Steelhead anglers are in for a rare treat this year: the ability to catch pink salmon in the Erie tributaries. Let us provide some basic information, tips and local advice to help you fill your creel.

The Lake Erie steelhead is one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept fishing secrets. I know it may not seem like it when standing elbow to elbow during peak season, but only a fraction of Pennsylvania trout anglers even know steelhead call Erie home, never mind fish for them. Luckily, Warren County gives you perfect access, so why not try?

THE FISH

Many first-timers believe they are going to Erie to fish for salmon. Although this was true, to some extent, in the past, it is generally not the case today. The typical catch from area tributaries will consist of steelhead and the occasional enormous brown trout. But, every once in a while, pink salmon make an appearance and this year, they are on fire.

Steelheads are, for the lack of a better term, overgrown rainbow trout. The young trout are stocked in area streams and soon head into the lake. After growing up in the deeper parts of the lake, they follow nature’s call and return to the creek to spawn. Although they started as young rainbows, they are now bigger, bolder versions of those you catch in early spring elsewhere.

Brown trout are also stocked in area streams but in far fewer numbers than steelhead. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, with the assistance of local co-op nurseries, estimates that 10 or more steelheads are stocked for each brown trout. Those lucky enough to hook a returning brownie will find they are a hard fight, better-tasting bonus.

Pink salmon are not stocked by the commission nor the co-op nurseries. They are not even native to Lake Erie, but that does not make them any less welcome when they decide to show. According to Mark Haffley, PFBC Lake Erie biologist, pink salmon only spawn every two years, and they appear in area streams in varying numbers each season.

“We had a really good year for pink salmon back in 2017 and have seen a spotty run since then. We are fortunate that this happens to be another good year,” said Haffley.

You will know you have a pink salmon, even if it is your first time catching one, thanks to the distinctive hump on its back.

THE WATERS

Erie has many possibilities for steelhead fishing, and thanks to the Fish & Boat Commission, access is readily available on almost all the tributaries. Depending on conditions, which stream is holding fish and where you should fish changes almost daily. However, knowing where the streams are is your first hurdle.

Erie has two groups of streams: those east of the city and those west of the city. The eastern streams are named after how far from the city they lay- 4 Mile, 12 Mile, etc. Those west of the city have more traditional names, or at least those with a little more imagination involved, and include favorites such as Walnut Creek, Elk Creek and Trout Run.

Eastern Creeks: 20 Mile, 16 Mile, 12 Mile, 7 Mile and 4 Mile

Western Creeks: Cascade, Walnut, Trout Run, Godry Run, Elk, Crooked, Raccoon and Conneaut

Fish start stacking at the mouths of the creeks in mid-September, with the more significant numbers arriving in late October. However, fish will only run into or up the creeks after substantial rainfall, as the extra water is necessary to overcome natural and artificial obstacles. Until then, fishing is best from the nearby beaches.

Heavy rainfalls make the waters almost unfishable. Due to their small size and shale bottom, wading can be treacherous, if possible, and fishing will be limited to small eddies near turns, obstacles, or changes in the stream. But do not worry; the small size of the streams also means most will be fishable again within 48 hours.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

You will need a valid fishing license with a trout and Lake Erie stamp, a good pair of warm waders, and weather-appropriate clothing. Other than that, everything is a personal preference, but some items will make your trip easier and more productive.

I prefer a 9-foot noodle rod fitted with a quality spinning reel and a 4-pound test invisible line. A 4-pound test may seem light for 20-plus-inch fish, but it works. The noodle rod helps absorb much of the shock, allowing for more delicate lines. Having the lighter line helps keep your offering less visible to fish who have already seen almost everything but the kitchen sink.

Regarding terminal tackle, almost anything you use for traditional trout will work, but your final selection will depend on water conditions as much as what the fish are eating. My favorites include a beaded pheasant tail nymph, wooly buggers, sucker spawns, or the local favorite crystal meth. If I am fishing the beaches, Kast Masters, Little Cleos, and similar spoons work great, especially in silver/blue or silver/green patterns. Speaking of green, there are a variety of baits available, including grub worms and salmon eggs — but nothing beats the emerald shiner. This is what the fish feed on when in the main lake and are sure to turn heads anything one is around.

Good luck and good fishing.