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Steelhead

Steelhead

Steelhead in Ohio are actually lake-run rainbow trout that exhibit migratory behavior similar to their Pacific coast counterparts. Ohio's steelhead were first introduced in the 1880s from California's McCloud River, though early stockings failed.

The modern program began in 1975, with Ohio now annually stocking over 400,000 yearling steelhead from Little Manistee River strain into Lake Erie tributaries.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Also known as lake-run rainbow trout

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish average 6-8 inches when stocked in spring.
  • After one summer they average 16 inches, after two summers 23 inches (4-5 pounds), and after three summers 25 inches (6-7 pounds).
  • Some exceptional fish can exceed 30 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Ohio steelhead primarily inhabit the Central Basin of Lake Erie at depths of 40-60 feet in summer, moving shallower during spring and fall.
  • Only 24 watersheds show documented natural reproduction.

Key Locations

  • Grand River, Chagrin River, Rocky River, Vermilion River, Conneaut Creek, and Ashtabula River.

Specific Spots

  • fast water like pool heads and runs (45-50°F), moderate pools (38-45°F), deep, slow pools and shale ledges (32-37°F), tributary mouths.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Steelhead in Ohio?

egg sacks in pink/peach/orange/chartreuse, 3-inch plastic worms, steelhead jigs, and trout beads.

What flies work for Steelhead in Ohio?

egg flies (Glo Bug, Blood Dot, Estaz Egg) in sizes 8-12, nymphs like Pheasant Tail and Prince Nymph in sizes 8-14, worm patterns (San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy) 3-4 inches, and streamers like Woolly Bugger and White Death.

When is the best time to fish for Steelhead in Ohio?

Ohio's steelhead season runs year-round with peak fishing October-November and March-April.

How do you catch Steelhead in Ohio?

Float fishing with centerpin or spinning reels is most effective, along with fly fishing.

What do Steelhead eat?

Their diet consists mainly of emerald shiners, rainbow smelt, round gobies, juvenile yellow perch, and invertebrates including the spiny water flea Bythotrephes longimanus.

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Ohio licenses and regulations

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