How to Catch Ohio Steelhead - Complete Beginner's Guide (Gear, Spots, Lures, Tips & More!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2020
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I decided to make the video I wish I would've seen when I first started fishing for steelhead trout in Ohio. I hope this makes the learning curve easier for someone!
In this tutorial video, I'll cover a basic float fishing setup (rods, reels, bobbers, lines, jigs) that will help a beginner start catching fish in any of the stocked Lake Erie tributaries (Rocky, Grand, Ashtabula, Vermillion, Chagrin, Conneaut).
Subscribe if this helps you out on the river - thanks for watching!
Fishbrain Username: NateRoman - กีฬา
For anyone watching ahead of the 2021 run, make sure to download the Fishbrain app (free) to find the best steelhead fishing spots this year! Install here: bit.ly/ReelRoman
This is the best fishing video I've seen. Most fishing videos are full of footage of the guys catching fish. It's just showing off, and you really don't learn a thing from seeing them reel it in and net it, and high-five or whatever, over and over. This video shows what to use, how to set-up, where to fish, and how to present it to them. I'm a Detroit River Walleye fisherman who has just recently been fishing the Steelhead Alley in Ohio and PA. This is most helpful. Thanks.
This comment made my day! Glad it’s helpful. I plan on making a lot more informational content like this and I really do want to focus on showing only what’s most helpful for the viewer whenever I can. Good luck next time out!
Thanks. It's cool to show bring in fish, but if that's all the video shows - over and over - it isn't much help by itself. It needs to also show how, when, where, etc. like yours did. I plan on making one next spring for Detroit River handlining for Walleye, and I'm going to follow your format. Tight lines.
*I caught this guy on my 3rd cast. Paired with these 4" trailers. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend slightly modified, I think i trimmed about 3/4 of an inch off of it. Its deadly!*
I've been fishing steelhead in Ohio for over 40 years, it's nice to see newer fishermen joining in on a great sport! And you've learned quite a lot! Hope to see you out there👍
That’s awesome man! I’ve got a ton to learn still but always appreciate the tips I get from experienced anglers out on the water. Definitely hope to see you out there this year!
It will be my first time out. Can't wait!!!
Thank you for making this clear and detailed how-to video; I fish the same river and this is very helpful for me. You've earned a subscriber!
Awesome!! I’ll have more content like this coming your way soon :)
Thanks man good to see someone in my area giving tips. I’m gonna give it a shot this weekend. I’ve always tried spinners and spoons now I’m gonna try this. Thanks man! Tight lines
Glad you liked it! You won’t turn back... the bobber downs are addictive and this will catch way more fish in the winter months for you in my opinion. Let me know it turns out!
This was super helpful for a Steelhead noob like myself! Especially since I fish the same river you were on. Thanks for the great informative video.
That's awesome to hear man! I hope it helps out you out this season.
This is exactly the sort of concrete info that people are seeking. You taking the time to share this is wonderful!
That means a lot man! Hope it’s helpful for anyone trying to get started. I definitely remember wishing I had more concrete info to turn to when I first started out
Heck ya man thanks i can't wait to go try this! 👍
Awesome man! Hope it pays off, they’re an absolute blast to catch
brilliant video. thank you mate!
Thank you so much for this video. Retired in September and started shoreline fishing for walleye. Now I want to try steelhead. The information you provided stop the confusion I have on what type of Rod and reel setup I need. I have subscribed and will review your videos! Happy
Glad it’s helpful man! And good luck out there. I’d say don’t stress too much about the setup, just get out there and fish however you can. Tight lines and thanks again!
great video, thanks for the upload. utilized this set up with a pink 2" tube and tore them up on the river.
That’s awesome!! Glad it worked for ya and hope you keep killing it this spring
Awesome video. Thanks for the tips
Great tips and tricks, Nate. Thanks for the inform and advice. We use similar tactics here on Lake Ontario as well. I don’t use braid at all for float fishing just because the rods I use are long and flexible and they will break my rod. I just use mono. Those crappie jigs are great for steelhead, marabou jigs work just as well. Black colour and white are my go to colours. Pink works good in stained water. Loved the video bro, great information.
