Any Steelheaders?

[Twism86]

I havent posted here in a while but figured I would ask if anyone on these forums is into fishing for steelhead?

I live on the east coast, in upstate NY so that basically means Im going to be fishing Lake Ontario tribs. I was introduced to it 2 years ago in the Salmon River in NY and have been hooked. So since the season is coming shortly I wanted to see who else might be from this side of the US who goes up there.

I do most of my steelheading on the SR itself but like a few other smaller tribs and rivers. The SR being a tailwater gets the most consistent push of fish IMO since its not dependent on rain for flows to bring the fish in. I would love for one day to hit some of the steelie rivers in the western US and Canada.

Tom

[51BC]

I don't consider myself a hard core steelheader, but I chase them maybe 15-20 days a year on the Lake Superior tribs. Good fun and a lot of it is when there isn't a lot of other oportunities around.

[MrFishingToughGuy]

The SR is still absolutely dependent on rain for flows. I recall September of 2007 and a flow of 162 cfs @ pineville, pretty freaking dismal. And what about this spring when the reservoir filled up with so much rain that she was belching well past 6k!?!?!?

Having fished it for some time, I really enjoy the SR, since it provides so much great swing water and the returns have been incredible the past few years. Noticing more and more browns, plus those atlantics - neither of which hurts the fishery. Grew up in Rochester, went to college outside of Syracuse and wasted a lot of my life fishing western basin to east side tribs. Looking forward to plenty more until we head out to OR for good.

[Twism86]

Of last Sept when the river hit 17K!! Yes, still dependent on rain, but if the reservoir gets full early the season should be good.

[MrFishingToughGuy]

I know whatcha mean. I really like it best between 750 and 1000 but hey, you take what you can get. Any flow once the salmon circus dies down does just fine by me.

[Twism86]

Yea im not into the Salmon circus. Ill go up once or twice early when they are around but only if I know there are some steel to be had as well. I agree with you on the flows, as a shore fishermen 750-1200 is sweet.

[Kerry Stratton]

I have fished a time or two for steelhead. All on the west side though.

[Max]

I pusue the Lake Ontario and Erie tribs for Chromers in the fall. My favorite stream is the Cat, and Erie Trib.

[Twism86]

Ive never made it to the Erie tribs. Its a big of a haul from where I am and there are plenty in NY i still need to explore. One day Ill get out there im sure.

[MrFishingToughGuy]

I have fished a time or two for steelhead. All on the west side though.

So you really do mean steelhead, not those overgrown-bass-pond-great-lakes steelbows... j/k Kerry. hope your GR trip gets you some hopped up chrome! looks like a decent year for returns, if a couple weeks later than usual with higher, cooler flows due to snowpack.