Trout Run Lake Erie
Some things in life are more unique than others. Steelhead fishing at the mouth of Trout Run on Lake Erie is one of those unique things.
I had a chance to experience the insanity of this world class fishery this past weekend and I can’t stop thinking about it. I was mainly skeptical about fishing at Trout Run because of the crowds. My favorite way to spend some time on the water is being armed with a fly rod in a bucolic setting and pursuing game fish. Standing just feet away from fellow anglers on either side and with another 50 to my left and another 50 to my right is the exact opposite of my ideal fishing situation. But when the steelhead are running and you are right there, and fish are swirling at your feet, and the guy next to you yells “Fish on!” and you suddenly have a hook up and see a 10-pound fish soaring through the air you’ll understand.
Trout Run is a nursery water and fishing in the creek is prohibited. The Fish and Boat Commission maintains a nursery upstream on Trout Run, where it raises and milks steelhead. These fingerlings are released at Trout Run and then instinctively return to Trout Run after swimming in the lake for a few years. The below photo shows the fish trying to get upstream. The fish congregate at the mouth in huge numbers as do fishermen.
Experiencing this type of combat fishing with friends was truly enjoyable. There is a certain amount of etiquette relating to nudging your way into the line but again, that’s part of the experience. Everyone is there to have fun and catch fish. I highly recommend it.