Thanks! Those are some my favorite colors as well. Almost everything I throw is some combo of black / white / pink
Great video brotha!
Thanks Nate. I think you've given me the courage to try it. I'm close the Cuyahoga..not stock but worth a try and less busy from what I've read.
I’ve never tried the cuyahoga but I do see people posting about catches there! Definitely worth a shot, you’ll be hooked after that first catch. Let me know if you have any questions while you’re getting started
Great video and great pointers on catching steelhead.
Appreciate the comment! Glad it was helpful and good luck out there!
Very cool information. I really prefer to fish with lures, and i've been meaning to get up there and try it. I just didn't want to fool with eggs sacks and all that stuff. This gives me something that I can try using stuff I already have!! THanks!!
Glad it’s helpful! I’m the same way... don’t really like messing with egg sacs if I can avoid it. And in my experience, you get the same number of bites or more on tubes. Good luck next time out!
Great Vid Nate! I just moved back to the Midwest from Oregon where i used to fish Steelies and Salmon. Looking forward to get out and hit some of these rivers off Erie
Awesome, hope this helps a little! I've gotta get out west sometime and see how the same tactics would do there
That is my number two lure choice for stillhead trout and I have been doing it for 30 years. I call them steelhead candy. Fresh spawn bags are my number one but very messy. I set my bobber up a little different but it's the same thing. I've had plenty days where I have cotton over 100 trout out of Rocky River on a white tube. Good video good information.
I gotta fish with spawn more! Every now and then I will but it is messy and just hasn’t produced the same numbers for me. Thanks for watching and sharing this!
I fish the Rocky all the time, I hope to see you out there someday! 🎣
Hope so too! Definitely say what's up if you do see me out there
Great video
Thanks man I’m in Madison and I want to fish the grand river here, gonna try some of your advice! Thank you
Always had luck floating emerald shiners on the Grand.
Watched this and a few of your videos...good stuff... very informative...lots of info in a short video...and nice fish too! You prove in your videos that your suggestions work. Another offering you can hang under the floats are flies that are native to your stream. For example, NY's Salmon River has lots of stoneflies so some will suspend a size 8-12 black stonefly nymph under a float.
Be well Nate and keep up the good work!
Tightest of lines...
Frank
Thanks for the comment man! And agree, it's always great to have more options to put under your float. Whether it's jigs, flies, beads, spawn sacs, etc... sometimes you gotta change it up to catch fish!
Nice video...I catch trout using a 6' 6" medium action rod with 14 pound monofilament. My lure choices are a Little Cleo spoon, single hook inline spinners. Tight lines!
That works too! Everyone’s got their favorite, and spoons definitely catch fish :)
I just got turned onto your TH-cam channel and throughly enjoy watching and learning.
Glad you’re enjoying it man - thanks for watching!
Not surprised the crappie jigs work so well, I caught my pb steelhead over in lake county with a simple ned rig, jigging for bass.
They're less picky than people think! On some days at least :)
Great video..thanks!!!
Appreciate this video man I’m 18 in Cleveland and have been trying to get into steelhead fishing for a while now
I hope it's helpful! If you have any questions, definitely hit me up. I struggled quite a bit when I first started, so I wanna do everything I can to help other people jump in and start catching right away.
@@ReelRomanFishing thanks man, what’s your Instagram?
@@jacobshuckerow3698 Don't have one that I use, but I do use Fishbrain for fishing pictures and messages. username there is NateRoman
Hey man i started fly fishing steelhead last year and im from Cle also, just stick with it and have fun. Part of fishing is finding the fish and exploring new rivers and streams by yourself, sometimes getting outside and walking through the rivers in search for fish can be alot more fun than you may think and you learn alot about where the fish like to hold and stay by doing that also
@@snowfreak551 Agreed, definitely worth it to explore! I found some awesome spots just looking for creeks on Google Earth or walking a mile upstream from the hot spots. And feels even more satisfying when you find your own spot that's not well known.
