Great Lakes Fall Run Kings, Browns, and Steelhead – Video
The Great Lakes fisheries yield strong fall runs in many rivers and streams. In fact, some waters have runs all 4 seasons! If landing big game fish is your idea of a great time, then why not fish when salmon, browns and steelhead are running at the same time? In numerous waters, you can use the same patterns and similar fishing techniques for a simultaneous shot at landing a trophy. Check out our video (click on image above or video link at the end below).
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Outline Of Video Narrative
1. Fall Run Fish Are Plentiful & Monstrous
The King salmon run first…
Chased by big brown trout munching on their eggs…
Competing with early run steelhead for spawning space in the stream.
Throw in a few Atlantic Salmon here and there….
…and you’ve got one heck-of-a-run going on all at once!
After the salmon spawn & die, the browns and steelhead move upstream and/or hold in place, until ready to spawn before they return downstream.
2. Where Is This Fall Bonanza?
In Lake Ontario Tributaries,
Lake Erie’s “Steelhead Alley,” and…
Lake Michigan tributaries (Michigan and Wisconson too!).
Of course, check with your local fly shop to verify timing and which runs are in which streams.
Related Article: The Best Fly Rods For Salmon And Big Game Fish
3. Prepare Your Arsenal
Use egg sucking buggers, leaches, and stoneflies.
Take a variety of egg patterns, also known as “yarnies,” and be sure to pre-tie multiple leaders to save time.
Beads are effective, easy to fish, and inexpensive…
Not to mention they are easier to remove and have a reduced mortality rate for catch and release.
Also take modern salmon and steelhead streamers…
And don’t forget the classic streamer patterns still work great too!
4. When To Go
Check stream flow on USGS gauges, fall levels are best.
This is because new fish enter the stream when flow rises, and settle into place when flow drops.
Otherwise, any time you can make it out is great!
Related Article: The Best Fly Reels For Salmon And Big Game Fish
5. Best Gear To Use
You’ll need a big game rod for long casts & powerful fights – minimum 9-10 feet, 8-9 weight.
For even more leverage use a spey rod, 11-14 feet, 8-10 weight.
Your reel and drag must be able to take the heat!
Don’t forget to use lots of backing.
Check out our egg pattern rigs for large trout, salmon, and steelhead in our 12 Best Tippet Tips article.
6. Reading Water
When there’s lower water, cast farther from you, across the stream and to deeper spots where fish are holding.
When there’s high water, cast closer to shore to search for fish holding or moving in slower shoulder water.
In rising water fish channels, troughs, & pinch points to intercept fish moving up stream.
Related Article: The Best Flies For Salmon
7. How To Fish
Swing your casts wide, deep, low, and slow.
Dead drift too, just like nymphing.
In rising water fish channels, troughs, & pinch points to intercept fish moving up stream.
Consider floating line for roll casting – saves you lots of work.
Outsmart the crowd – don’t compete.
8. Safety Tips
Big fish like pools & drop -offs, don’t join them!
Test each step before committing, use a wading staff, snug belt, and buddy system.
HAPPY FISHING!
Video: Great Lakes Fall Run Browns And Steelhead
11. Summary
The Great Lakes offer a fall bonanza of lake-run King salmon, brown trout, and steelhead. Take advantage of our tips to land yourself a monstrous fish this fall or winter!
Related Article: Pro Tips For Catching Winter Steelhead
