In between rainfall the fishing has been good the past few weeks . Most days an early start on the water has ensured plenty of action . We have been averaging a dozen hookups per angler on each outing with mostly fresh fish to be had . The rains of late November brought us some more fresh fish ( jacks in the 18-22 inch range and some 6lb plus fish ) and a few nice size brown trout to be had . The photo's reflect two fine specimens in the 8lb range in PA waters . One of the recently caught browns did not have a fin clip meaning the fish was either a stray from another states stocking program or a naturally reproducing fish .
The mild temperatures have brought heavy fishing pressure to the area ; however if one thoroughly fishes an area and experiments with their presentation good things will come to the savvy angler . Fish are holding throughout the entire length of the tributaries as testament to the above average rainfall we've received since early September . Thank you everyone for the time we shared on the water as of late .
Tight lines as usual ..... Capt . Don
Our weather in Erie has been extremely cold and the water temperature is about three weeks behind where it was at this time last season . I am happy to report fish are coming in droves and exciting opportunities may be found on the lake shore and all tributary streams that flow into Lake Erie . Good numbers of fish exist between the drop back spawned out fish ( from last fall / winter ) and fish fresh in from the lake . The water temperature of the streams is now in the mid forties and has triggered the fish to run . On 3/14 Dan joined me for some catching with over 20 fish to hand . Then on 3/18 Tim & I did some damage with over 40 fish to hand between us both . Thanks for the company and memories guys ...
I would expect decent steelhead fishing until mid May this season ; unless the water warms up too quickly . The fish have been taking egg patterns, streamers , nymphs , and stone flies consistently . If your thinking of making a steelhead trip the next couple of weeks should be prime and rain is in the forecast . Tight Lines <><
On Saturday and Sunday the Erie tributaries were not an option due to the 2 plus inches of rain we received ; however this set up unique opportunities on the lake shore to wrestle with some chrome . Gert & Burt from Denmark & Sweden were in for a new Erie weather experience on both days . Saturday the rain came down consistently throughout the day with temps in the mid forties ; they managed 5 fish to hand .
Sunday ole man winter threw temps in the mid twenties , north winds over 20 knots , and the fish were hitting fast & furious with 10 fish brought to hand . Mother nature threw all she had at us however ; these guys toughed it out and persevered . We had a blast in some of the worst fishing conditions to date thanks for the memories guys .
Saturday 3/5/11 pics above .......... Sunday 3/6/11 Pics below
Another fine day upon the tributaries .... The mid twenties kept constant line maintenance a must ( see accumulation on tippet pictured last ) but all in all a great January Steelhead experience . Jerry went three for six and I landed one of eight hook ups . Fishing from the edge ice platforms was a great alternative to drilling holes in the ice and the waiting game that usually ensues. Better company could not be wished for and the fish were co-operating what else in life could one hope for . I am once again thankful for these limited opportunities to enjoy nature and commradere with friends. Although the ice continues to thicken ; I haven't spotted another angler on the stream for 3 consecutive days . The water color today was clear in comparison to Wednesday ; when the stronger run off had a green tint to the water . Tight lines
Another excellent day on the Erie tribs .... Temperatures in the mid twenties and not another angler in sight ; just ice flows and long drifts ! In comparison to yesterday the water color was a nice green tint that didn't allow the fish to be seen . Tuesday the flow was somewhat less and the water was extremely clear ; with the run off the color has increased . This allows for a sneak approach to known steelhead haunts and more excitement when your indicator does "dunk" . Fished from 2 Pm until dusk with excellent results in relation to water temperature . Landed two fish of the four that hooked up on stone flies & egg patterns .
