Lake Erie Fishing Adventure
For many a trip to Erie Pennsylvania takes place during the “vacation season” from Memorial Day to Labor Day; however, many visitors plan their trips in the fall not for the autumn colors, but for the Steelhead Run.
If you have never witnessed schools of trout making their annual return from a lake to the steam where they began life, check out this video clip.
This video was filmed at Avonia, Pennsylvania. Fishermen are permitted to fish where the stream enters the lake, but not in the stream. The stream is the trout’s temporary sanctuary.
Over several days recently, I did just that – traveled to Erie to fish for Steelhead.
But before I get to the fishing reports, here is some information on the history of the Steelhead fishery. The labor and investment of many volunteers and agencies began in 1966 so we can enjoy the fishing in 2006. 3 C U Trout Association
From this point on as you read the reports, keep in mind that it written in a language understood by anglers who have previous fished for Steelhead and many who have fished Erie area streams.
Monday November 13, was a good day on lower Elk Creek. Saturday’s rain encouraged fresh fish to enter the stream. The weather was overcast with temperatures in the upper 40’s. Fishing pressure was moderate – standing at the boat launch you could see only 20 anglers. The stream had a good flow, color and you could not see the bottom in the holes.
I fished from the “Mudhole” upstream to the corner above the boat launch. From daybreak until 7:30 a.m. when I arrived, I was told that the action was at a dead stop.
The fish were tight to the bottom and most anglers had a tough morning. Lures were not working, jigs were only working if you worked them slowly and deeper than usual. I saw single salmon eggs or salmon egg imitations catch more fish than other baits. I fished eggs sacs with floaters [a small mess net bag containing four salmon eggs and small Styrofoam beads,] slowly on the bottom and had a decent morning. I saw about 15 fish hooked besides the ones I caught and released.
I had my camera handy when Noel Young Hooked a nice steelhead.
From the boat launch up, smaller “jacks” [year old steelhead averaging about 1-2 pounds] were keeping everyone happy and some people caught above average sized, fresh fish [8-10 pound fish that have just entered the stream to make their spawning run]. I noticed that a few of the runs [places in the stream that typically hold fish] above the launch held enough fish to keep at least 8-10 anglers occupied for most of the morning.
From the corner up, I could see 4-6 anglers upstream at the Cascade hole. No report on action, but they were there at 11:30 when I was getting ready to leave.
After leaving Elk Creek I traveled to Walnut Creek. The Manchester and Stop Sign holes were packed with anglers. They must have had a good morning. Even though I did not see any rods bending, I saw anglers carrying fish to their vehicles
The Walnut lower pier was decent too. A fish every now and then kept everyone happy, but the action was slow by most standards. Here, jigs worked best. I did catch a few on my egg sacs with floaters!
A reliable source said that the after 
dark bite in the Walnut channel was great. All you needed were jigs and insomnia!
I spent some time over the last three days on the upper Elk sections. There are plenty of fish there too. Unfortunately, angling pressure is extremely high. Once the water level drops and the stream clears, the “spot and stalk” angling starts to take over. People move often and follow fish. If you have the misfortune of a pod of fish in front of you, get ready for company. Just bear it and pray for cold snowy weather. That will thin the crowds and save your nerves.
Uppe Elk Creek presented two more opportunities to practice my video skills. I am getting better. The Noel Young clip abou proves that. I have learned the art of editing and combining clip her are two clips I combined. Ed Wojtowicz is filed at the Iron Bridge. The second part is a no name anger below Legion Park.
I also did some Presque Isle Steelhead fishing for the first time. There are several locations to explore. We caught fish on jigs and had a good time. Not many anglers, but the ones you meet are courteous, helpful and willing to share space and tackle. This is a good option if you get tired of the stream crowds and need to unwind or you have young kids along! Stop at a tackle shop on the way to Presque Isle and ask for locations. They will direct you where to go. You won’t find tons of fish, but you will enjoy the fishing!
The following videos give you some additional fishing action, enjoy!
Oh, one more thing before I finish. When the weather turns cold and ice covers Lake Erie and its tributatries, we keep busy ice fishing for steelhead.
Click here and see for yourself!
Do yourself and everyone else a favor! Praise God along the stream. Too many anglers like to curse Him. What is wrong with our society?