Nice video buddy
I used a little silver spoon on Conneaut Creek. Used 6lb test line and a 5ft 6in rod. Hooked into a really big steelhead and he broke my line.
Thanks for this video man.. hopefully I get on one this year I catch l one
Good luck!
@@ReelRomanFishing I appreciate it
I just watched your video last night. Very helpfull. I've watch many and some are quite complicated. I love the single barrel weight below the bobber and above swivel. I had a similar setup that I did and was going to go on Sunday, but didn’t make it. I'll switch out the split shot for barrel weight. I did use a bobber stop instead of those tubes. I had a white 1/32 marabou on the end and a whole package of crappie tubes I was going to bring. So I'm excited to try that over eggs.
I have a 9" steelhead rod but it seems a bit stiff. I guess I should try it before buying something else.
I tried floating with a fly rod a few years ago and got frustrated. I really want to try again! I'm in Columbus, so about 2 & half hours each way to fish. No steelhead down here.
Thanks again for great video.
Glad it was helpful! Split shot can work well but the egg sinker and barrel swivel is definitely the easiest set-up in my opinion. Hopefully it helps get you on some fish and make it worth the drive!
I got to go try it out on Saturday. I caught 2 and landed 1. What a blast. I can't wait to go again!
@@brucemiller5306 that’s awesome man! Hope you get to head out again soon 💪
great vid
Thanks man!
THANKS ALOT / AMAZING tips CHEERS from Toronto ONTARIO CANADA Very helpful / Tight LINES
No problem! Hope the same tips work in Canada!
I see you like the Rock' too! Cheers man, I'll keep a eye out for your bright orange net on the river and we can get out sometime- trade go-to spots... You just have to show me yours first... haha
It’s a deal 😂 definitely say what’s up if you see me out there
I went today and didn’t catch any but this really helped
Glad you liked the video! I got skunked like the first 10 times out when I first started, so I’m just hoping this helps get people to that first fish or multi-fish day sooner. LMK when you do get a few using these tactics!
Ayyy Cleveland let’s go!
Go browns!
A trick: watch series at Flixzone. I've been using it for watching loads of movies recently.
@Dominick Drake yea, have been using flixzone} for years myself :)
@Dominick Drake definitely, been watching on Flixzone} for years myself =)
@Dominick Drake Definitely, have been using flixzone} for since november myself =)
I come back to your videos for my tips. Hope this season is fire like last year. Saw u out there filming a few times.
Bout that time 😎 bought a new redline. I'm fuckin excited
Hell yeah! Appreciate the comment, hope to see you out there soon. I’ve been looking at the redline too so you’ve gotta let me know how you like it
@@ReelRomanFishing so I just got it in the mail. It's fucking beautiful, I'll let you know what it fishes like. But it looks well worth the 200 dollars. And it's so light and balanced.
@@oxide_actual Love hearing that! Sounds like a nice upgrade to the Clarus I have my centerpin on now...
I am going to try for my first steel on Monday, this video was very helpful! Now I don't know to take my fly gear or spinning gear!
Hope it helps! People do start catching on fly gear a lot more in the spring but float set ups like this are a lot more common in the winter. Good luck out there!
@@ReelRomanFishing We are going to the Rocky River
Thank you
Good vid, I also add a bead between your float and weight. So many times you damage the bottom of the float by the weight bumping the bottom of the float, even during transporting your rod. An inexpensive bead can save the $4+ float??? Going to hit the Rockey this week Thursday and Friday. Tight lines Nate!🎣
Good call! I should add the bead above the sinker. I’ve definitely had a good number of floats get their paint damaged with this setup, especially when using the heavier egg sinkers. Good luck on The Rock, I’ll be out there soon!
Nice vid thanks for the info....I'm down in cincy been thinking of driving up and fishing for a few days.....are the fish still around late January?
Definitely! They'll be in the rivers all the way up until May, hope you get a chance to come up and catch a few!
