Northeast Ohio steelhead fishing

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According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio features world-class steelhead fishing opportunities, particularly in its northeastern region. This strain of rainbow trout is found in Lake Erie tributaries during its natural migration from the Great Lakes. Steelhead arrive in the rivers and streams during autumn and stick around until they finish spawning in spring, when many surviving steelhead return to Lake Erie and grow even larger. The Ohio DNR reports, as of 2010, the average mature steelhead length is 23 inches. As a highly popular region for steelhead fishing, Ohio has many professional steelhead fishing guides, ready to show visitors the best places, times and techniques to catch these four- to 11-pound fish.

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Although steelhead fishing trips typically take place during the "prime-time" months of November and December, Steelhead Alley Outfitters offers steelhead excursions throughout the year, guided by fly fishing professionals knowledgeable enough to understand steelhead hot spots during less popular seasons. Leading fishing trips on Lake Erie and its Ohio tributaries, the company offers full-day and multi-day fly fishing and spey fishing excursions along rivers such as the Grand, Vermilion, Conneaut, Rocky and Chagrin and several popular fishing streams. Fly fishing and spey fishing trips for the autumn steelhead run are offered September through December. December and January trips are for heavy winter steelhead. From March through May, fly fishing targets the spring steelhead run on boat float trips on the Grand River. In May and June, trips on Lake Erie beaches are for drop-back steelhead. Eight-hour trips include all flies and equipment. Rates are quoted upon inquiry by phone. Steelhead Alley Outfitters 7363 Crosscut Road Holland, OH 419-466-9382 steelheadalleyoutfitters.com

Chagrin River Outfitters

Since 2006, Chagrin River Outfitters has been operating a fly fish shop, fly fishing classes, casting instruction and guided fishing trips on the Chagrin River, as well as other nearby steelhead-laden waterways. Fishing guides are local licensed professionals, familiar with the best steelhead fishing spots, times and seasons. Guided steelhead fishing trips are offered from October 15 through December 15, and from March 1 through May 15. Specializing in Lake Erie steelhead, Chagrin offers full- and half-day trips for one or two anglers, and can accommodate groups with advance notice and deposit. Trips include all fishing gear and boots. An eight-hour trip for one angler is $295, and an eight-hour trip for two anglers is $350, as of May 2010. Chagrin River Outfitters 100 N. Main St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 440-247-7110 chagrinriveroutfitters.com