New guy with a question or two.

You would probably have the best luck at walnut or elk creek for steelhead if your new at it. Its alot different from just normal trout fishing but its alot of fun. Me and my dad go up all the time in october/novenber havent done real good in the past but this year i think well actualy catch one hahaha  

ORIGINAL: ShutUpNFish

Tip:  If you can help it...DO NOT pick your days according to when you have the time off.  Learn how to read the weather, conditions (present and near past), stream guages and water clarity (call local bait shops before making the trip), lake conditions and recent fronts and pressures.  Knowing that the conditions are right for catching ANY fish, is more than half the battle when it comes to fishing the streams and lake.

Interesting.
I don't know anything about Great Lake fishing, but I do know weather patterns effect the bass in the ponds I fish.
I just haven't found any "predictable" pattern for steelies in the creeks though.
Think I'll start a new thread on that subject

good advise about the rain gages and calling ahead, that's for sure.
Nothing worse than making a long drive to fish ragging torrents of chocolate milk


..L.T.A.

Thanks for the reply guys!! I've been fishing the Salmon river since 87 and understand what you are saying. it depends on the run, waterflow and a bucnh of other things but alot of times it's luck!
 
I heard lots about Erie from the smallies to the steelies. I've always fished for salmon in NY and never really got into the steelie thing until we hit them really good one year and now it's addicting! SO I appreciate everyone input on helping me out. I will always try to help out if I can and I understand the "newbie" thing when it comes to the websites asking questions that you all have heard or read a million times. Once again thanks and Hope I run into some of you all up there. I will be ther the end of the month and I will have an older ranger behind a silver Dodge Ram. Just yell Hey Joe and you'll get me or my father!!
 
Thanks
Joe

I understand the telling where the fish are part. I've seen the Salmon river go from a great fishery to a dumping ground. People can't pick up their garbage, won't get out of your way if you have a fish on and to down right arse hole people. I love to fly fish with my Dad and soemtimes the wife. WE catch and release our fish and what ever we bring in we take out...and more cuz I'm picking up pther prople crap! I won't ask where the fish are ..so to speak but maybe wher I can park!
 
Thanks!
 
Joe

Joey,
    If you are looking for smallmouth in the bay the best place to launch is probably downtown at one of the marinas there.  If you like a primitive launch there is one right on Presque Isle but it is rather primitive.  Plus ther may be some steel moving in to the bay when you are there and the best be for steel is usually about 40 yards off of a creek mouth in 4-8 feet.  If you are in the bay do some "map scouting" and see where the inflows are. And don't neglect the smaller inflows.   May/may not be any fish in the creeks.  Call ahead, and if you don't know a head call Poor Richards.  Steelies in the creeks can be anywhere from easy to Da##ed dificult to catch depending on water and flow.  think kings only go down about two rod sizes.  Mostly 6-9 wt., 5wt can be used but only with good heavy tippett.  Leave the 2x-3x stuff at home.  If you're a jig bouncer go small.  And if you are a bait tosser some of the shops sell Poer Bayt by the gallon, try the mixed colors.