Fall steelhead in Erie's Tribs
By: Don Dfishinfool Mathews
Septembers cool rains start to trigger the biological clocks of the thousands of steelhead stacked up at the mouths of our rivers. When water temperature drops and the river levels rise, these waiting fish come in in waves." The Mutts Come Home" Steelhead fresh from the lake have a major attitude and often push both angler and equipment to the max. Thanks to the wise people at the New York and Pennsylvania fish and game commission's for creating this fishery. They have undertaken a breeding program for these fall run fish. By selective egg gathering from fall run Lake Erie fish, gathered from nursery water sites in our tributaries. They have created their own strain of steelhead. Being opportunistic feeders these fish are becoming very well adapted to the Lake Erie ecosystem and is vast array of forage fish. We have come to know these fish fondly as "Pa. Mutts". Return rates of these hardy fish have been almost unbelievable. They are considered by many to be the ultimate steelhead. They run in the fall and winter in the river. Offering many days of fishing opportunity. Ohio's steelhead stocking efforts have concentrated on the Manistee strain fish from Michigan. These big hard fighting fish run in the spring. So with only strays in the Ohio rivers in the fall and winter my fishing trips are mostly in Pennsylvania or the Seneca Indian reservation in N.Y.
Steelhead tend to be much more active in the warm fall water and this is when we get most of our big number days. They also respond very well to the flyrod and you might even prusuade one to take a dry. Brilliant fall landscapes and clean air can invigorate the soul. This time of year I often prefer to walk alot, always seeking new fish in the next lie. It's a great time of year to learn the rivers. Without heavy clothing or numb fingers, its also a great time of year to learn to flyfish.
This is a true world class fishery and the secret is out. Crowds are common during the pleasant weather of our fall months. Fish are concentrated and it is often hard to find solitude. For those willing to share the moment with others the rewards can be fantastic. In the fall months I prefer to get a very early start and want to be standing on the river at daylight.
Pennyslvanias tributaries are often plauged with low water conditions during the fall months. This is when its time to load up and head east to Western NY's Catteracus creek. It is located one hour east of Erie Pa. It has some breathtaking scenery and is home to the highest cliffs on Steelhead alley. It is big water and many find it intimidating. I love to fish it because it is relitivly uncrowded and offers lots of opportunity to spey fish as well as swing sink tips. The fish are big and mean and the battles are long. You will see your backing on the Catt.
In the fall you will need to dress in light layers that can be shed as the temperature rises. A packable rain Jacket may be neccessary. Long walks are common so it is best to be able shed some clothes while walking. Breathable waders are the perfect choice for fall fishing on steelhead alley.
As with all of my trips everything will be provided for you. You will use a high quality rod and reel. I am on the Beaverkill Rod Pro staff and use their rods as well as rods by Scott,Orvis,GLoomis,Reddington and St.Croix. I use custom 13'6" float rods built by master rodmaker John DiMartino for the centerpin enthusiast.You have the option of Spey,Traditional fly, Centerpin float , or Spin fishing. Or you may experiment with as many methods as you would like. I will provide you with hand knoted flourocarbon leaders and tippets and hand tied flies of my own patterns. If you prefer to bait fish I will have perfectly cured king Salmon eggs and fresh hand tied spawn sacks from local steelhead hens. I will also provide minnows and various other baits.
I will provide you with instruction on reading the water, casting, knot tying, and fly selection. I will serve you a streamside lunch and provide hot and cold beverages.
I work hard to assure that you will be fishing the best available water that steelhead alley has to offer the day of your trip. This makes it hard to forcast in advance exactly what stream we will be fishing. I will call you two days before your trip and set up a meeting place and time. As I will know by then where we will be fishing.
Some people call and wan't to fish a certain stream on their trip. I will do this but they must understand the steelhead is a migratory fish that enters and leaves the streams in surges or runs. These runs are dependent on water levels, fish species , temperatures and a host of other reasons. By selecting from all the streams of steelhead alley I am assured to be able to put you in front of a good number of fish and teach you how to catch them. With this knowledge you will be able to catch fish on any of the streams of steelhead alley.
I am so sure of my ability to put you into fish that I offer the " you catch fish or you fish free policy" on all of my trips.
Lets Go Fishin!!! Don
Mark shows off a beautifull Catteracus Creek fall steelhead. Notice the trucks in the background. The catt offers many oppertunities to drive right to the river by 4 wd truck. Try a trip to the catt and I will treat you to a streamside fish fry and some great big water steelhead fishing!
Pete and Chris show off a nice fall Elk Creek steelhead. Notice the beautifull fall colors in the background.
Oct 3rd Everitt and Paul discover a problem new to most great lakes steelheaders. Thanks to the great efforts by the Pa fish Commission. Sunburn!
Scott with a nice Catteracus Fall silver steelhead. He couldn't believe how strong the fish are in the Catt. This one took about twenty minutes to land.