Fall Steelhead Lake Erie Trib PA (2023)

Fishing fall steelhead here in Erie, Pa. The first half of the day I fished with a buddy in the rain and didn't record so I figured I'd pick the camera up once the rain stopped. I missed/lost a few fish due to leader breaks and poor hook sets but ended up landing a nice hen steelhead.
Gear list:
Rod: www.fishusa.com/FishUSA-Flags...
Reel: www.fishusa.com/Okuma-RAWII-1...
Float: www.fishusa.com/Blood-Run-Tac...

[@cameronrogers7577]

I fished next to ya in the metal bridge hole, im the fly guy we was tearing them up pretty good!

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

I remember you! Yeah that’s was a killer day!

[@StormRidersFishing]

You had me at centerpin action.

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

Haha probably my favorite way to steelhead fish honestly! Eventually I’ll get a better reel but as far the rod I’m impressed!

[@StormRidersFishing]

You should do a review of that Fish USA rod once you use it a bit more. I’m on the fence on three different rods to use both spinning and pinning.

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

@@StormRidersFishing Already planned on it buddy, I used it for kings this past weekend and it’s only a 11’L… For the price point these rods are at you can’t go wrong! I’ll be buying more that’s for sure!

[@zanetucker9995]

Saw your truck when I came walking out to mine Sunday evening

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

Shhhh don’t give my spots away 😂🤙🏻 Haha hopefully you had some luck! That rain we got yesterday really got the fish moving!

[@zanetucker9995]

I didn’t get down there till later. Saw quite a few fishing moving up. Mainly scouting for where I’ll spend my vacation day Friday

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

@@zanetucker9995 There was definitely fish moving that for sure, watched them jump the falls. Didn’t pretty well up stream Sunday for the amount of time I had, that video will be out soon. The next parking lot up stream without me saying the name had a nice pile of fish moving through. If you ever see me stop and chat!

[@chrisswartzfager5814]

Wow maybe you can give me and my wife advice on where we can possibly catch our first steelheads. We been trying for 2yrs And have not had any luck and we live right here in erie

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

Once you figure it all out you’ll be hooked! Shoot me a message on my Facebook page TightLineFINatic and I’ll give you some tips. Just so we don’t run the comments up on this!

[@Steve-rr3gc]

So your jig kinda resembles a black egg sucking leech. It was kinda quick, but am I close? Heading up to Erie Thursday morning - first trip of the year-taking break from sitting in tree stands all day

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

You are absolutely correct! A very good pattern for up here! I was fortunate enough to harvest a buck for day so all I’ve been doing is fishing haha

[@Steve-rr3gc]

@@tightlinefinatic3980thanks for quick reply. Will tie some up. I could’ve been tagged out but I’m picky when it comes to bucks. I’ve been lucky over the years and I’m retired so I can hunt every day.

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

@@Steve-rr3gc Absolutely good luck when you come up! White death flys have been working well as well as sucker spawn

[@alexandercluster3003]

Litterly spent most of the week in Erie. I know exactly where you are fishing. People need to understand the absolute Shenanigans going down on Erie tribs. Number one the amount of people is off the charts. In 20 plus years ive never seen crowds like these days. Some spots can be down right hard to find a place to park. I also don’t care what anyone says fishing is less than unbelievable. You definitely will catch fish but people if you are expecting 20-30 hookups a day it’s probably not going to happen. Not saying it isn’t possible especially after a rain event but you realistically are going to fish your ass off for a average of 3 fish a day. Now for my biggest gripe. SNAGGERS! I am so tired of seeing people snag Steelhead. Please stay away from erie if this is how you fish. These fish bite learn how to catch them. We have enough problems with the Russian population netting thousands of them at night. We dont need people Snagging them and putting them on ropes! I feel like people posting videos need to be more up front and honest about the fishing. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy watching the contest but your selling a false narrative. The Steelhead fishing is litterly the worst ive ever seen it in my life. The fish to fishermen ratio is about the same and the poaching is off the charts.

[@tightlinefinatic3980]

Well first I’ll start with I appreciate the comment and concern. I 100% agree that the madness in the area is wild, I feel like Erie gets way more pressure than the OH or NY Erie tribs. Second, I don’t think anyone “expects” to come here and get 20-30 hook ups but there are days when just that literally does happen like it did to me last weekend. The water level was up and we had a really good push of fresh fish and it was amazing, probably my best day steelhead fishing in years. As far as the snaggers go, it’s absolutely ridiculous and our fish commission are doing the best they can to get these people. There’s only so many officers so watching every creek from state to state is nearly impossible. These snaggers come in giant groups and spread out to different creeks to basically keep watch for the officers. And I don’t know how I’m not “being honest”. I never once told everyone that the fishing is amazing everyday and everyone needs to come here. I’m not selling anything, I’m just simply sharing my experiences and passion for the outdoors with others. These people think these fish just replenish over night and obviously that’s not the case. Everyone keeping their limit everyday will be the first folks to complain there isn’t any fish. Again I appreciate your comment and hopefully this industry in our area gets ahold of itself! Tight lines!

[@patrickmcphee770]

Same here in NY. The snag and release dirtbags are everywhere looking for pictures to post on their social media. They train the fish to run away from everything, especially the three big split shot. Snagging fish 2 ft deep in a small clear creek is the sport of inbreds.