CLEVELAND, Ohio — Northeast Ohio steelhead trout fishermen wait impatiently at this time of year for Lake Erie to cool. When that happens, it encourages steelhead trout to gather around the harbors to contemplate their seasonal runs up the rivers and streams.
That is where the “silver bullets” spawn, and they are eager to return after chilly rain events help them traverse the shallow rivers.
Fishermen are already casting from the Lake Erie piers and breakwalls with bright spoons and in-line spinners for steelhead trout. The best locations are from Cleveland to Conneaut, and Tony Perrin had a major surprise on Wednesday while probing the waters off the Fairport Harbor Pier on the Grand River.
Perrin was casting a gold No. 4 in-line Vibrax spinner when his big fish struck, and it wasn’t the expected trophy steelhead trout. It was a beautiful 42-inch Lake Erie muskie, and Perrin managed to have his picture taken with the rare catch after a short battle — then quickly released it.
Perrin reported the muskie was in tip-top shape as it sped away.
It might seem too early in the year to be chasing steelhead trout. But then, so do the early hunting seasons that seem to be jumping the gun in the face of balmy weather this month — namely Canada geese, teal and doves. The long archery deer campaign that begins Saturday, Sept. 25 won’t end until next February.
Steelhead Expo to put anglers in the mood: River fishermen are starting to get their fly rods and spinning tackle ready for the fall steelhead trout season. Helping to put them in the mood is the annual free Steelhead Expo that will return to the Rocky River Nature Center at 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. after a 2020 hiatus due to COVID-19.
The Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders (OCBS) and the Cleveland Metroparks are tag team partners in presenting the popular event, providing experts on catching the big trout, and a wealth of vendors featuring fishing tackle, flies, lures and terminal tackle.
Legendary Steelheader’s Ball returns to Cleveland: What began as a lark a couple of decades ago at Dempsey’s Tavern on Lincoln Park in the Tremont area, luring steelhead trout fishermen and impromptu musicians for a night on the town, will return, reports Steve Madewell.
A well-known Ohio park official and conservationist, Madewell was one of the musicians that night, along with fly fishing guru Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters in Columbus. Steelheaders brought home-cooked hors d’oeuvres, mostly wild game and fish.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History Trout Club and the North Coast Fly Fishers will tackle this year’s Steelheader’s Ball on Friday, Oct. 29 at The LaSalle Theater, 823 East 185th St., Cleveland. The Interstate All-Star Band is featured. Tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Visit simpletix.com.
OCBS hooks steelhead expert Kevin Kayle: The Ohio Division of Wildlife’s hatchery manager Kevin Kayle is featured at the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders membership meeting on Thursday, Sept. 23. The meeting will be held at a new location, the Emerald Necklace Marina Cafe’s Scenic River Room, 1500 Scenic Park Dr., Lakewood, at 7:30 p.m.
Kayle will have the latest information on this year’s steelhead trout stocking programs, steelhead trout behavior and biology.
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