My fish brain account is Colmfish and I’ve only caught one steelhead and that one was my first. I am always out on the water trying to catch one and it’s great to have tips from someone who fishes the same spots as me. Hopefully I can catch another one! Thank you.
Just followed you on Fishbrain! If you’ve ever got any questions, let me know. I’m not an expert by any means but I can usually find fish and would love to share any advice I can
@@ReelRomanFishing thank you!
I mostly fish walnut, elk, and the surrounding creeks. I learned to how to fish for them using straight 6lb fluoro and a split shot or two depending on the current. This is a good video though.
Lots of different ways to do it! Just meaning to demo one easy-to-learn approach here, but definitely appreciate the comment!
@@ReelRomanFishing absolutely. I know plenty of people who started with your setup. It works well.
Do you ever fish the black river? I live about 5 from the black and about 25-30 to the rocky river. You think the blacks stoked just as much?
How is trouct run in erie pa to fish is it good or mto to fish and deep of water is it good to fish when it clear or dirt
To properly balance a float you should try and incorporate a tapered split shot line on your mono/braid. This will help ensure your bait or jig is presented to the fish first. Otherwise the current will push your float ahead of the bait/jig which can cause issues and poor hookups. The technique is called “checking” your float
Definitely have been wanting to try this out more. I’ve used egg sinkers for the sheer simplicity sake but understand the value of the tapered shot line. Maybe I’ll make the switch soon!
If you're fishing a weighted jig as in the video I haven't found it to matter much as the lead jig won't be swinging in front of the float.
Do you or anyone else ever offer one on one training out on the river? I'm in Ohio and wanting to learn how to fish for steelhead.
Hey! Love this video! I went with a buddy to Vermillion last weekend and it was a slow bite day. Still had a blast. We had some eggs and tied them up and used them. Only had one bite. I really want to try your crappie jig technique... Do you feel that crappie jigs fish similar to the eggs as to the number of strikes? Also, do you recommend a time of day to try and fish? Thank you for your time!
Glad you liked the video! In my opinion tubes outfish eggs, as long as you’re giving them some “life” by twitching your float. I generally say the best bite is in the first hour after sunrise but also depends on conditions. For example if the water warms up a lot throughout the day you might get a really active afternoon bite. Hope that helps - good luck next time out!
@@ReelRomanFishing Thank you! Good stuff!
Do bobber stop work on braided main line too?
Now we just need some rain!!!!!
Can't come soon enough haha. Driving back towards CLE the second the water levels rise
Reel Roman Fishing I had a banger day after the last little rain we had. We need a flood lmao
The flood is here boys 😎
@@brickhouseelite7905 Hell yeah, finally! Can't wait to fish it once the water falls again
What’s the best color tubes to use
Steelhead can shake your hook easier with brade. Since mono stretches, you can maintain line tension on your steelie a lot easier. Good vid tho
I keep my drag set pretty low to counteract this and have never had problems losing line tension with braided line. But I can see how mono would have its benefits! Definitely would freeze less when it gets really cold
Blood line floating mono is *chef kiss* for float fishing
@@americanviking4601 Just started using thiat on my centerpin actually. Brand new to the pin but I do love that line so far
@@ReelRomanFishing I meant bloodrun but I think you got what I meant😂
Great vid! How long of a leader you using? Any general tips for starting depth on how far north of the swivel ur putting the float?
Thanks man! Usually around 3 feet of leader. Adjusting the depth above the swivel based on the river depth, trying to get as close to the bottom as possible. Hope that helps!
