things including: more effective execution of fly presentation techniques, increase steelhead holding and resting lies, initiation of fresh runs of steelhead in from the lake, push steelhead further up the tributaries toward spawning gravel and energize steelhead that have already been in the tributaries and have been stressed from low, clear water conditions and fishing pressure.

Most importantly, prime fishing conditions mean ideal water flow and clarity which makes for much more cooperative fly takers (especially for fresh run steelhead). For most Lake Erie steelheader’s prime water conditions are signaled by fishable and wadable tributary flows that have a characteristic olive green-tint coloration. This coloration allows steelhead some visibility in the water but at the same time allows the steelhead to feel secure and thereby maintain his sense of curiosity and experimentation to take flies.

The run-off rates of the steelhead alley tributaries vary from tributary to tributary due to differences in watershed sizes. Tributary run-off rate is the time it takes in hours, days and weeks for a tributary to run-off to prime conditions following a rain fall or snow-melt episode (see Steelhead Guide book by John Nagy for tributary run-off rate tables which are based on an “average” rain fall or snow-melt episode of an inch of rain or equivalent snow/ice melt occurring in a 24 hour period).

If you know the run-off rates of the tributaries and the ongoing and forecasted weather in relation to expected rain fall and/or snow-melt, you can predict when prime conditions will occur for tributary or tributaries over a several day period. This will enable you to target the “right” tributary or tributaries for the specific day(s) your fishing and should markedly increase your hook-up percentage.

Incoming weather systems to the Lake Erie region can be closely monitored by watching weekly weather reports and national/regional radar displays on the weather channel and internet weather sites. Precipitation from ongoing rain/snow events can be more precisely followed through local weather radar displays as well as local 24 hour rain fall precipitation amounts which are monitored by the National Weather Service and can be found at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ and also on local weather reports.

A limited number of Lake Erie tributaries have operating USGS river gages on them that measure real-time water flow in discharge (cubic feet per second) and stage (feet). This data is displayed 24/7 on the internet at http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html, http://steelheadsite.com and also http://www.fishusa.com/fisherie/ (the later 2 sites also provide fishing reports). Local tackle shops and local steelhead fisherman are also good sources for current water flow information (in terms of water levels and clarity) for tributaries in their area.

Waders, Clothing and Accessories

Steelheaders fishing the steelhead alley tributaries will encounter a myriad of weather and run-off conditions through the fall, winter and spring periods of a steelhead season.
To deal with the weather and tributary related conditions the well equipped steelheader should have the following items:

-waist length, breathable/waterproof, wading jacket.
-waist length, wind-resistant, fleece jacket (worn under wading jacket).
-wool or fleece shirt.
-Capeline underwear (medium and heavy types).
-fleece or wool fingerless gloves, ball cap (visor helps block sun), knit cap.
-breathable chest waders with felt or rubber bottom/studded wading boots (breathable or neoprene waders with boot foot designs keep feet warmer in winter ice water flows).
-disposable hand warmer packets or compact Zippo hand warmer.
-water hydration bladder, small flashlight, sun tan lotion, energy bars and a mini first aid kit.

Some important fly fishing related equipment accessories that steelheaders should carry include:

-collapsible steelhead-size landing net with vest net release or “Landing Hand” mesh mitten for hand gripping/tailing fish.
-stream thermometer.
- weighing scale (some nets have scales built into their handles).
-waterproof fly boxes.
-dropper fly rig box for carrying pre-tied tandem fly rigs.
-nippers, forceps, fresh tippet material, spare leaders and various sink tips (leader wallets are ideal for organizing these).
-split shot (including soft shot variety with smaller sizes).
-floating indicators in various sizes and colors.
-polarized sunglasses for spotting fish and reading water surface current breaks.
-compact/water resistant camera with waterproof carrying case.
-a large capacity vest with a shoulder suspension system to carry all this stuff!

More detailed information on preparing and planning for a steelhead alley fly fishing trip can be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

John Nagy Custom Made "Noodle" Fly Rod

2009-03-28T23:08:00.054-04:00

John Nagy's "noodle" fly rod tames another steelhead!

John Nagy offers a custom made 10 1/2 foot "noodle" fly rod (2 piece/6 weight). This rod is featured in John Nagy's book Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead and is ideal for "high- stick" nymphing with long leaders, light tippets and small flies to achieve critical drag-free drifts on or near the stream bottom.

