mikeg
Posts: 3107
Joined: 5/11/2004
From: Erie, PA
Status: online
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Here is a list of questions and answers that have been asked time and time again about steelhead fishing in Erie, PA! Even if your question has been answered here, feel free to start a thread of your own if you'd like!
This thread will be updated on a regular basis!
Good luck this season, it should be a good one!!
Crystal meth that won't kill you or give you pock marks! lol
http://forums.fishusa.com/m_129940/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm#135263
Catching steelhead in low water conditions
http://forums.fishusa.com/What_to_do_when_Steelhead_are_in_shallows%3F/m_130269/tm.htm
Flyfishing techniques for the newbie
http://forums.fishusa.com/Techniques_for_new_guys/m_119322/tm.htm
Picking out a new flyrod for steelhead
http://forums.fishusa.com/Fly_Rod_for_Steel/m_131929/tm.htm
Picture perfect thread on tying Suckerspawn
http://forums.fishusa.com/Sucker_Spawn_Tutorial_%28Tucan_Sam%29/m_126421/tm.htm
Rigging up tandom flies
http://forums.fishusa.com/tandem_flies/m_127885/tm.htm
A great thread in regards to staying warm
http://forums.fishusa.com/How_do_you_keep_warm%3F%3F/m_131122/tm.htm
Choosing a steelhead rod
http://forums.fishusa.com/Steelhead_Rod_Help/m_132422/tm.htm
All about using Eggs.
http://forums.fishusa.com/single_eggs/m_131727/tm.htm
A good thread about how to rig trout beads..
http://forums.fishusa.com/How_to_rig_trout_beads%3F%3F/m_133121/tm.htm
Written by MackJ, this post is about the correct way to deal with Landowners and how to conduct yourself on other's proporty!
http://forums.fishusa.com/Post_written_by_MackJ_about_private_property%21/m_117884/tm.htm
Danjae's awesome thread about steelhead fishing....Mupere style! (Sorry Bill I had to) lol
http://forums.fishusa.com/The_basics_2008/m_109802/tm.htm
Here's a great thread written by PAXTIM for hotels, campgrounds and places to eat.
http://forums.fishusa.com/Hotels%2C_campgrounds%2C_and_places_to_eat_in_Erie%25%25%25By_Pxatim%21/m_103208/tm.htm
Written by Formerguide, this thread is all about steelhead fishing...
http://forums.fishusa.com/Steelhead_fishing_101%25%25%25By_Formerguide%21/m_103195/tm.htm
Question:Is it trespassing to walk in the water when on private property?
Answer: YES, in the commonwealth the property owner DOES own the steam bed.
Question: Does giving a fish away to another angler count as YOUR limit?
Answer: YES, a fish given away to another angler DOES count as you limit.
Question: Is it unlawful to camp in your vehicle at Elk, Walnut or other access points?
Answer: YES, it is unlawful to "camp" in parking areas, but is legal to park overnight or longer stays. But any kind of sleeping, even for a few minutes, is considered camping and will get you a nice fine and a trip to the district judge.
Question:Is it legal to keep foul hooked fish?
Answer:No you must release it unharmed.
Question: What's the best way to keep my guides from icing over?
Answer: There is a ton of products out there, but cooking spray, chapstick, or vasaline works great!
Question: How far are the fish up the tribs?
Answer: How far the fish have made it up stream is dependant on how much rainfall the tribs have received. If you're not sure, take a drive and explore the usual spots. If you can't find any fish than move further down untill you've located them. Exploring is 80 % of the fun!
Question: What is a good, basic assortment of flies for Erie Steelhead?
Answer: Here are TEN flies that could get you by in almost ANY condition you would encounter in an Erie trib...
1) Pink Sucker Spawn #12-#16
2) Chartreuse Sucker Spawn #12-#16
3) Red/Pink Blood Dot #12-#16
4) Orange/Yellow Crystal Meth #10-#14
5) Black or Black/Olive Wooly Bugger #6-#8
6) Black Rubber Leg Stone #8-#10
7) White Zonker #4-#8
8) BH Hare's Ear #10-#16
9) BH Soft Hackle #12-#14
10) Guide Intruder Black/Blue #6 Stinger Hook
Question: What size tippet should be used on Erie tribs?
Answer: In most situations, 3X tippet is used. If the creeks are very low and clear 4X can be used, but really isn't needed. Some people even use 5x on the "gin" clear days. In most cases, just sizing down your flies or indicators will do the trick on these clear days and you will still be able to use 3x and land your fish in a more timely manner.
Question: When somebody hooks a fish, am I suppose to reel my line in
and wait for them to land theirs?
Answer: Yes, the right thing to do is reel in your line and allow the other angler to enjoy their catch. Respect goes a LONG way on the small Erie tribs! This prevents a huge tangled mess that generally takes up more of your time!
Question: Can I use my 5wt rod for steelhead?
