Steelhead Update for Erie Streams - November 11, 2015

The heavy rains ended yesterday and the high murky streams undoubtedly resulted in a fresh run of steelhead trout.  I went on a scouting mission today and can report that the smaller streams are about fishable.  They were still high at  2 pm this afternoon, but close to good fishing levels.

Tomorrow should be an excellent day to fish.  I did not see any fish in the streams today due to the murky conditions but here is a video of what 4 mile creek looked like.  I have caught steelhead on days like today but with the leaf litter present today it would be difficult.

Tomorrow try bright eggs and bright fly patterns.  If you would like to learn how to steelhead fish the streams around Erie, you can check out this article by Tim Trainor Erie County Steelhead Tactics.

Good luck fishing!

Steelhead Staged and Ready to Run Up Erie PA Streams -2015 October 10 Report

I just got back from a steelhead scouting trip and can relay the following news.  Streams are extremely low and most do not have any fish.  I spent my time on the eastside streams and the only place I located fish was in 20 mile creek by New York State.

The few fish I did see were very big and a couple looked to be close to ten pounders.  Nobody I saw had a fish due to the water conditions being real low and clear.  The fish were spooked and not looking to feed.

This time of year, the fish stage at the stream mouths waiting in anticipation for the next heavy rains so that they can run far up the streams.  It is a safe bet that this is the case.  The majority of fish are in the lake and not in the streams.

Heavy rains are coming on Monday night and this should send the fish scampering up the streams. Steelhead fishing will be excellent when the high stream levels subside.

Please remember this year to pick up your trash while you fish the area streams.  We have lost a lot of fishing area due to irresponsible fisherman who toss their trash on private property.  Tight lines and good luck!

2013 Winter Trout Stocking in Erie County PA- Lake Pleasant

The good news is that thousands of rainbow trout were stocked into Lake Pleasant today for the 2013 ice fishing season.  The bad news is that the ice was not too safe to fish for them today.  There was a few brave souls that ventured onto Lake Pleasant today but they did not go out very far for fear they would go through.

According to a report I received, the ice thickness is about 2.5 inches of cloudy snow ice.  Cloudy snow ice is far more dangerous than clear ice with little to no air bubbles.  I, personally, would wait until the cloudy ice is 5 inches before going out on it.

If you are looking to catch trout through the ice; Lake Pleasant is a great place to fish when the ice is safe.  It is a large inland lake that offers enough room for hundreds of fisherman. 

Lake Pleasant also has quite a few bluegill, some perch, largemouth bass, and huge northern pike that dine on the trout. 

You can access the Lake by heading south out of Erie PA on Route 8.  When you reach Hammett Motors on the left about 2 miles south of I-90, take a right and the next road you hit is Lake Pleasant.  Turn left and follow Lake Pleasant Road for a couple miles and the lake will be on your right. 

Good luck fishing and please be safe when going out on the ice. 

Steelhead Showing up on East Side.

On Thursday I went out steelhead scouting and ventured out to 12 mile Creek on the city's east side.  The water was running low and clear but I did see a few fish in the creek.  While I was walking up and down the creek, I did not run into any fisherman and the 8 or 10 steelies that I saw in the creek did not appear to be spooked.  In the picture below you can see a few steelhead at the tail end of a pool.  Today is Sunday and we got quite a bit of rain.  The steelhead fishing should improve by Monday afternoon when the stream levels go down.  Good luck fishin'

Brown Trout Stockees Hitting Well.

My 15 year old nephew is enjoying himself fishing 4 mile creek which was heavily stocked with brown trout and palominos before opening day last Saturday. He did not catch any palominos yet but has caught quite a few hungry browns. The Wesleyville Conservation Club is going to be stocking 4 mile again either Thursday April 23 or Friday April 24. Bring your kids so that they can catch some fish. Remember, the first two weeks of the trout season 4 mile is for kids and seniors only. There is still quite a few fish left from the initial stocking and the fishing pressure that I have seen is very light. Come on kids, put away those xboxes and get out fishing! It's more fun! May your lines be tight and your hooks be happy!