John Nagy uses this rod exclusively on his Lake Erie tributary steelhead guide trips. It is the ultimate tool for dead-drifting steelhead fly patterns (with or without an indicator) such as egg flies, bead-head nymphs, soft hackles and wooly buggers. Many of his guide trip customers, after fishing this incredible fly rod all day, end up ordering one!

It can easily play a big steelhead on lighter tippets (steelhead over 15 pounds have been played and landed on it), has tremendous fly line and leader control due to it's great length and casts split-shot, weighted flies, indicators, etc. very smoothly due to it's soft action.

The soft action also allows for wide casting loops (versus faster fly rod blanks which cast tighter loops) resulting in less tangles of tandem fly and indicator rigging. The added length allows for pressure to be added at largely different angles when playing a steelhead. This keeps a steelhead off balance and reduces total playing and landing time.

On Stream Reviews of John Nagy's
Noodle Fly Rod:

"The design of John Nagy's noodle fly rod is well thought out with great workmanship. The action of this custom fly rod provides an unparallel ability to protect the lightest of tippets and at the same time have enough back bone for fly casting. The 5 inch fighting butt also adds increased leverage in playing those chrome sticks of dynamite. I am so pleased with this fly rod that I have packed away my high-end production rod (at twice the cost) in favor of the noodle fly rod!"

Tony DiBenedetto, Jr. of Youngstown, Ohio

"It is so easy to cast even with weighted flies, split-shot and a float if needed. I have very little trouble casting this rod even in wind gusts up to 35 mph. This rod roll casts with very little effort. Its 10 1/2 foot length makes it so nice to make on the water mends with ease. The best thing about this rod is its soft action and your percentage of busted off fish with lighter tippets will really drop. My biggest steelhead taken on this rod was 15 lbs. on 5X tippet. Anyone serious about tributary fishing for Lake Erie steelhead should have this rod in his or her arsenal."

Joe Ciavaglia of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

"I was very impressed with every aspect of John Nagy's noodle fly rod. I was able to get a drag-free drift with little effort, feel every little bump on the drift and could easy tell if I was in the strike zone. Also I was able to roll cast with little effort and the fish fighting abilities of the rod were outstanding. For you guys fishing with production rods and are serious about Lake Erie steelhead fishing you have to get one on John Nagy's custom steelhead rods!"

William Cober

"The soft action of John Nagy's noodle fly rod enabled me to down-size my tippets and increase my hookups and land many larger steelhead without break-offs."

Walt Schaffer of Willoughby Hills, Ohio

"John Nagy's noodle fly rod is ideal for dead-drifting flies on light tippets in the cold winter flows of the Lake Erie tributaries. Its 10 1/2 foot length allows me to reach out over tricky currents, precisely present my flies and achieve long, drag-free presentations. The capability to interchange fighting butts is also a nice feature."

Joe Morgan of Hamburg, New York

"Forgiving, rewarding, fun to use are just a few words to describe the custom built John Nagy noodle fly rod. The length allows me to keep the line off the water while high-sticking favorite steelhead runs. The rod's action is great when using finer tippets resulting in minimal breakage. Landing big steelies is a breeze. It also looks great!"

Dan Houk of Steubenville, Ohio

"I found John Nagy's noodle fly rod to be everything I had hoped for in a steelhead rod. It's high-stick nymphing, mending and fighting abilities were awesome. I highly recommend this fly rod for the chrome chaser!"

John Kikel of Finleyville, Pennsylvania

Custom made "noodle" fly rod by John Nagy

The rod is custom made from a 10 1/2 foot St. Croix, Wild River Salmon & Steelhead noodle rod blank (black satin finish, SC II mid-modulus graphite). It has ultra-light power with a slow action, is 2-6 lb. monofilament line rated but can handle tippets up to 9 lb. when needed.
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The fly rod is assembled with quality Pac Bay components and has 3 stripper guides (single foot with black chrome frames and Hialoy rings), over-size snake guides and an over-size tip-top to prevent ice freeze-up (all with stainless steel/industrial hard chrome plating), hook keeper and a 2 inch removable fighting butt. An optional 5 inch removable fighting butt is available for more added leverage when high-stick nymphing and playing large steelhead.

Over-size snake guides (stainless/chrome plated), single foot stripping guide (Hialoy ring/black chrome frame) and epoxy finish guide wrap (silver flaking added) with metalic silver accent tipping.

