Steelhead

[Jumpmaster]

I would like to give steelhead fishing a try. I know spoons catch them, but what depth would you try? Is it even worth trying this time of year? If so what part of the lake should I try?

[gb1234]

I'm not much help, but if I remember correctly, a steelhead was reported this year at the Lake Erie dump, and another north of West Sister island.
For what it's worth...
Fishing Reports and Forecasts

[itsbob]

i have yet to land a steelhead on lake erie but want to also try to catch a few.I have read the steelhead threads on Ohio Game and Fish (OGF) and can tell you what i found.The best area to catch steelhead is off Avon in the deepest water near the canadian line. The best time i think is still to come.Like late july or August. They troll fast. Like 3.5mph with spoons and best color is orange. Fish the thermocline and set the drags light.I have not seen the steelhead thread started yet on OGF but watch for it over there.Some guys catch like a dozen a trip or more when the fishing gets good.

[Jumpmaster]

Thanks, I will check that out. Worst that can happen is strike out, and walleye fish. Your info will get me started.

[Jumpmaster]

Thanks, I will give it a shot from avon, or ashtabula.

[Squatch]

I saw a fishing 411 episode where they caught steel head over by Cleveland pulling flicker shads and maglips in like 20 fow but it was in Nov. Supposedly the best time to catch them there is from Nov thru end of Dec.

[Jumpmaster]

I may try that if i strike out next week

[rickerd]

I'm hoping you can learn from mistakes so I will offer this advice.

First - trout especially large trout cannot live in water above 72 degF for very long.
Second - when trout die, they sink they do not float. That is why you don't see them on top of the water.
Third - gear, use a shock bungee leader or 6-10 feet of mono as a shock resister. When they hit, especially at 3.5mph, they can take your tackle with them.

So I hope you understand all the water in the WB from sandbar west is too hot for steelhead this time of year. A 16-20 incher may still be able to survive the hot water but they will not prefer it.
So yes you have to fish east of the sandbar this time of the year.
Also understand, if you intend to release them after trolling, they will die. Even in the CB the water temps are 77 degF or more down to 40 feet now. Trout fight to their death and have no energy to swim back down to cooler water.

So, Just like with perch, if you release a steelhead and it dies, it counts toward you total.

Tight lines,
Rickerd

[Jumpmaster]

Thank you. I am planning on trying out of avon next week. Do you think that is far enough east?

[itsbob]

I have not seen the yearly steelhead posts on OGF of the guys that target steelhead yet.Avon is plenty East to get them but might be too early yet.I will post here when I start seeing those steelhead posts.