Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 6

photo-Darl Black

photo-Ryan Novatnack

Each of these anglers revealed their most productive
tackle when it comes to catching steelhead in the late
fall and early winter. Luffy's first choice when conditions
are optimal is a live minnow on a drifting float. His next
recommendation for almost all stream conditions is an egg
sack fished on a spinning rod. "In higher water with less
visibility, go big or go home," said Luffy. Try heavier egg
sacks for more weight and bigger streamer flies and floats.
"In low, clear water, go small or go home empty-handed,"
said Luffy.
Anderson loves fishing his own white feather streamers.
He describes these streamers as looking like "knock-off
marabou steelhead jigs that were made when there was a
shortage of feathers and winding string, one feather and
minimal warp, and some head cement will do, on a size
6 hook or smaller on a jig weighing no more than 1/32ounce." Anderson's second choice is egg sacks purchased at
area shops.
Novatnack uses only flies he has tied with steelhead
in mind. In November, Novatnack will start with "Little
Precious," which is a traditional pattern intended to
represent the abundant Emerald Shiners on which
steelhead have been feeding on in Lake Erie before entering
the tributary system for the spawning run. Novatnack
likes its versatility since it can be fished on the swing to
search out active fish or be dead drifted under a floating
indicator. When winter sets in, Novatnack uses a simple
Black Stonefly Nymph. As soon as he sees steelhead eggs
present in the water, he switches to fly patterns resembling
steelhead roe, either as an individual egg floating by or a
Sucker Spawn, which he pre-ties in numerous shades.
But, like all fishing, it seems conditions are rarely
optimal. Each interviewee pointed out that the close
proximity of multiple tributaries enables the angler to

A colorful set of hand-tied sucker spawn flies enables an angler to
match the shade of natural steelhead eggs floating in the stream.

choose their fishing destinations on any given early winter
day, because conditions often differ significantly. East of
Erie, streams have smaller watersheds dominated with
shale-bottom creeks. The terrain west of Erie offers larger
volume streams with more diverse bottom materials.
Therefore, after precipitation, the east side streams rise
faster and also fall faster. This affords the opportunity for
anglers to fish from near the New York border (Twentymile
Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, and Twelvemile Creek) to the
Ohio border (Walnut Creek, Elk Creek, and Conneaut
Creek) over the course of as many as three days.
Ken Anderson previously worked in the Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission Division of Habitat
Management and enjoys fishing Fourmile Creek including
Napier Park, because he played a role in the fish passage
effort at that location. "It is quite satisfying seeing fish
and people enjoying the sport
I love on waters that I helped
to open to migrating fish," said
Anderson.
All three interviewees encourage
people to try winter steelhead
fishing in Pennsylvania. "There
is more water available to the
public now than any time in
my lifetime due to the Lake
Erie Permit," said Anderson,
who commends the non-profit
interest groups, governmental
agencies, and participating private
property owners. "Hope for the
best, expect the worst, and do
not be afraid to change fishing
spots until you find the steelhead,"
said Luffy. Novatnack points
out the fellowship and learning
opportunities available through the
Pennsylvania Steelhead Association
at www.PaSteelhead.com.
A fly fishing angler seeking steelhead on Twentymile Creek, Erie County.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020

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