It comes with your choice of western, full wells or reverse half wells super fine grade cork grips (front tapered reverse half wells is ideal for feel/sensitivity when high-stick nymphing), your choice of guide wrap color, optional rose Dynawood reel insert, hook keeper, a hand made/flannel cloth rod bag, heavy duty pvc rod tube and your name or initials on the rod.
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Reel seat is heavy duty/all aluminum with machined fixed hood with rubber O-ring imbedded in the front lock nut for secure locking. It is available in all titanium or black anodized black satin finish. Also available in anodized black satin body with gold hoods and nuts. All locking nuts are heavy duty reverse knurled nuts to prevent scratching rods during transport or storing.
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Guide wraps (which are epoxy finished) can also be accented with tipping in standard or metallic colors at no charge. Accent tipping is added at stripper guides, female ferrule, butt wrap near hook keeper and trim wrap where name is located. Epoxy finish for guide wraps can have very fine gold, silver, blue, green or red flaking added for a subtle/unique effect at no charge.

Reverse half wells grip, black satin anodized hood and nut fittings, rosewood colored/Dynawood reel seat, 5 inch and 2 inch removable fighting butts.

Hash marks (subtle 1/16 inch diameter painted dots in red, green, blue, yellow or black) can be placed at 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 inches (from the butt of the rod) for measuring steelhead. A hash mark (yellow) can also be placed 12 inches down from the tip top for measuring water clarity with the rod tip. Rule of thumb: less than 12 inches of water visibility is tough fishing conditions, more than 12 inches is ideal.
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This slow action fly rod casts a 6 weight floating fly line like the Wulff Triangle Taper (which is ideal for high-stick nymphing presentations) very well. Incorporating a single fly line "haul" on your forward cast will increase your line speed on this rod allowing you to "turn over" split-shot, weighted flies and indicators more easily, cast into the wind and also relieve casting fatigue since you are using your free arm (non-casting arm) to help cast the fly line.

It sells for $350 shipped (including insurance) to your door in less than 2 weeks after receiving payment. 7% PA state sales tax is applicable for PA residents.
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For a 65 inch by 2 inch diameter cordura rod tube add $28. For a 65 inch by 2 inch diameter aluminum rod tube add $35. Also for a rosewood/Dynawood reel seat (with choice of titanium, black satin or gold hoods and nuts) or 5 inch detachable fighting butt add an additional $13.50 and $7.50 respectively. A second rod tip is available for $50. See book ordering page for information on making payments by check or Paypal.
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Reel seat is also available in the new "channel lock" design from Pac Bay (in anodized silver, black or black/gold). The channel design of the reel seat body centers and holds any size reel more securely. Also this design prevents sliding hood to spin since it is keyed to the channel and attached to lock nut.
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Please contact John Nagy at steelheadguide@hotmail.com or (412) 531-5819 for more details on his custom "noodle" fly rod.

John Nagy now offers the newly designed Solitude fly reel to match up with his noodle fly rod. Please go to the Solitude reel page on the right menu bar (under Stelhead Equipment and Flies) for more information on this great steelhead reel.

John Nagy Custom Lake Erie Steelhead Flies

2009-03-28T16:00:00.008-04:00

Hen steelhead and a good selection of "steelhead alley" egg patterns and nymphs

John Nagy offers an assortment of 1 dozen "hot" Lake Erie steelhead egg patterns and bead head nymphs for $24.95 + $4 s/h + $2.03 Pa. state sales tax (7%) if applicable.

John Nagy also offers custom fly orders of Lake Erie egg patterns, nymphs, wooly buggers and streamers for $2.50/fly + $4.00 s/h + Pa. state sales tax (7%) if applicable. See book ordering page for more information on making payments by check or Paypal.

Please contact John Nagy at steelheadguide@hotmail.com or (412) 531-5819 for more details on his custom steelhead flies including custom fly orders and his signature steelhead tube flies.

Steelheader's Tips

2009-03-28T12:19:00.015-04:00

The following is a selection of Steelheader's Tips taken from John Nagy's book: Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead.

-When using a floating indicator it is often necessary to "fine tune" the drift of the fly depending on the water conditions (flow, clarity, depth and temperature). This is accomplished by adjusting the amount of split-shot used, split-shot to fly distance, floating indicator to fly distance, tippet size and floating indicator size. These slight changes can keep your fly drifting naturally (at or just above the stream bottom) resulting in more steelhead hook-ups.