Answer: Yes, but is not recommended for the beginner! Unless you are very experienced and want to incur the wrath of others on the stream while you fight the fish. Stick with 7-9wt with 2x-3x leaders. If you need smaller go with a light tippett.
Question: If I foul hook a fish by accident should I continue fighting the fish to retrieve my bait?
Answer: NO! As soon as you notice the fish is foul hooked you should do your best to break it off close to the hook. A foul hooked fish is very hard to control and playing the fish out is unethical and will take longer than usual. In most cases resulting in an "over tired" fish. This practice if frowned upon and won't make you very popular on the streams.
Question: Once I catch my limit can I continue fishing?
Answer: YES! You can continue fishing as long as every fish is released unharmed. However, if you can't successfully revive the caught fish and return it unharmed than it will be added to your limit, making you over the allowed number of fish. To play it safe, don't keep your last allowed fish until you know you will be done fishing soon. (I have personally seen people get nailed on this one!) Or play it even safer and just keep 1 or 2 for dinner! Steelhead are better fresh anyway!
Question: If I see somebody breaking the law should I say something to them or call the authorities?
Answer: It's only your responsibilty to report violations. But doing nothing about it is as bad as doing it yourself. Store these numbers in your cell phone and report violations.
WCO Central Erie 814-572-0066
WCO Eastern Erie 814-572-0078
WCO Western Erie 814-566-7869
Question: After a good amount of rainfall, how long does it take for the creeks to become a fishable level?
Answer: This depends on the stream and how much rain we've received overall. But a good rule of thumb is that the larger creeks generally take a bit longer to clear up than the smaller creeks. However, the larger creeks can take more rain and remain fishable for longer periods. 24 Hours after a good rain is when Walnut starts to get the nice green color we like. 24 to 48 hours Elk should start clearing nicely. If you must go soon after a rain than stick with the smaller creeks like Crooked or 20 mile. If you can time it to where you are fishing as they drop to fishable conditions, you can have a day to remember!
Question: If my hooked fish runs down stream should I chase after it or stay put to save my spot?
Answer: Go after the fish! Don't allow yourself to spend 30 minutes fighting a fish that could be landed in 5. If a fish makes a long run up or down stream move toward the fish to gain control. Chances are you will NEVER pull a 6 lb steelhead back up steam. Trying to do this will only overstress the fish and make a lot of anglers unhappy. I can't think of any better reason to loose your spot than to land a nice fish! Besides, most anglers will know what your doing and allow you back in the game once you're done!
Question: Are all steehead stocked or are some wild?
Answer: 99% of Erie steelhead are stocked will little or no natural production.
Question: What pound test should I use on my spinning reel?
Answer: Most people use 6 lb line and some even use 8 lb. In most cases, a length of leader is used so adjusting for water conditions can be done correctly.
Question: Can I use my regular rod instead of a noodle rod?
Answer: Yes, a regular rod can be used, but a long noodle rod will allow for easier casting and more natural drifts.
Question: How much distance should I give a fellow angler upstream from me?
Answer: This question should only be answered by the angler upstream from you. Walk within TALKING distance from the other angler and politely ask how much room he or she would like. 99% of anglers will be considerate and offer you some room. NEVER move right in on top of anybody! Be polite!
Question: Can I use flys with my spinning rod?
Answer: Absolutley! This is very affective. You can use any fly pattern under a small float.
Question: Can I use live bait with my fly rod?
Answer: Yes! But be prepared to be looked at a little funny..lol
Question: Where can I purchase the equipment I need to fish for steelhead?
Answer: Consider the sponsor of these forums for which you are receiving this information, Fishusa.com, and for all this at no charge!
Question: Is Fluorocarbon Line/leader required?
Answer: NO! But fluorocarbon is less visible and more abrasion resistant than regular mono. It's just another tool to help you catch more fish. Mono is more than enough to catch steelhead!
Question: Where can I steelhead fish by myself with nobody else around?
Answer: Try some remote places in Washington or Alaska. Erie fishing is popular and receives a ton of pressure.
Question: Can I use conventional lures on the Erie tribs like spoons and spinners even if they have treble hooks?
Answer: Yes! It is legal to use lures equiped with treble hooks on the tribs. However, these lures are better off used on the lake, and can cause problems on the small Erie tribs. With limited space on the creeks casting lures should not be your chosen method. Not to mention snagging fish by mistake is more of a factor with the larger hooks. Stick with drifting baits like jigs, sacks, live/dead bait or flys!
Question: What's the best all around knot to use when joining leader or tippet to my line?
Answer: A bit harder to tie with cold hands, but most reliable with fluorocarbon is the Uni to Uni knot. This is the only knot I use to join line to line...It even works great with Fluoro to braid!
< Message edited by mikeg -- 11/20/2008 8:02:03 PM >
_____________________________
"If money's not loosened, this sucker could go down,"
-George W. Bush 2008
I guess we're the real "suckers"!
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