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Great Lakes Steelhead

Great Lakes Steelhead

General Info: Skamania summer steelhead were once transplanted from our beloved Columbia River Gorge (home of Big Y Fly) to the Great Lakes. A fantastic seasonal fishery was created in just a few years. Steelhead now pour into the tributaries of Great Lakes tributaries every fall. From Michigan to New York, big runs of steelhead can be found close to major metropolitan areas. The most famous area is the area called "Steelhead Alley" in Ohio. It runs along the shoreline of Lake Erie to the inlet from Lake Ontario. Another very popular spot is along the Salmon River near Pulaski, NY.
While anglers on the Pacific coast tend to swing smaller flies for steelhead, Great Lakes steelheaders most often use a nymphing setup. Swinging a fly is still fairly popular in the Great Lakes, but nymphing is the name of the game. Many anglers also fish a trout streamer either under an indicator or with a tight line. The peak time to go is in October, but fish start showing up in September and can be found as late as ice conditions will allow. There is also a spring season where fish that "wintered over" in the rivers can be found heading back towards the lake.
Preferred Gear
Rods: 7-8 wt. rods. Many prefer a 9'6" or 10' rod, but 9' rods are still the most popular
Favorites: Big Y Boss, TFO Pro III, Redington Vice, Orvis Clearwater
Reels: Large arbor, with solid drag system
Lines: Weight forward, floating. Specialty nymphing lines for steelhead are a real plus.
Favorites: Rio Elite Indicator, Scientific Anglers Mastery Anadro
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  • 369 in stock

    Egg-Sucking Bunny Leech

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    Egg sucking leeches are incredibly popular, particularly in the fall. This one uses zonker strips to make the leech. Nothing quite undulates und...

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    1450 in stock

    Egg-Sucking Leech

    $0.99
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    Alaska's #1 pattern and with good reason. All gamefish eat leeches, this pattern imitates leeches, forage fish, stonefly nymphs all of which will ...

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    257 in stock

    Egg-Sucking Leech-Beadhead

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    Alaska's #1 pattern just got a little better. All gamefish eat leeches, this pattern imitates leeches, forage fish, stonefly nymphs all of which ...

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    239 in stock

    Flashbugger

    $0.99
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    Great for all species of game fish including, steelhead, salmon, trophy trout, and trophy bass. Tied with that great marabou tail, for lifelike mo...

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    44 in stock

    Hot Head Grub

    $1.12
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    A big ole grub pattern with a hot bead to draw attention.

    $1.12
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