Set aside the casting, the rigging, and even the fly patterns. When swinging a fly for steelhead in the Great Lakes region, enjoyment and success often boils down to finding the right water. This typically involves some strategy or even a detailed plan in order to fish water that provides a good opportunity to hook a steelhead. The concept of rotating a pool is gaining popularity in the Great Lakes and provides a viable option when sharing the water with other anglers. But finding solitude and the ability to show your fly to steelhead that have not been unduly harassed by other anglers often requires thinking outside the box.
The ease in finding open water varies by the season. The prime months of October and November tend to see the highest level of angler traffic on many of the region’s rivers. This is also true for late March and April on rivers relying mainly on the migration of spring fish for the bulk of their run. Finding water is often the result of a contrarian mindset – fish where others aren’t. It’s a fairly simple concept that can be quite complex in its deployment. Finding some peace on a river is often a reward in itself.
In the height of the season I never shy away from using my feet to gain separation from the popular pools. While a brisk hike has certain health benefits, that pool around the next bend is often a bit too far for many anglers, leaving it to only those willing to put in the effort. I search out pools that are the furthest points from known access areas. Sometimes the intensity of the hike is as restrictive to other anglers as the length. I’m sure as I get older the day will come when a long hike with a backpack full of camera equipment will not be too inviting. But until that day, I accept the challenge of endurance as part of the true spirit of steelhead fishing.
A drift boat, raft or other type of personal water craft can provide the perfect vehicle for escaping the crowds. This provides an adventuresome approach to some of the region’s larger or more remote rivers. Using a water craft to traverse riffles, pools and even some white water maintains a certain connection to the water during a day’s steelhead outing and can place one in areas that can’t readily be reached on foot.