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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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  • 379 in stock

    Circus Caddis-Beadhead

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    One of the very best caddis impressions out there, if not the best. Use where ever fish eat caddis, or where ever caddis and fish co-habitat. A fa...

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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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    2657 in stock

    Glo Bug-Beadhead

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    The bead helps this pattern get down better, especially effective bouncing along river bottoms. There isn't a fish out there that won't hit an egg...

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    485 in stock

    Hot Egg

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    Excellent pattern for Great Lakes Steelie, trout and Alaska.  Especially effective in low water. Has become a go to fly in very little time.

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    299 in stock

    Steelie Golden Stone-Beadhead

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    Steelhead have an affinity for stones, beginning as a juvenile. These have a shiny body, and great rubber leg action. Also useful for trout. ...

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    1309 in stock

    Sucker Spawn

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    This pattern is legendary;for the Great Lakes Steelhead. Fish eat eggs indiscriminately, this pattern originally imitated the egg sac of the sucke...

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    247 in stock

    Y2K No bead

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    Fish love eggs. They will eat them indiscriminately. Not just steelhead and salmon either, every fish will eat any eggs. Very popular for Erie Ste...

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    703 in stock

    Y2K--Beadhead

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    Fish love eggs. They will eat them indiscriminately. Not just steelhead and salmon either, every fish will eat any eggs. Very popular for Erie Ste...

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    $0.85 - $0.85
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    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.