Top 3 Steelhead Flies

While fish might be in the streams, the years steelhead season is still in its infancy. Trips north to the "tribs" might be a bit premature, but that doesn't mean these fish aren't constantly on the brain. With that in mind, we decided to share our top three go to  flies for Pennsylvania and Ohio chrome!

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3.) CDC Pheasant Tail 
This is a deadly pattern that also appeared on our previous blog about the Top 10 Trout Flies for Pennsylvania. While the steelhead key in on egg patterns with a focused tenacity, they soon realize that the PA and OH streams are largely devoid of salmon, and thus the salmon eggs they would feed on. That's where the CDC Pheasant Tail comes in! This attractor nymph can imitate a number of bugs and the CDC adds some extra panache to make the fish go wild. 

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2.) Orange Flashtail Mini-Egg
This fly is particularly effective during low water conditions that persist during much of the steelhead season. It isn't super flashy (despite the name) especially by steelhead fly standards, but it consistently produces fish throughout the year. Once fish have been pressured a bit, this flies low profile and discreet nature make  it highly productive!

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1.) Pink Sucker Spawn
This pattern I tie on at the truck with confidence and leave on for most of the day. In fact, most times a go to starting rig will be the orange single egg trailing the pink sucker spawn. Anglers swear by certain colors on the Erie tribs, and for me that color is pink. The pink sucker spawn is especially deadly come spring when suckers run into the streams to spawn, hence the name of this productive pattern!

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