fishing the lake for steelhead?

have never fished the lake itself for staging steelhead prior to their moving up the tribs.  i've seen guys wading and casting at the mouths but never paid much attention to them.  how's it done?  what type of rod is needed?  lures?  time of day?  any help will be appreciated.
 

Rap,
 That's the only way I fish for steelhead cant stand the crowds and the circus at the creek mouths.Its a bit too early yet but in a month or so I starty trolling the mouths of walnut and trout run .We use planer boards off the side and flat lines in between usaual gear Cleo's, thunder sticks, ko woblers time of day doesn't matter that much Its a blast in lake when u hook up cause they have the whole lake to run in be prepred for a good battle and some Chinese fire drills!!!!!!.Nothing like on shore where they have 15 feet of creek and and a few feet left or right.!! any more questions pm me I will fill u in otherwise I will be ripped on here for spot burning and the like .

thanks, bill.  i know that a few of the veteran steelheaders will indeed wade the mouths when everyone else is upstream.  i don't do well in crowds either.
 

rap
h3, i'd forgotten all about this.  i'm definitely not a troll, been here too many years for such.  however, i am getting pretty old and do forget things from time to time.....lol

 
lol - no worries, but yes... spoons, smaller in-line spinners cast out as far as you can. The only part that stinks is snags. I've made over $100 in lure deposits the past couple years I bet in Lake Erie. I should go snorkeling and see if I can find them while waters warm lol.

btdt, i can go in december of this year but will wait until sometime later next year.  then again, if the company goes under or if we go on strike, my retirement may get here much quicker....sigh.  if it does, i'll meet you half way between your place and mine for breakfast.
 

gone, i'll take you up on that if this overtime ever ends.  nothing more rebuilding than standing waist deep in water and letting fly with something to make a fish angry.

Huckin a streamer as far as I can on my 8 wt fly rod, lettin the current take it and swing it. You'll no ya got one when the fish takes it, and runs ya all the way down into your backing as it heads for Canada. 

Thanks for the kind words buddy, always an open invitation if you ever decide you'd like to come along.  I must say though, I had the priviledge of growing up learning from what I believe are some of the best steelheaders in the great lakes.  Some of those guys are still lurking around, and many I'd like to call my friends.

fishrmn
Rap,
 
Although I've had days where I've caught a bunch of fish launching spoons out into the lake, usualy that is not the case (esp the further into the season you get).  90% of the time if you're standing waist deep then you are standing where the fish WERE.  Infact, one of my better days of the season last fall was in mid-september, standing on a jetty, casting spoons parallel with the shore line 5-15 yds off shore.  This was also hundreds of yards from any tributary, pay attention to wind as that will push creek water down the beach.
 
-Tim

This is very true. Had some really good days in the past nowhere close to a creek mouth

Hello Fellow Members,
 
I been debating on purchasing a new level-wind baitcasting reel to chuck-out lures (as far as possible) using weights in the sub 1/4 oz and heavier sizes. I am aware I'd most likely get further distances using a spinning reel but I'm simply looking to switch it up a bit. Anyone have experience using one for early season surf fishing?
 
Have a great season everyone!

Only takes one backlash to get you all fired up lol. But i have been tempted to use one when not using the fly rig on the creeks to get a easier drift.

I think spinners way to go. Can cast as hard as you want and not have to worry about your thumb.

IMHO, as a die hard baitcast user, they are not particularly made for lures less than 1/4 ounce.  Yes, you can make it work, but the hassle won't be worth it.  1/4 ounce and less baits I personally consider finesse baits and are best fished with spinning equipment.  Just my $.02 worth.

Nothing worse than some duud gettin in the water and chasin the fish away-stream or lakefront. There's really never a need to wade very far ANYWHERE in Erie for steelhead.

Hope you guys don't mind I would like to keep this thread going . I wanting to do 99.9% in the lake this year trolling or anchoring . What speed if trolling? What depth is usually the best ?

We were killing them up trout run last year. Power bait and minnows. They hit just about any bait actially. Caught 10 one day and the next day the lake got really flat only managed 1. Alot of fresh chrome out there and they fight hard. If we don't get much rain it will be your best chance at them. Hopefully by the end of September I will make my first trip.