Current Storms effect on the Lake Erie Steelhead

[Mark Hanes]

So we got the first real winter storm last night and into today.  I was wondering as a novice steelheader how will this effect the fishing?  I am guessing it will spur a nice run of fish. What do some of you experts think?

[Dejon Hamann]

It really depends on region.  The water has been quite cold enough now for some time, so the onset of a winter storm isn't going to send substantial new waves of fish in.  We are getting into mid winter fishing now - small pods will move in, but the majority of the fish have all ready entered the systems and found there way upriver.  However, Lake Ontario streams are starting to come into their own with a bit more water now. 

[Mark Hanes]

I know in PA we have had a lack of rain so this should help us out with moving fish in and further up stream.  Should be interesting I can't wait to get  out after steel again.

[Jeremiah Hamilton]

They will start to move to there wintering holes, as the temps started to drop more , they get slow and not want to move for anything, SLOW and DEEP with small flys, egg patterns will still work but more to more natural nymph, small black stoneflys works great this time of year, also put it right in front of there noses. In January on the  SR its the best time to catch a 15lb+ there seams to be so many big fish around this time of year.  Also the best way to de-ice your guides is chomping down with your teeth, dress in layors.

[Frank Muscente]

As the fish are starting to move to the slow and deeper holding areas would indicator nymphing be a  more successful technique as opposed to the Euro technique?

[Dejon Hamann]

I haven't found Euro Style fishing to be very effective for Steelhead.  Taking them on the "swing" or under the indicator are certainly the most effective methods.

[Brandon Alexander]

Was hooking some Monsters (over 12lb) in the lower SR this past weekend that still had Lamprey on them. Jan Feb seem to be the better months for me at least in there. The fish are a little slow but usually bigger average. Frank,IMHO it depends on how far out the seam is and the depth of the water. If the drift your running is further out I feel running an indicator  is to much work, you'll wear your self out false casting and mending. As you are aware I have no issues running straight mono and the dredging the bottom which is my go to but both techniques work well regardless. As the water gets colder I have less takes on the swing,not that I don't get any but far less. The dead drift tends to find more fish for me, but if it's slow I'll swing the ends of my drift right to shore....