Erie steelheaders use a wide array flies in their pursuit of this most worthy game fish. One can classify them broadly in the same way trout angler’s classify flies. In general the Erie steelheader carries a variety of streamers, egg patterns, and nymphs.

Steelhead feed heavily on schools of shad, smelt and other fish in the summer months. And when they first enter the river they have fish on their brains. Streamer patterns are the thing to start off with, when steelhead are first stacking up to make their run. Primary patterns used are the Woolly Bugger, Mickey Finn, Muddler Minnows and other streamer patterns. Dead drifted or swung they are deadly in the early months.

Steelhead consume lots of eggs in their lifetime. Especially in the winter, when suckers move up the rivers to spawn. The most popular egg pattern is the Sucker Spawn, with the Crystal Meth a close second. Egg patterns are generally bounced along the bottom. And are a good choice all winter long into March.

The last class of patterns fished for Erie steelhead is the basic nymph and beadhead nymphs. Like trout, steelhead consume lots of nymphs in their lifetime. The same nymphs that are popular for trout fishing are used in Steelhead Alley. With Hare’s Ear, Prince, caddis larva and stonefly imitations being the most popular. Buggy nymphs seem to work best, and although bug life is fairly dormant in the winter these are never a bad choice.

Some classic steelhead patterns from the Northwest are used as well, including the Green Butt Skunk. And in murky waters the Popsicle is popular along with other bright streamers.

After reaching the water, use some of the same techniques discussed on out other steelhead articles, clearer water go smaller and more subtle colors, high, murky water go brighter and larger. All flies mentioned in this articles are available at http://www.bigyflyco.com.

About The Author

Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company – http://www.bigyflyco.com. He can be reached at info@bigyflyco.com.

So, don’t just throw your shark on ice at the dock like you would other fish. Instead, follow these tips for cleaning your shark: After gutting, dunk the shark in water to wash out as much blood as possible. Put the shark on ice. At the dock, cut the shark’s head all the way around and make a cut from the head to the tail on both the top and bottom sides.

Using a pair of pliers in one hand and holding the head and tail in the other, skin the shark. Then cut the head and tail off, remove the underlying layer of dark meat, and cut the shark into filets. Wash thoroughly and package the shark for freezing or cooking as you would any other fish.To further neutralize any residual ammonia, presoak the shark filets in an acidic solution such as lemon juice before cooking or freezing. For shark fishing pictures and articles visit Fishing Recreation fishing community.