@@ReelRomanFishing , i was rolling around 18 inches, but will give the 3fter a try! Thank you 🙏
Heres a few more things to note for beginners. Theres a bunch of different shapes of floats. What hes got is a very good all purpose shape, but these specific shapes for specific conditions. For example the more acorn shaped floats are for faster water thats not as deep. Another one is split shot patterns. Not that what hes got going on with the egg sinker is necessarily wrong, but just like floats, current speed depth dictates the amount of weight and shot pattern. You want your bait to swing forward infront of the float while still being towards the bottom. This isnt to say you wont catch fish with the shot bunched up or with an egg sinker, theres times where that IS what you want (like the spot with that wall he was fishing. Its near me and pretty deep and slow so getting down quick is important and shot patterns wont change much) but there will be times where the difference between you catching fish or catching a lot is something as simple as this. I quit fishing for steelhead for years and when I stopped i was mostly fly fishing and was a kid, so two years after starting to float fish with spinning/ centerpin im still learning the how what and whens with stuff like shot patterns. ALWAYS try to learn more and try new things. I remember as a kid watchint someone catch fish after fish while the rest of us struggled. I asked him what he was using and it turned out to be a hares ear nymph despite him not using a fly rod. So dont be afraid to use flies with spinning and centerpin gear. I also suggest tying your own jigs and flies to get patterns you like and fish may not have seen. Be creative. Sorry for the novel and if i sound like a know it all because i assure you i dont
Hey reel roman fishing! Are 2" tubes necessary? I have 1.5" tubes right now.
Those will work fine! I still use 1.5 inch tubes a lot as well, especially in low / clear water
Got new subscribers
Exciting! Thanks for watching
Does this video apply to year round steelhead fishing? (Fall winter and spring)
These tactics do work year round! But it’s also worth mixing it up… had really good luck fishing beads in shallower riffles and faster waters in spring for example
Really nice video. In your opinion what time of the year is my best chance at hooking into a steelhead? Also do steelhead stay in the river from October to May?
Thanks! My favorite time of the year is early March but you nailed it... they’ll be in there for months and there are plenty to be caught throughout the season. October can be rough, as can late May, but Nov-April should always fish well here
@@ReelRomanFishing okay thanks for help.
I went fishing with my brother in Erie a good ten years ago and froze my butt off. I haven't been back since. He asked me to go again this coming Sunday with him and our cousin. I have used a 7' Mitchell 300 pro for a while now and caught some big bass with it. I'm assuming I should be fine with it for one day.
How big is your lead? Do you adjust your float much? I might try this setup. I definitely didn't have any luck last time.
Yes that setup can definitely work for one day! A longer rod is helpful for managing drifts, but you can definitely catch fish with a 7' rod too.
My leader is generally around 3ft long, usually 8lb fluorocarbon. I do adjust my float pretty frequently to make sure I'm getting my jig all the way down. The fish will usually be sitting within 6 inches of the bottom, so you want your jig to reach that depth too. I generally adjust until I notice my jig tapping the bottom, then adjust again to raise it up 6 inches. Hope that helps!
Hey! This was a super helpful video for a beginner like myself. You mention that you have a 36" leader in your rig. That seems really long for a cast/reel system. Do you ever have trouble with the leader getting fouled up?
Hey Tim! Glad it was helpful! I typically don't run into any problems with the leader since I still have a float higher up on the main line. I often have 5-6ft of line (including main line and leader) underneath my float, so sometimes it's a little harder to cast. But worth it to get down to the fish!
@@ReelRomanFishing Thanks very much, good sir!
I live in austintown Ohio I never been steel head fishing and my vacation is coming up and I want to go . Can you let me know where a very good place to go .. and also can you use like a regular trout set up . Like a split shot and meal worm or wax worm
They’ll still be in the Lake Erie tributaries for a couple more weeks! Stocked rivers like the Rocky river or chagrin river would be your best bet. People catch em on lots of different trout setups (spinners, crankbaits, worms, etc) but I would recommend a float fishing setup as your best odds. They’ll be in pretty shallow water this time of year too. Hope this helps a little!
@@ReelRomanFishing thank you it is much appreciated pretty excited
Do you know good spot in chagrin river ??? I am about to fish over there first time
Haven't fished the Chagrin but I recommend the app Fishbrain for spot research around here!
Go stuff man but I’d say go eat smaller with floats around those areas I barley use 8 grammers when the grand is ripping
I’ll be using some smaller ones in the lower water in spring! But do I like having the bigger float when fishing a deep pool. Maybe I’ll give some smaller ones a shot tho - appreciate the tip!
