Steelhead Alley
by Mike Steiner
The Great Lakes tributaries has some awesome fishing opportunities, some of the best in this country and Canada. There is a region off of Lake Erie known as “Steelhead Alley.” Nicknames can often be deceiving. In this case, however, it is very appropriate.
The Lake Erie tributaries is an excellent fishery, however, it can be tricky due to the rough weather which creates fluctuating water conditions and various adversaries. It's typical to start your day on a low and clear stream and by the afternoon be fishing a high, fast and stained stream. Having said that, and as an avid fly fisherman, my goal is to inform you of some tips and techniques that will help you prepare for anything Erie's "steelhead alley" has to throw your way.
First of all, you must know multiple techniques to catch fish—depending on the conditions.
When I approach the river I consider the water level, clarity, and speed, and formulate my plan. What type of water will I fish? Which fly to begin with? What size leader will I use, and how much weight will be needed to target the fish? All these aspects must be adjusted to compensate for the conditions at hand.
If I am looking at low and clear water conditions with light flow, I will go with a light presentation. For example, I may use size #14 single egg as my point fly, tied on 4X tippet, and a size #16 nymph tied on 5X as my dropper fly. I would use as little weight as possible with no indicator, using a standard high sticking technique so I can detect subtle strikes.
When I arrive at the stream and find a good flow and the perfect color, I may use the same flies but increase the sizes a bit. Instead of a size #14, go with #12—same with the dropper, bump it up to #14.
Also you may want to increase your tippet diameter. I suggest fishing with the heaviest tippet that conditions permit. Steelhead are big and strong, so use every advantage you can. I’d also increase the amount of weight to get my flies to the desired depth. You want your flies in the strike zone as long as possible, and the correct amount of weight will make that happen.
Another good technique in moderate flow is to use a strike indicator. This not only helps detect subtle strikes, but also allows you to control the depth of your flies. Once again, keep your flies in the strike zone as long as possible, that way your entire drift is effective.
My personal favorite steelhead technique is fishing streamers, when conditions are right. When the water is a little high and stained a B.H. Woolly Bugger can do amazing things. I fish them in many different colors, my favorite being white, then black, then olive, in that order. When fished properly under the right conditions, there's no telling how many hook-ups you may have. I have caught more steel on this fly than any other in my box.
Although this fly can be fished in any water conditions, adjusting your presentation to the conditions is important.
For moderate water conditions, I like to dead drift just like a nymph. Because of the size, color and materials used for this fly, its natural presentation is effective.
In low water I like to strip the fly in traditional fashion. This will make up for lack of flow, and usually triggers strikes from your bigger, more aggressive fish.
When the water is fast, I like to slow-twitch this fly during the dead drift, adding extra movement which entices the fish nicely.
I also have good success fishing buggers on the swing. The extra speed you achieve at the end of the drift, triggers very aggressive strikes. If you don't fish buggers often, try it! You won't be disappointed; this is a great weapon to add to your steelhead arsenal.
Another tip, is to make sure you have a good fly selection. Be prepared for the different conditions you may encounter. Egg patterns and Crystal Meth flies work great, but think outside of the box. Throw some different patterns in the mix—try black Hares Ears, Copper Johns, in any color wire you can find. Maybe even try the Steelhead Hammer. (Great pattern! Look it up online!) There are a ton of good patterns out there via the world wide web, use the information at your finger tips.
Now for a couple tips for fishing the Erie tributaries...The first and most important tip, "don't get stuck with the crowds." If there are a lot of people, that‘s a good indication of pressured fish, who often get lockjaw. Make sure you stay mobile and leave your options open. If you’re willing to walk, you’ll find and catch fish!
Remember to fish the river thoroughly, even cover water the other anglers pass up. Just because you can't see fish or there's not a group of people fishing that area, does not mean there are no fish holding in that location. Take your time and make a few casts and you might be surprised. Fish the pocket water and the riffs, if it looks like it could hold a fish, try it!
One of my last tips is for high muddy water, which can be a horrible sight for anglers arriving to the river, especially if you have driven hours to get there—give it a chance. Stay on the bank and look to fish the slack water. Steelhead will move up-river in short bursts, then will duck out of the current to rest. Metalheads will often hang close to the banks and will use anything that will break the current for relief. Fish behind any structures that are visible and close to the bank. Use large, bright, highly visible flies. This might save the day and help you get some steel on the line.
There are many good tributaries stretching from Ohio across Pennsylvania and into New York State, and up through Canada. As you make your way around the lake, be willing to try different techniques. You don't know what's going to work until you try. Adjusting to conditions and overcoming the obstacles thrown at you by Mother Nature, will make you a better steelheader.
