Lake Erie Steelhead Fly Fishing Guide
Steelhead fishing on Lake Erie tributaries can be incredibly rewarding—but success comes down to preparation and confidence. This hub is built for beginner to intermediate anglers looking to catch more steelhead by fishing smarter. Inside, you’ll find proven flies, effective rigs, seasonal tactics, and step-by-step videos to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Top Steelhead Flies for Lake Erie Tributaries
If you’re looking to simplify your steelhead fly selection, this is the place to start. In this article, I break down the five confidence patterns I personally rely on when fishing Lake Erie tributaries, along with when to fish each fly, how water conditions influence success, and why these patterns consistently produce steelhead season after season:
Read here: Top Five Steelhead Flies for Lake Erie Tribs
One of the first flies I use for steelhead involves one of these eggs…fish them with confidence!
EGGS
Eggstasy Egg: An easy-to-tie egg pattern that consistently produces steelhead, offering great durability and a natural profile that fishes well in a wide range of water conditions.
Sucker Spawn: This has been one of the most consistent producers in my box for nearly three decades.
Blood Dot: Created by Jeff Blood, this proven egg pattern stands out in a range of water conditions and remains visible at depth—making it a reliable choice for Lake Erie steelhead.
These three nymphs cover the majority of situations I encounter when fishing subsurface.
NYMPHS
France Fly: My go-to nymph for steelhead—fish it in all black when you want a simple, effective pattern.
Sweet 16 Nymph: A versatile, coppery-profile nymph that combines flash and natural movement, making it a go-to choice for steelhead.
Improved Zebra Midge: A simple, confidence-building pattern that excels in low, clear water when steelhead are selective, making it a reliable choice throughout the winter months.
If I had to limit myself to just three streamers for steelhead, these would be the ones I’d carry.
STREAMERS
Black Jig Bugger: If I only had one streamer to fish for trout and steelhead, this is it! Favorite colors include black, white, and olive.
White Death: Tied by Jeff Blood, this fly simply slays steelhead on the Lake Erie tributaries.
Kurt’s Creek Minnow: Created by Kurt Bitikofer, this subtle baitfish imitation shines when steelhead are keyed in on emerald shiners, especially when swung or lightly stripped through slower runs.
Call them ‘junk flies’ if you want—I never fish without them.
WORMS & MOPS
Squirmy Wormy: I’ve got a simple rule—show me a fish, and I’ll show you something that’ll eat a Squirmy Wormy.
Mop Fly: The key with this fly is fishing the right water column—it’s a proven pattern steelhead will eat in a wide range of colors.
Suede Worm: A subtle, durable worm pattern that shines when steelhead want a natural profile without excessive movement. It sinks well, holds its shape, and fishes clean in cold or clear water.
Tying Euro Nymphs Book
Many of the flies featured on this page—including worms, eggs, and confidence nymphs—are patterns I fish regularly throughout the season. They aren’t just “good ideas” or one-off patterns; they’re flies that have earned a permanent place in my box through time on the water.
In my book, Tying Euro Nymphs and Other Competition Favorites, I go well beyond how to tie these flies. I break down when to fish them, why they work, and—just as importantly—how to fish them together as part of a system. That includes rigging, leader setup, weight selection, fly order, and the subtle adjustments that make the difference between drifting flies and actually getting eaten.
If you want a deeper understanding of how these patterns fit into a modern nymphing approach—whether you’re targeting trout or steelhead in varying water types—this is where I connect all the dots.
Buy autographed copies: CLICK HERE
My Go-To Indicator Rig for Steelhead
One of the most productive methods when targeting steelhead in the tributaries is an indicator rig. This system allows the use of multiple flies, doubling your chances of picking something to entice an eat. The key is to focus on drag-free drifts to start, then build in occasoinal movement based on the flies you’ve selected. Here’s a look at my favorite steelhead leader, with rigging steps below.
Want to take your steelhead fishing to the next level?
In addition to Lake Erie tributaries, I also host guided steelhead trips designed to help anglers fish better, learn more, and enjoy the full experience on the water.
👉 Learn more about my hosted steelhead trips: CLICK HERE