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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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  • Chicken Little - Fulling Mill

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    The Chicken Little is a classic East Coast Steelhead fly. Great on a heavily nymphing rig. Invented by Patrick Robinson of Steelhead Alley Outfi...

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  • 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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  • Crystal Egg

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    Another great pattern designed first for the Lake Erie steelhead. Flash and veiled. Great for murky water. Excellent egg pattern.

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  • 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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  • Eggi Juan Kenobi-Beadhead

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    This hybrid egg/worm is gaining popularity at an alarming rate.  Better have a few in the box for when the fish are stubborn, or there is nothing...

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  • Estaz Stone

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    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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  • 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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  • Krystal Egg

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    Another great pattern designed first for the Lake Erie steelhead. Sparkle that fish cannot resist. Great for murky water

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  • Steelhead Blood Dot

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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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  • Steelhead Hammer -- Fulling Mill

    $3.22
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    One of today's to pattern when going for steelhead. Available in a range of colors and sizes to ensure success This is a standard in Great Lakes S...

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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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  • 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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  • Trout Beads: GlowBeadz

    $3.90
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    Troutbeads Glowbeadz are a relatively new item from Troutbeads and are quickly becoming the go-to item in the Steelheaders box. Glowbeadz will glo...

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    $3.90
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    $3.90 - $4.65
    Current price $3.90
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