Honest Report for Steelhead

I hate when i see posts on here that are wrong, or trying to block the outta towners from coming up, or the classic, was the "trout run closed for the season" thread...but i have fished east and west sides the last two days and this is what i can come up with for anyone who is looking for a legit report
 
Elk has fish up to the log jam, but they are spooky and u got some fish that have spoons in their sides already, plus absolutly no flow in the access, almost like fishing a pond
 
Trout Run, has a pod of steelies in the actual stream its self, and their are steelies that are porpoising out in the lake, fished there for two hours and saw one fish landed, and the lake was like glass too..
 
Walnut, as the world has heard by now has fish some even past the stop sign hole, and the channel is loaded, but most fish, have lockjaw and dont hit anything, i have landed two there.
 
As far as the east side tribs go, 20 mile has like a dozen fish at most and the mouth is as wide at 2 ft... That is the same for 16 mile and 12 mile creeks. I fished 12 mile last night from 10pm-12 am and didnt hook up with anything at the mouth.
 
I havent seen 4 mile or 7 mile, but i can imagine they are the same conditions as the rest of the east side tribs.
 
We need rain, we need a hurricane to hit the gulf, and sweep up thru erie, pa and drop 5 inces down and its on.
 
Tight lines to all and Good Luck fishing this drought, PLeaSE let it rain alot this weekend

I don't know why anyone would rely on the reports or writing on here as their determining factor to go fishing in Erie anyway.  I don't live far from you, and trust me, what I rely on is; the upcoming forecast, forecast of the past few days, and whether or not I can get away.  My experiences and passion take it from there.

Yeah...what they said. Additionally....none of the locals I know would " try to block the outta towners from coming up". Plenty of yinz don't read this board...and com mup anyway. We expect it, and some welcome it. If you let this disscussion board dictate when you fish...you'll be dissapointed.

Thanks for a legit report, I like most, do not check or concern myself with them, but I am sure yours is helpful for those who need it.

I believe what we all want is an open, honest and helpful online community. 
This is true for most Bug,But you will always have the yinzer haters and ones worried about (spot burning) which i think is crap, any yinzer can take walk and find your spot,
And if you fish private property dont brag!!! keep your big fat mouth shut....
There are lots & lots of fish every year and if you!!!!(and YOU know who YOU are) feel that you will catch one less fish because of a few yinzers you need to re think your game....
I am not saying this all locals but there are some!!!!
I lerned a long time ago you cant please everyone,The ones i cant!!!!Feedum Beans!!!!!!

There are always people who want to keep their fishing spot to themselves and that is understandable, especially when it is on private land.  That is the reason for the anti-spot burning backlash.  As you said carpin, if you fish private land keep your mouth shut.  Giving detailed information is not helpful when you basically are inviting people onto someone's land who may not want them there.  When it comes to public access areas, who cares what you say.  These areas are open to everyone to fish.
 
I am the first to admit that I believe comments and reports on this site have increased the numbers of people fishing in Erie and as such has greatly diminished the fishing experience for me.  Years ago the early and late season were pretty free of people and as a local I could have a bit more water open without having to compete with a crowd.  Now all it takes is one person to put out the word a steelhead was caught in some creek and the hoards start to descend on the streams with a vengeance.  It is this very fact that has basically caused me to back away from steelhead fishing all together.  At one point I fished the tribs a minimum of two to three days a week.  This year if bother to go, I doubt I will not even make it out 2 or 3 days a month.  I have even thought about selling a good deal of my steelhead gear as I hate to see it sitting in the closet collecting dust when someone else could be enjoying it.
 
For those of you who are new to the sport I honestly do not think you can understand what many of the veterans are talking about.  My experience of steelhead fishing has greatly changed over the years.  Some is because I have matured.  The other more important reason is that over the last few years there has been increase in fishing pressure. 
 