A small jack was hooked up that was silver in color or ( fresh from the lake ) despite the existing ice jams below they are somehow finding their way upstream ! Pictures below are of an upstream ice jam , edge ice conditions , and ice buildup on rod guides that is to be expected . Drifting the ice edges will increase your odds for success as steelhead find comfort under or at the edges of the ice. I am thankful to be able to enjoy days such as these . Tight lines .... <>< <>< <><
Old man winter has begun too set in on the Erie tributaries with accumulations of ice upon your rod tip , sore toes , joints , and lethargic fish . This welcomed change of pace will bring some solitude to anglers and new challenges for our equipment . Fish have begun their winter holding patterns ; hugging close to the bottom with the water temperatures being below 40 degrees .
Here's a few pics of fish from the most recent high water events . Today I observed many small jacks being caught on lower Walnut Creek 12/2/10 ; I landed 5 fish between 2 - 6lbs . This is great news for the future age classes of years to come .......
Shane thanks for joining me on November 27th I had an excellent time . He broke in his new Redington 6 WGT RS-4 rod & Rise Reel with 15 fish brought to hand and my Sage took 8 for the day ..... We had many hook ups but only landed about 25% of the takers . Another awesome day on the water . Sucker spawn in white , peach , pink and stone flies continue to rule the water ....... Tight lines
Our father & son duo John & young Johnny fished with confidence on a day with a tough bite their perseverance prevailed and brought to hand 5 feisty chromers .
I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with great company and extending this sport to one fine future "steward" of the fishery . I commend all whom take the time to get our youth outdoors and keep our sport alive through the generations . Johnny had an opportunity to land a Steelhead over 10lbs but I was a little too slow on the net work ; the fish was half in the net and flopped out as it tail danced into a log jam .
Fish were tough to tame and very acrobatic when hooked and that definitely made the experience more memorable . John put a fish to hand just under 10lbs ! Congratulations on a fine catch !!!
Most strikes came on light colored egg patterns , stone flies , and single eggs fished in faster runs of water .
The fishing opportunities have become many in Erie county . In my opinion fish are spread out and can be found anywhere you go on the tributaries . The moment all steel head fishermen have been waiting for is upon us . The weather is turning colder and the crowds are starting to slow up some . The past couple rain events have brought in great numbers of fresh fish including a some brown trout ( caught / released 2 browns today 11/23/10 between 3-4 lbs ) .
I witnessed one of the largest fish of 2010 caught recently by Paul Burci of Saxonburg , PA ( 17lb 8 ounces on digital scale pictured bottom left ) and several others over 10lbs . The following pictures are from Elk , Walnut , Trout Run , and a few East side streams over the last few weeks . If you are considering a steel head trip NOW is the time .
Max , Dan , Gorge I , and Gorge II from NY had an excellent day upon the lake Erie tributaries . Being early to rise upon the streams put us in prime time steel head action on this election day . The day began slow but as the water warmed up the fish began to cooperate in the low & clear water conditions . In the morning we spent our time fishing a spacious area on a larger stream with 9 fish brought to hand .
In the afternoon we chose to change the scenery and hit a smaller tributary to stalk smaller pods of Steelhead . I wanted to provide different experiences of fishing over smaller pods of fish and demonstrate the difference of stalking fish in a more remote setting . On the smaller stream another 6 fish were brought to hand . Thank you guys for the excellent company on the stream and the drinks around the fire .
The boyz must have known we were comin ..... I represented with my Sage rod right next to a pillar displaying the name proudly in blue paint . The fish were in the hood and the "westside anglers" were hanging out in thier drift .
On a serious note ; Phat put the hammer down on some fish . Newbie Danny envied the fight in his first chromer ! Congratulations Dan a superb job on landing the 7lb male and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your experience ! I landed a couple fish but this trip was about Dan and him becoming familiar to this awesome sport ! Mission accomplished ; the steelhead anonymous " SA" group is forever growing in our shared addiction to chasing silver bullets .
Water conditions remain low and clear even after the .20 " of rain we received last night . Fish are sporadic but can be found if you invest your time wisely . Tight Lines <>< <>< <><
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