CLEVELAND, Ohio — Anglers have been enjoying one of the best cold-water steelhead trout runs in the history of the exceptional stocking program in the Northeast Ohio rivers and streams. Very good numbers of the silvery trout have been growing larger than usual this year after feeding all summer long in Lake Erie, and fishermen are boasting about the size of the trout they have been catching and usually release after a photograph.
Ohio’s rivers have been nurtured into hosting a world class steelhead trout fishery, and for good reason. Public waters are plentiful, not posted, as in so many other states.
Veteran anglers find success by just walking a mile or two to find the lonelier stretches where steelhead trout traditionally congregate, waiting to spawn. Some fishermen, in comparison, simply look for crowds fishing the rivers, and are eager to join them and get in on their action, a poor choice.
Dan Pribanic, owner of Chagrin River Outfitters in Chagrin Falls, finds fault with the lack of courtesy by many anglers, especially newcomers.
“The biggest problem are fishermen who have no understanding of the etiquette that should rule when there are a lot of fishermen wading the rivers,” said Pribanic. “Low-holing and high-holing are the biggest mistakes, and the cause of clashes between fishermen.”
That is the practice of setting up to cast the “low-hole” just downstream of a angler who is fishing in that direction and catching a few steelhead trout. Or casting to the “high-hole” just upstream of an angler who is wading and casting his way in that direction of the stream.
Both faux pas will end up with angry anglers being crowded out of a prime fishing spot.
“Many fishermen seem to feel they must also hit the rivers before the crack of dawn to get the jump on the expected crowds of fishermen,” said Pribanic. “If they see a lot of cars and trucks parked along the river, they want to fish those waters because it’s a sign to them the fishing is best there.”
Instead, Pribanic likes to wait until well after sunrise and look for areas that should be holding trout, but are not filled with fishermen.
“If you are looking to learn, though, it is a good idea to find fishermen who are finding success. Not to try to move in on their hot spot, of course, but to learn how they do it,” said Pribanic.
“Be patient, and sit back and watch how they present a fly, lure or bait. Check out techniques for getting a strike, how to set a hook, and how those people wade up and down a stretch of river.”
Pribanic believes that type of patience helps to create a successful steelheader.
Newcomers to the steelhead trout game should also consider booking a fishing guide.
“I’ve sold equipment to anglers who wanted to try steelheading, but come back weeks, months or even a year or two later to ask why they are not catching trout,” he said. “They finally book a trip with a guide, and quickly understand how that translates into learning the right way of successful steelheading.”
Pribanic also cautions successful trout fishermen to gently handle their trout after being caught to ensure a safe release. Don’t drag the fish to the silty, muddy, sandy river bank to unhook or photograph it before release. Or hold them up by the gills for a photo.
“Wet your hands before touching a trout, and. Be gentle with them,” said Pribanic. “If you take a photo, get the trout back in the water very quickly. If a trout is put on a stringer or in a cooler, the damage is already done.”
Pribanic’s prime rule? Respect fellow anglers and respect the trout.
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