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Steelhead

Steelhead

Steelhead in New York are migratory rainbow trout that are not native to the state but are now considered naturalized.

They have been stocked in Lake Erie since the late 1800s and are sustained primarily through annual stocking programs, though some natural reproduction occurs in tributaries.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are significantly larger and more powerful than resident rainbow trout, with some reaching 30+ inches and 15-20+ pounds.
  • They achieve full maturity by age 3, with mean lengths of 413mm at age 1 to 732mm at age 5.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • New York stocks 255,000 Washington strain yearlings annually in Lake Erie tributaries and 550,000 in Lake Ontario tributaries.
  • Two strains are present: Washington steelhead (winter-run) and Skamania steelhead (summer-run, found only in Salmon River and Cattaraugus Creek).

Key Locations

  • Top tributaries include Chautauqua Creek (highest catch rates at 1.2 fish/hour), Cattaraugus Creek, Salmon River, Niagara River, Eighteen Mile Creek, and Canadaway Creek.

Specific Spots

  • Fish holding areas like current seams, above/below structure, pool heads and tails, and deeper pools in winter.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Steelhead in New York?

For bait fishing, use salmon e.g.g sacs in blue mesh (very effective), earthworms, artificial e.g.gs, beads, and small plastic worms. Natural baits work best in winter's slow water.

What flies work for Steelhead in New York?

Effective flies include Nuke Egg flies in cheese yellow/pink/peach/orange/chartreuse, Copper John nymphs, Egg Sucking Leeches, Woolly Buggers, and Crystal Buggers in sizes 6-12.

When is the best time to fish for Steelhead in New York?

Steelhead fishing in New York runs from mid-September through mid-May. Winter fishing continues through February in deeper pools, while spring offers excellent opportunities from March through May with fresh runs, spawning fish (avoid targeting these), and post-spawn dropback fish that are actively feeding.

How do you catch Steelhead in New York?

Use drift fishing, float fishing, or fly fishing techniques with proper bottom presentation. Spring dropback steelhead heading back to lakes provide aggressive feeding opportunities through mid-May.

What do Steelhead eat?

In Lake Erie, steelhead feed primarily on rainbow smelt, emerald shiners, round gobies, and invertebrates including the invasive spiny water flea Bythotrephes longimanus. Adult steelhead do not actively feed once in fresh water, relying on energy stores from lake feeding.

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