The Fall Migration has begun in the Lake Erie tributaries due to the minimal amount of rainfall we have received in recent days past. It was enough to increase the water levels and flow rates to spark a small quantity of steelhead trout to move in and move up. Because of the lack of rain thru the summer months and early Fall, the ground is very dry and absorbed most of what rain we have received. So there was very little run-off to stain our waters with debris or wash much of the fallen leaves in the water at this point.
 I keep a close eye on the Flow & Water height charts offered by the United States Geological Survey Center in my fishing area and from past experiences I have recorded parameters on many rivers of what the fishable conditions are, at least for me.  This is what helps me minimize unnecessary travel time and guesswork. I can find out the day or night before I plan to fish, where I'm going fishing.
 This has once again paid off for me as I was fortunate to have a very successful day on 10-08-10 fishing in an eastern Lake Erie tributary in Pennsylvania. I found fish in resting points and deeper pools in the very early morning. These fish were very cooperative and eager to take a fly while presented under a float. Surprisingly to me they were not interested in any type of minnow imitation streamers but small caddis larvae nymphs and single egg patterns were the ticket. I did get a nice 28" female to net which showed signs of sea lice on her left side. I also noticed the swollen belly indicating she was developing skein. She was caught on a size 10 black grizzly woolly bugger. All fish that were caught were chrome and full of fight. Several leaps from the water after the sting of the hook gathered their attention. 
  We can expect more much needed rain to come and bring more fresh run fish in.  Try to get out while you can before the leaves clutter the water to a point where you're in contention with them. This is by far my least favorite time to fish for steelhead as the leaves rot in the water and release Tanic acid, staining the water and putting these fish into a negative mood. This is a great time to tie flies and restock the fly box to prepare for cooler water temperature fishing. Good luck out there.
 


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    Steven Vorkapich

    Fly fishing since 1970 and enjoying every bit of it. Targeting steelhead trout & salmon in the Great Lakes Tributaries, and traditional trout fishing in the Mid West and Mid Atlantic states.

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