Do eggs work year-round or just during certain months of the year? Also, these tips are only for rivers flowing down from lake erie right? Do people actually catch steelhead in the actual lake?
Also could you name a few good rivers in northeast ohio? Im in the Chardon/Willoughby area, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks a lot for the tips going to start trout fishing this week
Yes eggs work year-round! I’ve started using them much more since I’ve filmed this. And yes these are tips for Lake Erie Tribs. People do catch steelhead in the lake casting spoons from shore or trolling from a boat too though. I’d say the chagrin river or grand river would be good bets for you based on where you’re located!
I usually superglue a pink feather on white tubes
That’s a super interesting idea… I might just have to try it out this year!
How long of a leader do you use? I have always used 18”-24”.
Depends on how clear the water is, but I’m probably more in the 24-36” range
I live in parma take me fishing please haha I go for walleye so im new to steelhead
What’s the size of the Marabou
Do you ever fish more East in the Grand River?
Mostly fishing west of Cleveland but I’d like to try fishing more out East this year!
When is peak season to catch them? I've just started looking into Steelhead fishing.
I think the fishing is usually best in spring (mid-March) but it’s really great from Nov - May in the Ohio tributaries. Always good amounts of fish in the rivers then. Feel free to comment any other questions you have!
@Reel Roman Fishing any recommendations on rivers or a particular section of river? Not looking for you to give away your secret spot or anything, just a general idea of where I should go. I live just outside of the Akron area (Copley/Fairlawn) but I'm willing to drive to wherever the best spots are.
@@arrondentinger2086 from there I would probably look at the Rocky river or the chagrin river. Both are stocked and get great runs of fish. For finding specific spots on those rivers, I usually recommend the Fishbrain app. If you start a free trial of the Pro version, you’ll be able to see the exact spots where hundreds of fish have been caught on both of those rivers. Hope that helps!
@@ReelRomanFishing thanks man, you've been very helpful. Much appreciated!
Do u use anything on the jig or fish it
I have occasionally tipped with maggots or waxworms, but haven't found that this is worth the effort usually. Some people swear by this tactic tho - hope that helps!
where is this loca???
Just trying to get into steelhead fishing can I use spinners or is that not the best way for steelhead...
You definitely can use spinners! In my experience those work better in early fall and late spring when the fish are more aggressive. In colder winter weather, float fishing is the only way I’ve had success
@@ReelRomanFishing ty ur videos are awesome
@@ReelRomanFishing a couple more questions if u dont mind. can u use regular floats just put them higher up. Or are the ones u r using going to get more fish. Also if u r not using braided line do u need a leader?..
@@jz6602 You could definitely use a regular float and catch fish, but a longer and thinner float is easier to read while it's drifting... For example, if that float starts leaning forward you'll be able to know that the jig is dragging the bottom behind it. So there are some advantages. Question 2... You wouldn't have to use a leader if you're not using braided line, but I'd still recommend it. Having the leader makes it easier to retie whenever you snag... otherwise you risk losing your float more often. Hope that helps!
@@ReelRomanFishing ty for ur help and videos
I am interested in starting steelhead fishing. What River is this? I am in Akron
From Akron, I would check out the Rocky River, Chagrin River, or the Grand River. All stocked by the ODNR. Hope that helps!
@@ReelRomanFishing I am in Stow
@@DougBerz all those rivers within a decent drive for you still! But you will need to come north closer to the lake to get on some steelhead
Dude you’re awesome definitely will be giving you a shout out on my youtube channel!
Appreciate it man! Good luck out there
Money is a little tight this year
Were u from 1rod1reel?
I wish😂 he’s got a great channel tho
@@ReelRomanFishing yeah for sure. You look like the same guy who was with him when he went to Cleveland for steelhead!
@@lukasevarts5350 I gotta find that video now lol
@@ReelRomanFishing Yeah😅
Great video
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it man