Choosing the Right Fly Fishing Gear for the Tributaries
The tributary streams feeding into Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, such as the Salmon River, Oak Orchard Creek, and the Genesee River, are known for their productive fisheries in New York State. These waters support species like Coho and Chinook salmon, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, and steelhead. These rivers and creeks are famous for trophy fishing opportunities, with fish stocking and management programs by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) helping maintain healthy populations year after year.
Fishing these creeks can be challenging due to their narrow, brush-filled nature, fluctuating water levels, and fast currents. Specialized gear has been developed for these conditions, such as shorter rods for tight casting spaces, heavier tippets to handle larger fish like steelhead, and specific fly patterns that imitate the local baitfish like alewives and emerald shiners. Knowledge of local stream dynamics and timing—such as the peak runs of salmon and steelhead in the fall and spring—further enhances the chances of success.
Fishing Pressure
Fishing pressure on the tributary streams of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie has driven the development of fly fishing gear tailored to these specific waters. These streams attract anglers year-round, leading to limited casting space, particularly in narrow, brush-lined sections. Traditional fly fishing techniques, especially backcasting, become challenging in such tight quarters, making precision and adaptability essential.
To address these challenges, fly rods, reels, and lines have been specifically designed for such environments. For example, anglers commonly use shorter, fast-action rods (around 8-9 feet) to allow for more accurate casts in tight spaces. A great option is the Sage Pulse or Orvis Helios 3D, both of which offer precision casting with a responsive action for quick setups.
For reels, Lamson Guru or Redington Behemoth are excellent choices, offering a strong, smooth drag system to handle steelhead and salmon, while still being lightweight for better maneuverability in dense areas. Additionally, using a floating weight-forward line like the Rio Gold or Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth helps achieve longer, controlled casts and better line management. In fast-moving water or deeper sections, anglers often switch to sink-tip lines like the Rio Outbound Short or Airflo Forty Plus, which help deliver the fly deeper into the strike zone while maintaining casting efficiency.
Finding the Right Rod for Great Lakes Steelhead Fishing
When it comes to fishing the Great Lakes tributaries for steelhead, selecting the right rod can make a significant difference in both your fishing experience and your success. The conditions on these rivers demand gear that is both durable and capable of handling the challenges posed by the fast, cold waters and powerful fish. Let’s break down the key features to look for in a rod for steelhead fishing on the Great Lakes tributaries.
Rod Length
The length of your fly rod is crucial when fishing the tributary streams of the Great Lakes. While 8 to 9-foot rods are standard, a 10 to 12-foot rod is advantageous for steelhead fishing. The added length improves line control and mending, which is vital for managing drag and achieving a natural drift in fast-moving water. Longer rods also enhance roll casting, allowing anglers to reach farther without backcasting, especially in brush-filled areas with limited space.
Additionally, a longer rod provides better shock absorption when fighting big fish like steelhead, reducing the risk of breaking the tippet during powerful runs. A rod with a soft tip and sturdy butt section is ideal: the soft tip aids in delicate presentations and accurate casting, while the strong butt section helps control large fish during the fight.
Rod Styles
Bigger Guides for Better Performance
In cold conditions, rod guides can freeze, hindering your casting and fishing. To avoid this, choose rods with oversized guides, which are larger than standard ones for that rod size. Larger guides prevent ice buildup, allowing the line to pass through smoothly and reducing the chances of tangling or catching, especially with heavy, fast-moving lines in winter conditions.
Selecting the right reel for steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes tributaries is crucial for smooth line retrieval, reliable drag, and durability. You don’t need to spend a lot to find a high-performing reel.
Reel Options for Every Budget
Premium reels can be tempting, but mid-range reels ($100 to $200) offer excellent performance for steelhead and salmon fishing. These reels are lightweight, durable, and reliable, able to handle big fish without breaking the bank. For anglers on a budget, affordable reels still offer smooth drag systems and sturdy construction, ensuring you have quality gear without overspending.
Considering the Drag System
A smooth, adjustable drag system is essential for managing explosive runs and sudden bursts of speed from steelhead or salmon. In cold weather, a large, easy-to-grip drag knob allows for quick adjustments even with gloves on, ensuring control and preventing breakoffs during a fight.
The Advantages of Large Arbor Reels
Large arbor reels offer faster line retrieval, which is crucial when fish make long, powerful runs. They help you quickly recover slack line and stay in control during the fight. Additionally, large arbor reels are lighter, providing better balance and reducing fatigue on long days.
Fly Lines
Fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario and other Great Lakes streams requires the right fly line. Fast-moving waters and deep runs demand a versatile line that can handle both surface feeding and deep-water fishing. Sink-tip lines are particularly effective for targeting steelhead, salmon, and other species in these waters. Over time, DIY solutions have evolved into more sophisticated, commercially available options.
DIY Multi-Tip Lines
Before commercial multi-tip lines, Great Lakes anglers created their own solutions, modifying fly lines with interchangeable sink tips. These DIY lines were adaptable, allowing anglers to customize sink-tip weights for different depths and conditions. Many used fast-sinking tips (13 inches per second or faster) for better depth control, crucial for fishing in fast-moving water. Anglers can still create their own multi-tip setups using monofilament loops and nail knots, offering flexibility without the cost of specialized lines.
The Modern Solution
Modern multi-tip lines for Great Lakes tributary fishing offer interchangeable tips (floating, sink-tip, and full-sink) for quick adjustments based on water conditions. While an investment, these lines provide efficiency and convenience, saving time compared to DIY setups. With varying sink rates, including ultra-fast sinking tips, they allow anglers to adapt from shallow riffles to deep pools.
Line Color Considerations
In clear water, bright-colored lines can spook fish, so dark olive or moss-colored lines are preferred. These colors offer visibility for the angler without drawing attention from wary steelhead or salmon, while bright colors like orange or neon green should be avoided.
Essential Gear for Great Lakes Tributary Fishing
Camouflage: Stay Undetected
Blending into your surroundings is crucial when fishing the heavily pressured tributaries of the Great Lakes. Bright colors, like neon jackets or hats, can spook fish from a distance. Stick to earth tones—greens, browns, and muted grays—to avoid detection and stay unnoticed by fish.
Wading Gear: Safe and Efficient Movement
Proper wading gear is a must for navigating slippery, treacherous streambeds. Opt for waders with studded cleats, like Korkers, to prevent slips on moss-covered rocks. A wading staff provides stability and helps you gauge water depth, essential for safe travel through swift currents and deep sections.
Affordable, Effective Gear
Effective fishing doesn’t require expensive gear. A solid fly rod and reel suited to tributary conditions are key, along with essential fly patterns like Wooly Buggers, nymphs, and egg patterns. Focus on practical, functional gear to tackle the challenges of these waters without overspending.
Original Article By Rob Streeter
About The Author
Rob Streeter enjoys fly fishing for many species, especially trout and salmon in the Lake Ontario tributaries. He is the outdoor columnist for the Albany Times Union and freelances for several publications. He is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