-Mid-day is the best time to fish for lethargic winter steelhead because the water temperatures are usually the warmest at this time.

-When dead-drifting flies, use your fly rod's length to your advantage by lifting as much line and leader as possible off the water. Mend, reach out and follow the drift with the tip of your fly rod.

-When you locate a good concentration of steelhead, your better off not leaving it to find "better" water. Usually, you will never find it that day.

-Reading the surface water (by looking for changes in the water surface texture) will help you locate subsurface current breaks and potential steelhead holding areas in stained tributary flows.

-A much heavier tippet can be used when swinging a fly since the steelhead will normally only see the fly on the downstream swing.

More Steelheader's Tips can be found in John Nagy’s book “Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead”.

Traditional Steelhead Guide Trips

2009-03-28T10:23:00.019-04:00

Rich Schmidbauer with spring hen steelhead caught on a traditional swing presentation with a Blue and White Temple Dog tube fly.

John Nagy Photo/ Guide Trip.

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Wanted: Traditional Steelhead Fly Fisherman
Reward: Hard Hitting Steelhead Hell-bent on taking your Fly (and Fly rod) back to Lake Erie!

Steelhead guide John Nagy is looking for traditional steelhead fly fisherman who are interested in swinging flies like streamers, wooly buggers, sculpins, spey and tube flies in the age-old "down-and-across manner" using either single or double-handed fly rods. Put away your indicators for a day and learn how to:

-rig sinking systems and tube flies
-read water for swinging flies
-wade and position yourself for the swing presentation
-execute effective swinging presentations for steelhead

Also learn about "Temple Dog" style Scandinavian tube patterns (tied with Yuri Shumakov, Mikael Frodin and Eumer tube body systems) which are some of the hottest steelhead flies going on the Great Lakes right now. Experienced traditional fly fisherman who have experience at swinging flies in the Atlantic provinces for salmon and British Columbia for steelhead (but haven't tried it on the Lake Erie tributaries) are also welcome.

Swinging flies is a whole new approach for the Great Lakes steelheader who has "cut his teeth" on dead-drift presentations and is looking to expand his horizon's and experience a different steelhead presentation. This traditional technique is best done on bigger water that has long pools and wide tail-outs to active steelhead in water temperatures above 40-45 degrees F.

Typically this means the fall, late winter/early spring time or during mild winter periods.
It allows him to see the river in a larger view both downstream and bank-to-bank as he fishes. He becomes more in tuned with the larger flow of the river. The casts and mends of his fly line become intimately intertwined with long runs, riffles and pool tail-outs as he methodically swings his fly through likely steelhead lies.

Steve Anderson swinging flies on a big Lake Erie tributary. Note "belly" formed in the fly line on the downstream swing presentation. John Nagy Photo/Guide trip.

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

Roderick Haig-Brown summed it up best when describing the traditional steelhead fly fishing approach:

"But the steelhead, with the brightness of the sea still on him, is livest of all the river's life. When you have made your cast for him, you are no longer a careless observer. As you mend the cast and work your fly well down to him through the cold water, your whole mind is with it, picturing its drift, guiding its swing, holding it where you will know he will be. And when the shock of his take jars through to your forearms and you lift the rod to its bend, you know that in a moment the strength of his leaping body will shatter the water to brillance, however dark the day."
Roderick Haig-Brown, A River Never Sleeps, 1946

For available dates and further information contact John Nagy at (412) 531-5819 or steelheadguide@hotmail.com

Instructional Steelhead Guide Trips

2009-03-28T10:13:00.009-04:00

Aaron Perkins with a winter steelhead caught on a dead-drift presentation.

John Nagy Photo/ Guide Trip.

John Nagy offers instructional steelhead guide trips on the Lake Erie tributary streams. Trips are run from September through May in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

John Nagy's trips are truly instructional. He teaches his customers every aspect of Lake Erie tributary steelheading with a fly rod (well, as much as can be covered in a one day outing!). They often reflect the large amount of information presented in his Steelhead Guide Book on fly fishing the Lake Erie tributaries.

