 When the cool September nights combine with freshets from Lake Erie tributaries, it spells the beginning of another steelhead trout season. Steelhead trout begin cruising along the Lake Erie shoreline shortly after Labor Day. These fish start making upstream migrations (although most steelhead will not spawn until March or April) with increasing frequency linked with periodic rainfall, along with the cooler stream temperatures.
Anglers can interest these silver “torpedoes” by casting hardware or bait off of the Lake Erie piers and break-walls, particularly those that are adjacent to the rivers (e.g. Vermilion River, Rocky River, Chagrin River, Grand River, and Conneaut Creek) that are stocked by the Division of Wildlife. Spoons, spinners, and small crank-baits work well in luring the trout. Chrome and green or chrome and blue are good colors when the water is clear. If the water is muddy, fluorescent colors, such as orange, work well. It is also a good idea to rig a second rod with a 1/32 ounce jig tipped with about 3-5 maggots and suspended under a bobber. Line should be at least 8-pound test and it is desirable to use a fluorocarbon leader of 3’-4’ for clear-water conditions. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in the water and this is important with salmonids (i.e. trout and salmon), which generally have excellent vision. Line (especially the final 18”) should be checked regularly, since steelhead trout are very unforgiving and even an 18” fish can easily break a frayed, kinked, or knotted line during one of the infamous pulsated runs. Rods can be vary in length from 6’ to 12’ for this type of fishing. The drag should be set tight enough (testing from the end of the rod rather than from the reel directly) so that the fish can pull out line, but not so tight that it will break. Hooks should be sharpened to also provide an extra advantage. Break-walls and piers are most easily fished when the wave forecast is anywhere from 0’ to 3’ and the wind is projected as coming from the south.
Once the steelhead trout enter the rivers, the equipment and methods of anglers change. Anglers usually are wearing chest waders (e.g. neoprene waders in thicknesses of between 3.5-mm and 5.0 mm). The rods that anglers use generally are “noodle”-type rods that range from 7.5’ to 13’. Fly rod anglers generally use 6 to 8-weight rods that range from 8.5’ to 13’. Spin fishermen, who use those long, noodle rods, typically use small (#6 to #8) hooks that are tipped with a dime-sized spawn bag, which is made of nylon (with small-mesh openings) and filled with trout or salmon eggs. This type of rig usually is fished with enough split shot to get the bait to the bottom or with a single split shot and fished under a bobber. Jig and maggots, fished under a bobber, are also used. Minnows are also an effective bait, and even night-crawlers have their “place” as the rivers drop, following a rain event. Spinners and spoons work well provided that the temperature is at least 40°. Fly fishermen can use a floating line with fluorocarbon tapered leader or a sinking-tip line also coupled with a fluorocarbon leader. There are a wide variety of fall steelhead flies that are typically used. These flies include Wooly Buggers, Sucker Spawn, Egg-Sucking Leech, Dark Hare’s Ear nymph, Pheasant Tail, Emerald Shiner, Tellico nymph, and many more.
River anglers usually cast at about a 45° angle upstream and drift their offering about an equivalent angle downstream. Steelhead trout first concentrate in pools that are generally 3’ and deeper with a well-defined current line when the river levels are normal and the water is fairly clear. Anglers concentrate their efforts  as river levels return to normal after any substantial rain. Smaller tributaries of the main rivers or of Lake Erie itself are great spots when the major rivers are still high and muddy (i.e. un-fishable). A hat or ball cap, as well as a pair of polarized sunglasses, are an integral part of the angler’s accessories, since it is quite an advantage to be able to observe the fishing line for strikes while drifting. It is extremely important that river anglers obtain written permission when fishing waters adjacent to private property. If the angler treats land owners with respect and assists in clean-up of private sites (through littering of others) this will go a long way in insuring that future fishermen may utilize these areas.
The first steelhead trout start spawning efforts as early as late November. Anglers will then focus their efforts not only on the deep pools, but also the gravel-strewn shallow riffle or run-type areas where there are usually multiple current lines. Steelhead trout can be found spawning as late as early May. For anglers, polarized sunglasses are now essential. Anglers walking upstream should look for light-colored saucer shaped “redds”, or nests, in these areas. The trout utilizing these haunts will not be actively feeding. These fish attack flies and lures at this time because they are annoyed by anything that distracts them from their spawning efforts. Small spinners (1/8 ounce) can be effective. Oftentimes fly fishermen use gaudy-colored streamers (Bleeding Shiner, Clouser Minnow) to aggravate the trout. They also continue to use popular patterns such as Sucker Spawn and various patterns of Stone Fly nymphs.
 It is legal to only keep any combination of 2 (total) 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 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..
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