Salmon and Steelhead

When the crowds disappear and the water gets frigid, steelhead can be concentrated—and surprisingly catchable—if you adjust your approach.

Steelhead demand smooth power and clean pressure during a wide, fast run. Your trolling rod must load deep, protect light hooks, and keep pressure steady through surges at the surface. I troll Lake Erie and the Great Lakes for summer steelhead, fall …

Why streamers? It’s really a simple question to answer. It’s because I like absolute violence unleashed at the end of my fly line. The take when swinging a big articulated fly is just that, and few other freshwater fly fishing pursuits ca …

Clear water rewards precision and punishes noise. Steelhead see more. Steelhead spook easier. You must cut flash, downsize gear, and slow the pace. This guide lays out a clean plan for approach, rigging, lure and bait selection, speed control, and st …

Back trolling puts your lures or bait in front of moving steelhead and keeps them working in the strike zone. You point the bow upstream. You slow the boat below river speed. You guide each pass down a lane with purpose. This guide shows you how to r …

Plugging lets you place a lure in front of traveling steelhead and keep it there. You control speed, angle, and coverage. You read the rod tips, tune the plugs, and work each seam with intent. This article explains the full system with simple steps a …

Back bouncing puts natural bait in front of holding steelhead in deep, fast runs. You control the drift. You feel bottom. You guide the bait into the strike zone. This guide explains the method in depth so you can fish clean, precise, and confident. …

Bobber doggin’ blends the control of side-drifting with the clarity of float fishing. You let the weight tick bottom. You let the float pull the rig through the seam. You keep a low, steady line angle so the presentation travels at river speed. …

It’s been a long summer, and the Shack Nasties are getting to you. Cooler nights where you leave your bedroom windows open, dew on the grass in the morning, hardwood leaves beginning to change color, and maybe a few spurts of precipitation, all …

As dark breaks into dawn, a huge cloud bank moving in from the west obliterates a sodden grey sky. The forecast is grim for my first trip of the year with Brian Hall and Evan Morse from Cleveland, but the wind is from the south, keeping the shoreline …

Scent can be the final trigger. The right attractant masks human odor, mimics natural forage, and makes fish commit when they’re on the fence. A good gel stays on the bait. A good cure keeps roe fishable and vibrant. In this guide, I break down …

When targeting Great Lakes steelhead, one of the most debated questions is: Fly fishing or spin fishing—which method is more effective? The short answer? It depends. Both techniques have their strengths, and understanding when and where to use …