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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 
Reels: Large arbor, with solid drag system 
Lines: Weight forward, floating. Specialty nymphing lines for steelhead are a real plus

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  • Davis Spanker

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    Originally designed to chase bass, this fly has quickly caught on as a new go to fly when your not sure what will work. Crystal chenille quickly a...

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    Deep October Caddis Pupa - Umpqua

    $4.35
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    $4.35

    A quick-sinking Caddis Pupa that imitates an October Caddis extremely well. This fly works well on big trout as well as steelhead. Swing it in the ...

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    Double Bead Peacock Stonefly

    $1.12
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    One of the most requested patterns for us to start tying. This stone pattern is a hugely successful PNW nymph pattern. Particularly useful when ...

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    Dr Tom

    $0.89
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    Hugely popular for great lakes steelhead, especially in the Michigan area. Suggested to us from a Michigan fly shop as a great searching pattern a...

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