 When
the cool autumn air combines with renewed flows from Ohio’s Lake
Erie tributaries, it spells the beginning of steelhead trout
season. Steelhead trout begin cruising along the Lake Erie
shoreline shortly after Labor Day. Periodic rainfall and cooler
temperatures trigger an increase in the upstream migrations of
these fish.
Anglers can
entice these silver “torpedoes” by casting hardware or bait off
of the Lake Erie piers and breakwalls, particularly those
adjacent to the rivers stocked by the Ohio Division of Wildlife
(e.g. Vermilion River, Rocky River, Chagrin River, Grand River,
and Conneaut Creek). Breakwalls and piers are most easily fished
when the wave forecast is less than four feet and the wind gusts
from a southerly direction.
Spoons,
spinners, and small crankbaits lure the most trout. Chrome and
green or blue are good colors when the water is clear. In muddy
water, fluorescent colors, such as orange, work best. For higher
catch numbers, rig a second rod with a 1/32 ounce jig tipped
with about 3-5 maggots and suspended under a bobber.
Steelhead
rods can vary in length from 6’ to 12.’ Line should be at least
8-pound test and use a fluorocarbon leader of 3’-4.’ Line should
be checked regularly, since even an 18” fish can easily break a
frayed or kinked line. The drag should be set so that the fish
can pull out line, but not so tight that it will break. Hooks
should be sharpened to insure an extra advantage.
 Once
steelhead trout enter the rivers, the equipment and methods of
anglers change. Anglers usually wear chest waders (e.g. neoprene
waders). Spin fishermen typically use a dime-sized spawn bag,
made of nylon mesh, filled with trout or salmon eggs on small
(#6 to #8) hooks. This rig is fished with enough split shot to
get the bait to the bottom, or with split shot and fished under
a bobber. A small marabou jig and maggots, fished under a
bobber, is also a popular rig. Minnows are effective bait, and
even nightcrawlers have their place as the rivers drop after a
rain. Spinners and spoons work well provided that the
temperature is at least 40°.
Fly rod
anglers generally use 6- to 9-weight rods ranging from 8.5’ to
13’. Fly fishermen can use a floating line with fluorocarbon
tapered leader, or they can use a sink-tip line coupled with a
fluorocarbon leader. Typical fall steelhead flies include: the
Woolly Bugger, Sucker Spawn, Egg-Sucking Leech, Dark Hare’s Ear
nymph, Pheasant Tail, Emerald Shiner, Tellico nymph, and many
more varieties.
Steelhead
trout first amass in clear pools deeper than 3 feet with a
well-defined current line in normal river levels. River anglers
usually cast at about a 45° angle upstream from their position
and drift their offering a little more than the same angle
downstream. Anglers concentrate their efforts as river levels
return to normal after any substantial rain. Smaller tributaries
of the main rivers or of the lake itself are great spots when
the major rivers are still high and muddy.
Fall anglers focus their efforts on deep pools and gravel-strewn
runs where there are usually multiple current lines. A hat and a
pair of polarized sunglasses are integral parts of the angler’s
accessories, since you need to see the fishing line for strikes
while drifting. If you are fishing during deer season, wearing a
piece of clothing in hunter orange can help you fish and travel
safely.
It is
extremely important that river anglers obtain written permission
when fishing waters on private property. If all anglers treat
landowners with respect and assist in clean-up of private sites
(even if it is others’ litter), this will go a long way in
insuring the future of steelhead fishing in these areas.
It is
legal to keep any combination of two (2) steelhead, brown, or
lake trout and/or any salmon species daily from September 1 to
May 15. From May 16 through August 31 anglers may keep any
combination of five (5) trout (same species as previously
listed) or any of the salmon species daily. If anglers plan on
releasing their catch they should wet their hands and gently
remove the hook. If the fish is gut-hooked, simply cut the line
off at the mouth (without tugging on the line) and release the
fish.
For more
information on Ohio’s Lake Erie Steelhead runs check out:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/fishing/fairport/steelhead.htm |
Roger
Sizemore of Orient, Ohio caught a new state record saugeye
weighing 14.04 pounds from Antrim Lake in Franklin County
on November 24th. 