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Steelhead

Steelhead

Steelhead in Pennsylvania are rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that live in Lake Erie during summer and migrate into Pennsylvania's tributaries during fall, winter, and spring spawning runs.

These lake-run rainbows are derived from Pacific Northwest strains and are considered naturalized to the Great Lakes system.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Also known as lake-run rainbows, chromers

Physical Characteristics:
  • Pennsylvania steelhead typically range from 3-8 pounds, with average adults weighing 6-11 pounds and measuring around 24 inches, though trophy fish can exceed 10 pounds and 30 inches.
  • The current state record is 20 pounds.
  • These silver 'chromers' are distinguished from resident rainbow trout by their larger size, longer lifespan (up to 8 years), and more metallic coloration.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Steelhead inhabit all 13 Pennsylvania tributaries of Lake Erie, concentrated in Erie County.
  • They live in Lake Erie during summer and migrate into Pennsylvania's tributaries during fall, winter, and spring.

Key Locations

  • Elk Creek (Legion Hole, Conrail Tubes), Walnut Creek (Manchester Hole), Twenty Mile Creek, Sixteen Mile Creek, and Crooked Creek.
  • Access points at Route 5, Route 20, and various bridge crossings.

Specific Spots

  • Target pools, runs, deeper water, and areas with cover.
  • In fall, target faster water, necks, and chutes.
  • In winter, fish deeper pools and tailouts.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spoons, spinners, banana baits like Yakima Mag Lip and Luhr Jensen Kwikfish, spawn sacs (salmon/steelhead e.g.gs), single e.g.gs, plastic worms (especially pink), beads (8mm in natural colors), minnows, and nightcrawlers.

What flies work for Steelhead in Pennsylvania?

Woolly Buggers, e.g.g patterns like Glo-Bugs and McFly Foam, Sucker Spawn, nymphs including Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, stoneflies, White Death streamer, Mop flies, Blowtorch nymphs, and various e.g.g imitations in subtle and fluorescent colors.

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

Pennsylvania steelhead fishing runs from September through May, with peak periods in November and March-April. Fall fishing begins when water temperatures drop below 60°F. Winter fishing occurs when water temperatures are 32-45°F. Spring fishing peaks in March-April as fish stage for spawning runs.

How do you catch Steelhead in Pennsylvania?

Target faster water, necks, and chutes in fall. Winter fishing requires slower presentations with steelhead holding in deeper pools and tailouts. Best fishing occurs during rising or falling water after rain events.

What do Steelhead eat?

Pennsylvania steelhead feed on a diverse diet including rainbow smelt, emerald shiners, round gobies, chironomid pupae, hydropsychid caddisfly larvae, baetid mayfly nymphs, zooplankton (primarily daphniids), and various aquatic insects.

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