Update: Here Comes Another Fine Steelhead Weekend

We received a little rain but it only raised the stream levels a little. The local streams are running clear at normal levels and the fish are in the streams in good numbers. I don't really see more fish but the same amount that was present last weekend which was an excellent fishing weekend.

We need heavy rains before more fish can head further up the streams. There are a lot of fish further up the streams, though, so if you are tired of the crowds near the stream mouths, head upstream.

Clear water conditions this weekend with a good amount of sun today which may raise the stream temperatures a bit. Smaller size glo bugs and imitation eggs should fare well. And don't forget your mini-foos. FishUSA.com has a good supply and I have supplied their picture of their steelheader'. Don't forget to tip it with a maggot for best results. May your lines be tight and your hooks be happy!

Fisherman Gearing Up for Excellent Weekend

I just wanted to provide a quick update for the many fisherman who live outside of the area and are thinking of coming to Erie to fish this weekend. The streams are in great shape and as of today are flowing at ideal conditions. We did receive quite a bit of rain but the streams subsided quickly and this weekend is looking like another great weekend to fish for steelhead.

Presque Isle Bay's water temperature is still very cold and I have not yet talked to anyone that is doing great on jumbo perch or crappie. Look for a vast improvement over the next few weeks. Please remember when fishing our area streams to pick up your litter. May your lines be tight and your hooks be happy!

Gourmet Steelhead Recipe

With all these steelhead being caught, I thought I would provide a gourmet recipe that won't let your family or dinner guests down. Many fisherman smoke steelhead and this is definitely a good way to prepare them. However, if you don't have a smoker or would like a change of pace, try this recipe that I got from kitchengrrl at Recipezaar. You can also find many other great fish recipes there. Their web address is http://www.recipezaar.com

Broiled Steelhead Trout with Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic

5 minutes to prepare/ 20 minutes to cook

Serves 3-4

1 pound steelhead filet, with or without skin
1 clove garlic - chopped fine
1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
1 lemon, zest of
1/2 lemon, juice of
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus
additional oil for greasing the baking pan

1. Prepare a baking or roasting pan by lining it with foil and brushing it with olive oil.

2. Preheat broiler
3. Mix together all remaining ingredients except fish into a well blended paste.
4. Place fish skin side down (if it has a skin) on baking sheet, then spread seasoning over the flesh.
5. Broil fish at second rack away from heat for 5 minutes or less, just enough to sear flesh but not burn herbs.
6. Lower fish to 3rd or 4th rack and lower heat to 325 F. Bake for additional 10 minutes or until fish is cooked through in the thickest portion.
7. Serve with steamed veggies, salad, or whatever.

Steelhead Now Running!

Today I ventured out to western Erie County and was surprised to see that the ice around the streams blew out and fishing conditions were perfect. The streams are running at good levels and the next week should provide excellent fishing opportunities. The steelhead are preparing to run further up the streams and will do so when heavy rains occur. Fishing pressure was intense today and many fine fish were being caught towards the mouth of Walnut Creek.

Trout run, which is a nursery water and is illegal to fish, is packed with steelhead of all sizes. Please see photos.

I will be providing frequent updates on this seasons steelhead run and I wanted to provide tourists with a little more information. In order to fish for steelhead in Erie County, you can purchase a 1-3-or 7 day fishing license or you can purchase an annual non-resident fishing license. The 2009 license fees and requirements are as follows:

1 Day tourist (not valid from March 15 to April 30) - $26.70
3 Day tourist - $26.70
7 Day tourist - $34.70
Trout/Salmon permit - $9.70
Lake Erie permit (needed if you are going to fish the lake or its' tribs) - $9.70
Combination Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie Permit - $15.70
Non-resident Annual Fishing License - $52.70

Pennsylvania Annual Fishing Licenses are valid through December 31, 2009. Residents of Pennsylvania need trout/salmon permit to fish for steelhead and a resident annual license priced at $22.70.

May your lines be tight and your hooks be happy!