Cold Steel

COLD STEEL

By Chris DePaola

I love fly fishing for Lake Erie steelhead during the winter. The temperatures may be cold but the crowds have thinned and the rivers are left to the true steelheader.

The past two winters have been difficult. With below normal temps and above normal snowfall many of our rivers were locked up. If you watch the weather closely you can still sneak out and get into some tremendous fishing. One of the largest steelhead I have ever taken was caught in January, a fish weighting more than 14 pounds.

KNOW THE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Check the weather not just in your hometown; check the weather for the lakeshore counties too. Often the folks along the lakeshore receive several more inches of snow then their friends to the south. The last thing you want to do is drive into a blizzard.

No need to get up early, due to the cold-water temps the best fishing occurs during the afternoon hours. Once you have determined the weather is favorable for a trip, you need to decide what river to fish.

Lake Erie tributary streams normally run low and clear due to poor groundwater flow. They are very dependent on run-off from rain and melting snow. With an accurate weather forecast, you can predict prime conditions for a particular tributary. Some of the Erie tributaries reach prime condition in less then 24 hours after a rain or snow melt event.

TRY DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

Remember that old saying, 90 percent of the fish are located in 10 percent of the river? During a normal winter, Steelhead generally are located in the middle to upper half of the river, inhabiting the slow pools, tail-outs and eddies. The most successful technique for me over the past several years has been the “right angle float technique” created by John Nagy of Pittsburgh.

When I first watched John use this technique I couldn’t believe how simple it was. Basically you are using a strike indicator with a couple of split-shots above your flies. Always set the strike indicator a little deeper than the water you plan to fish. Try and keep your fly just above the bottom.

This technique is tailor-made for winter steelhead fishing. You will have to adjust your split-shot throughout the day. You want just enough weight to get your fly down to the fish.

Speaking of flies, I have a couple of favorites. The “green weenie,” a local pattern, produces consistent results and I won’t fish without a couple of #12 black stoneflies. My advice is try several different patterns until you achieve success. Don’t get stuck on one pattern, change-up!

Fishing this time of year will require special gear. Multiple layers of clothing, a stocking hat and insulated waders are a must. I love my felt studded wading boots, I don’t have to worry about slipping on the icy streambed.

A couple of pairs of wool fingerless gloves are always a good idea, in case one gets wet. Some type of lip balm to keep you r eyelets free of ice would also be suggested.

Remember before making a winter steelhead trip check weather conditions. You may want to contact your local fly shop, places like “Books and Hooks” in Girard, Ohio 1-(877)-545-1906 have up to the minute stream conditions. Good luck and stay warm!