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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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  • 1249 in stock

    Crystal Meth

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      Another great pattern designed first for the Lake Erie steelhead. Very similar to the Sucker Spawn, but more reflective. Great for murky wate...

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    448 in stock

    Marabou Muddler

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    One basic fact central to all fishing is this: Big fish eat little fish. This pattern capitalizes on that fact better than any other fly pattern w...

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    339 in stock

    Super Bugger

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    Part bugger, part dumbbell streamer. A great attractor pattern, inciter pattern, prepare for vicious strikes, and large fish. Use for every game f...

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