Some of the concepts taught by John Nagy on his guide trips include:

-Picking the right tributary stream based on current weather and run-off conditions.
-Learning the access areas of a tributary (hiking versus "car-door" fishing).
-Steelhead behavior in the fall, winter and spring seasons,
-Reading water to locate steelhead in specific water types.
-Wading and proper positioning,
-"In-and-out" fly casting.
-Fly line and leader control for dead-drifting techniques.
-Effective fly fishing equipment systems.
-The "two-fly" rig set-up.
-Traditional fly "swinging" techniques.
-Fly selection based on water conditions, available light levels and water temperatures.
-Proper steelhead fighting and landing techniques.
-John Nagy's philosophy on the "total" steelhead experience.

All fly tackle and flies are supplied by John Nagy. Customers are responsible for chest waders (felt or studded bottoms are best), proper clothing, fingerless gloves, polarized sunglasses, snacks, water, lunch and camera. John Nagy encourages catch-and-release fishing during his trips and does photography during the trip with his Nikon camera equipment as well as the customers camera.

For available dates and further information contact John Nagy at (412) 531-5819 or steelheadguide@hotmail.com

Upcoming Magazine Articles I by John Nagy

2009-03-27T20:45:00.054-04:00

(articles already published have yellow titles)

Wading Strategies for Steelhead

by John Nagy

Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (October 2010, Available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

New Steelhead Equipment and Accessories

by John Nagy

Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (March 2010, Available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

Swinging Flies

by John Nagy

Chasing Silver Magazine (2nd issue 2009), primarily available in Europe but can also be ordered at: www.chasingsilvermagazine.com

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Brown Trout Join the Frey in Steelhead Alley
by John Nagy

Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (September/October 2009, available on newstands everywhere)

TheTube Fly Advantage
by John Nagy
Fly Fish America Magazine (March 2010/Gear Issue, available for free at your local fly shop)

Using Water Temperatures to Locate Tributary Steelhead
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (October 2009, available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

Cattaraugus Creek, NY

by John Nagy
Fly Fisherman Magazine (December 2009 issue/available on newstands everywhere September 2009)
A proposed fish passage device installation on Cattaraugus Creek, NY (at the Springville Dam) makes the future very promising for this classic Great Lakes steelhead river. This project would futher develop the wild steelhead fishery on the river and also create new public fishing opportunites for steelhead above the dam where 34 miles of NY State Public Fishing Rights (PFR) lands already exist.

Dam modifications on Chautauqua Creek, NY Create New Steelhead Fishing Opportunities

by John Nagy

Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (January/February 2010, available on newstands everywhere)

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New Lake Erie Tributary Fishing Opportunities
by John Nagy
Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (March/April 2009, available on newstands everywhere)

Steelhead Alley
by John Nagy
Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (March/April 2009, available on newstands everywhere)

New Steelhead Equipment and Accessories
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (March 2009, available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

Public Fishing Access Issues on the Great Lakes Tributaries
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (October 2008 Salmon-Steelhead-Saltwater issue/available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

Swinging Flies for Steelhead
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (November-December Destination Issue 2008/available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops)

Blue and White Temple Dog Tube Fly
by John Nagy
Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (September /October 2008 issue or November/December 2008 issue, available on newstands everywhere)

Stream Watch:
New Lake Erie Public Fishing Access on Pennsylvania's Lake Erie Tributary Streams
by John Nagy
Fly Fisherman Magazine (December 2008 issue/available on newstands everywhere October 2008)

Tips for Spring Steelheading on the Great Lakes Tributaries
by John Nagy
Fly Fish America Magazine (April 2008/available for free at your local fly shop)

Great Lakes Tube Flies
The Best New Tube Flies for Steelhead from Pulaski to Michigan
by John Nagy
Fly Fisherman Magazine (February 2008 issue/available on newstands everywhere December 2007)
Steelhead guide and author John Nagy talks about the hottest tube flies for steelhead in the Great Lakes. In the article he covers the advantages of using tube flies, plastic versus metal tubes, conventional and specialty tube designs and the innovative Scandinavian "Temple Dog" style. Included are 6 tube fly patterns (3 conventional and 3 specialty tube types) with recipes and comments by the tyers. Great steelhead color photography taken by John Nagy supplements the article as well.

Guide Flies/Scrambled Eggs
by John Nagy
Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (November/December 2007 issue, available on newstands everywhere October 2007)
The Scrambled Eggs egg pattern is a simple fly to tie and is a killer for fishing high/stained Lake Erie tributary flows for steelhead.

