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

Reprinted with the permission of the ODNR