Lake Erie Fall Steelhead Question

[Hawk Eye Mike]

I've only fished for steelies in the summer out of Lorain. I want to try spending one whole day targetig them this fall for a change from the walleyes. Is "prime time" later in October? How far north from the Vermillion River should I troll? Since I only fish four rods usually what would be the best program to start with, and do you troll faster like in the summer? Thanks to all who reply.

[Steeliehunter]

They should be anywhere from the pier heads at Vermilion to 3 or 4 miles out. The better concentration should be right at the mouth. Though nobody seems to use them on Erie except for me I reccomend dodgers, fish catchers and tinsel flies. I personally have had outstanding luck with them this year offshore. They fish them a lot in Lake MI, they are the best rig up there. Hope this helps ya. I'll be either wading the beach or drifting the lower river this weekend.

Chris

[Sundance]

Just curious...Are you running the fishcatchers/flies way up high for the Steelies? These are fun to use behind dipsies, I fished with them for the first time on Lake Michigan this year.

Have you by chance caught any eyes with this set-up?

[Hawk Eye Mike]

Sundance, how fast do you troll for the steelies in the fall? Generally, do you have better luck with spoons or crankbaits?

[Sundance]

Cranks way up high and I would say 1.5-2.0 but I would probably run a to the high side or even a little faster if I was just fishing for Steelies.

For me it's one of those deals where you go fishing for eyes but start catching steelies. So late in the day it turns into a "let's have a little fun before we call it quits" steelie trip.