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Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - april2008 - Index

Fishing for steelhead on or near
spawning redds is controversial, and
has its proponents and detractors.
On rivers that have spawning runs
based on hatchery-raised steelhead
smolts and fingerlings, fishing the
redds will not have much of an impact
on future runs. On tributaries
with significant natural reproduction,
however, fishing the redds (if
permitted at all for that tributary)
should be done with minimal
impact to the spawning steelhead
and the redds: Target males only,
land and release them quickly,
keep fish in water at all times,
keep handling to a minimum, and
be sure not to wade on known
spawning gravel. Many steelheaders
frown on fishing spawning
redds altogether, preferring to
target only pre-spawn, post-spawn
and drop-back steelhead in order
to protect both established and
developing wild steelhead fisheries.
Increased fishing success on Great
Lakes tributary streams often boils
down to simply keeping your fly in
the water as much as possible. By
tying good knots, watching your
back cast (trees!), patiently getting
snags out (you may have to wade
upstream or to the opposite side
to loosen them) and playing fish
properly (don’t horse them!), unnecessary
break-offs and lost flies are
eliminated, and you will spend more
time fishing than tying on flies!
More information on Great Lakes
steelhead fishing can be found
in John Nagy’s book, Steelhead
Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and
Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead,
available through Great Lakes
Publishing at (412) 531-5819.
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