The Steelhead of Lake Erie
by John Nagy
Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide (October 2007 Salmon-Steelhead-Saltwater issue/available for free at numerous PA, NY, MD, NJ, DE, VA and CT fly shops in September 2007)
The steelhead of Lake Erie are truly a mixed bag with Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario contributing both hatchery based and naturally reproduced steelhead to the Lake Erie fishery. John Nagy explains gives some background on the Lake Erie steeflhead fishery and what we can expect for the future.

Grand River, OH
An ancient and rugged river that is largely untouched by man
by John Nagy
Eastern Fly Fishing Magazine (May/June 2007 issue, available on newstands everywhere April 2007)
The Grand River in Northeast Ohio is an ancient and mostly remote river that is the cornerstone tributary of the Ohio steelhead fishery. Not only difficult to access, but normally not fishable due to high/stained flows, it can pay good dividends for the patient steelheader.

2009 Spring Steelhead Report and News by John Nagy

2009-03-27T09:46:00.007-04:00

A spring buck steelhead that took a tube fly on the swing

A surprisingly mild March has ushered in the spring steelhead season on the Lake Erie tributaries. All the tributaries have scattered steelhead in them (including wintered-over and fresh run fish, spawners and spawned-out fish) with a higher concentration in the upper areas. Look for "drop-back" steelhead (particularly in the lower areas) as more steelhead spawn-out and the spring progresses.

Lake run suckers also start showing up in the tributaries in March. To avoid catching suckers, try to concentrate on the mid-to-upper sections of the tributaries (they typically can't run that far) and also fish faster water (suckers usually prefer moderate to slow current flows).

Steelheaders should be aware that juvenille steelhead smolt plantings are typically done in the spring on the Lake Erie tributaries. Try to avoid these stocking areas on the tributaries. If you do catch a steelhead smolt, reel it in quickly and gently release it. If the fly is swallowed deep, cut the line and release fish to increase smolt survivability. These little guys represent future steelhead runs and need to be handled carefully.

Cattaraugus Creek in New York has been high and off colored this spring but the Grand River in Ohio has been fishable at times. Anticipate a good run of "Little Manistee" strain steelhead in the Ohio tributaries with the peak of the run in April (with good fishing into May).

The Lake shore temperatures on March 25, 2009 off Toledo (OH), Cleveland (OH) and Erie (PA) were 39, 37 and 38 degrees F respectively.

Ordering John Nagy's New Book the Steelheader's Journal

2009-03-27T09:09:00.002-04:00

Information for ordering John Nagy's new book will be posted shortly.

John Nagy's New Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead

2009-03-26T11:49:00.018-04:00

John Nagy's popular book
Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead
has been updated and expanded into a new 4th edition.
John Nagy's Steelhead Guide has long been considered the bible for steelheader's "chasing" chrome on Lake Erie's tributary streams as well as very useful to steelhead fisherman in other areas of the Great Lakes.

Expanded from 257 to 320 pages (including color insert), a major addition to the new 4th edition is 119 new and innovative steelhead fly patterns (replacing all previous 3rd edition patterns) contributed by guides by guides, fly tyers and steelhead fly fisherman from all over the Lake Erie region (44 tyers total). In addition to steelhead egg patterns, nymphs, soft hackles, streamers, wooly buggers, sculpins, leeches and spey flies, 28 hot tube flies (both conventional and Scandinavian tube designs) are also included.

It also includes a new Deadly Dozen list, additional Steelheader's Tips and a humorous "Steelheader's Quiz". An exciting new and detailed chapter on tube flies for Great Lakes steelhead discussing their history, benefits, construction and use has been added as well as tube tying materials sources, updated steelhead equipment recommendations and the latest Lake Erie region fishery news.

It also includes updated guide, tackle shop, lodging and dining lists, steelhead related web sites as well as current smolt stocking lists and recent fishery data and reports. New photos have been added to Steelhead Guide including an expanded color insert section of the new steelhead fly patterns as well as steelhead photography taken in the Lake Erie region. Some of the previous 3rd edition text (carried over into the new 4th edition) has also been revised and/or clarified as well.

Both soft and hard cover editions (autographed copies) now include a custom steelhead fly tied by the author John Nagy when purchased through this website!