In the final analysis, people will report what they want to for whatever reason they think is important.  There will be people who will comment on the reports, both negatively and positively.  The sun will set and rise each morning.  Steelhead will be in the streams, some caught and released, others roped and dragged through the mud and thrown in the back of pick up truck.  What I say or do matters little.  The world will keep spinning and life goes on.
 
Enjoy the streams and the fish.
 

The popularity of the Erie Steelhead industry has grown and I think it has very little to do with the internet in general and this site in particular.  The industry was not developed for the pleasure of locals only.  To the contrary, it was developed to promote tourism and because it is the only place in PA where a steelhead run could be successfully established. 
 
If I am correct in this regard, then the increase in fishing pressure is a symptom of the success of the endeavor.  Rather than being lamented, it should be celebrated and encouraged to make it even more successful.  Of course, there will always be those who want a limited resource all to themselves and all that anyone who feels differently (that is, that the pleasure should be shared) can do is fight those who wish to make it harder for others to enjoy the resource.

Definitely more pressure than when I started fishing for steelhead even just 6 years ago. 
 
But, I've found that early and late in the season, that pressure is HEAVILY concentrated in the easy access places.  You don't have to walk far to find solitude AND fish, even at peak times of the season. 
 
I appreciate honest reports.  After several years on here and some experience, I've learned to filter through the BS.  Early on in my steelhead experience, I relied a lot on the reports to learn about which baits to try.  After several trips, I figured out what works for me.  Only thing I need now is a weather update. 
 
 

Early on in my steelhead experience, I relied a lot on the reports to learn about which baits to try.  After several trips, I figured out what works for me.  Only thing I need now is a weather update. 


 
I think this is true for most new guys,And all were there at first, and some dont have a good buddy to show them the ropes!!!!!!

I rely on the reports, just to get an idea if it's worth taking a vacation day, spending 4 hours on the road getting there, not to mention the $$$ for food, gas, and lodging. My son also has to miss a day of school, which they see as an unexcused absence ( I call it a nature fieldtrip!). I know that the worst day fishing is still better than the best day at work, but I have a lot invested in a trip to Erie. Increasing the chance of catching fish by coming up when there are actually some fish to be had makes it easier to get by the wife!!!

"The popularity of the Erie Steelhead industry has grown and I think it has very little to do with the internet in general and this site in particular."
 
I don't think, but I KNOW you are very wrong.  Granted it would grow without the internet, but at a much, MUCH slower rate.  Stop being so **** stubborn and just except it.  Do you realize how many people lurk this forum/reports page?
 
-Tim

The only report I rely on right now is rain and water gauges. Ive been to erie in early sept and there is lots of fish, no water and a billion fisherman.

Wait for the rains then there are plenty of spots to fish where you wont see a fisherman all day, or be fishing out of someones back pocket.

Your honest steelhead report is as follows;


It is September 23.

End of report.

Stillhead wrote: "Your honest steelhead report is as follows;


It is September 23.

End of report."
 
Yeah, but that will all change, tomorrow

MakcJ, You once again make a good point.  But Have you ever seen the # of people viewing this site as opposed to actually participating on it?  The other night I think it said 3,546 People visiting this site.  Yet there are about 50-60 who actively post.  I'll admit I use this site,,and I use the phone.  I used to use the phone way more because there wasn't an internet. 
    Now I am one of the "Old timers" who got out and scouted, and walked, and asked permission and who picked up trash.  (Whoopee for me pat myself on back)  But I honestly think that the rise in fishermen has also led to a rise in uncouth, lazy slobs.  I'll share water all day long with someone who gives me right of way as I do them but I have personally seen people who will walk up and cast right across your line, When you are fighting a fish.  And who will walk right up beside you (within 3 feet)  and fish for the same fish you're casting to.  Not good.
     Maybe I'm the exception.  But I believe in giving people a chance to prove their subjective worth.  I will move along and fish where there ain't any before I'll engage in a free for all over two fish.  I've been there done that and probably will next week too.  But the lack of individual respect shown to the fish and to fellow fishermen is apalling.
     I could list example after example but I'd be beating the dead horse.