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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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  • Candy Stone

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    Steelhead have an affinity for stones, beginning as a juvenile. Hot bead, rubber legs, flash wing case. Also useful for trout. Stoneflies are...

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  •

    Estaz Stone

    $0.89
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    $0.89

    Steelhead have an affinity for stones, beginning as a juvenile. A bright thorax acts as an attraction. Also useful for trout. Stoneflies are a...

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    $0.89
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  •

    Fish Skull Zonker - Fulling Mill

    $2.98
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    $2.98

    Great for all rivers with hopper action This fly moves like crazy in the water and attracts fish like no. The skull adds good weight and profile ...

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  •

    Kaufmann Stone-Beadhead

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    Stonefly nymphs live in clean moving water, and are an important feeding source for both trout and steelhead. All the attributes of the Beadhead K...

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  •

    Salmon/Steelhead Woolly Bugger

    $1.50
    $1.50 - $1.50
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    $1.50

    You asked for it, we provide; a woolly bugger on a super strong, salmon-friendly hook. The classic pattern is now beefed up for our Great Lakes an...

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  •

    Steelhead Hammer-Beadhead

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    Excellent pattern where ever you are targeting steelhead. Popular in BC, Alaska, Great Lakes, Pacific coast. Has become a go to fly in very little...

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