How to Order Book

To obtain a signed soft cover send $32.95 plus $4.00 shipping per order (PA residents add 7% PA state sales tax or $2.59) to:

Great Lakes Publishing

606 Crysler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15226

PayPal payments also accepted.

A limited number of signed hard covers are also available. These hard covers are handsomely done in soft, black Matador leather cover strock (matte finish) with silver foil stamping including a stunning steelhead color photograph. The photograph (glossy finish) is individually hand-set on the front in a deboss panel with a silver foil border.

Pricing for hard cover 4th edition is $42.95 plus $5.00 shipping per order (PA residents add 7% state sales tax of $3.36). Follow payment instructions above for soft cover.

Or pay with PayPal below:

About John Nagy/Contact Information

2009-03-25T18:43:00.002-04:00

John Nagy has guided in Alaska and fly fished extensively in the Western and Eastern United States as well as British Columbia. For the last 20 years he has guided on many of Lake Erie's tributary streams for steelhead and has written numerous articles on the unique style of fly fishing often needed to catch these elusive and sometimes finicky fish.

His writiing credits include Fly Fisherman, Wild Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon, Mid-Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide, Fly Fish America, Eastern Fly Fishing and Salmon, Trout, Steelheader.

In 2008 John Nagy updated and expanded his popular book Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead.

The new 4th edition includes 119 new and innovative steelhead fly patterns contributed by guides, fly tyers and steelhead fisherman from all over the Lake Erie region. An exciting addition to the book is a new chapter on Great Lakes steelhead tube flies (including 28 hot steelhead tube patterns) discussing their history, benefits, construction and use.

John Nagy has recently written numerous feature magazine articles on modern tube tying systems for Great Lakes steelhead (Fly Fisherman, Fly Fish America and Eastern Fly Fishing). The articles include discussion on conventional tube flies as well as the revolutionary Scnadinavian tube fly designs.

John Nagy has also recently completed some magazine pieces geared to public access on the Lake Erie tributaries and steelhead fishery management (Fly Fisherman, Eastern Fly Fishing and Mid-Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide). The articles cover the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's Lake Erie Improvement Access Program, Pennsylvania's Four Mile Creek, Ohio's Chagrin River and New York's Chautauqua, Cattaraugus Creeks and Oak Orchard River.

John Nagy Contact Information

Phone: (412) 531-5819

Email: steelheadguide@hotmail.com

Address: John Nagy, 606 Crysler Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15226

John Nagy's Steelhead Journal

2009-03-25T15:35:00.013-04:00

Steelhead Guide and Author John Nagy

Hello, welcome to the Steelhead Journal. My name is John Nagy, author of the popular book:

Steelhead Guide

Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead

Please feel free to browse the side bar which has information on myself, the new 4th edition of Steelhead Guide, instructional Lake Erie guide trips (both nymphing style and traditional presentations), upcoming feature fly fishing magazine articles and helpful steelhead tips.

I also offer cutting edge steelhead tackle (including my unique "Noodle" fly rod design), hot steelhead flies (steelhead egg patterns, bead-head nymphs, wooly buggers and streamers) as well as my signature tube fly patterns.

Look for timely fall, winter and spring Lake Erie steelhead tributary fishing reports and pictures posted on the Steelhead Journal as well as important news items concerning the Lake Erie tributary steelhead fishery.

Please enjoy the steelhead photography on the Steelhead Journal. My photography is very important to me. My images I try to capture the essence and subtleties of the sport of steelhead fly fishing in the Great Lakes. All photographs are for your personal viewing pleasure only. Please contact me if you are interested in any of my photographs.

My passion for steelhead fly fishing over the last 20 years can be best summed up by the quote taken from Roderick Haig-Brown's 1946 classic book "A River Never Sleeps".

"But the Steelhead, with the brightness of the sea still on him, is the livest of all the river's life. When you have made your cast for him, you are no longer a careless observer. As you mend the cast and work your fly well down to him through the cold water, your whole mind is with it, picturing its drift, guiding its swing, holding it where you know he will be. And when the shock of his take jars through to your forearms and you lift the rod to its bend, you know that in a moment the strength of his leaping body will shatter the water to brillance, however dark the day."

When pursuing steelhead on the Great Lakes tributaries, please respect your fellow steelhead fisherman, the rights of the private landowner and the magnificant steelhead itself. This can only result in a better overall experience for all.