Species/Seasons Breakdown

So you're looking at coming on a guided trip with our crew... but when's the best time to go? Well, there's lots of variables that can affect that answer from your skill level to what species you want fish and even what techniques you want to use to target those species. Here we'll breakdown our fishery month by month and explain what types of species and techniques are available. Some times of year are suitable for all skill levels and some may be more suited for the intermediate to advanced angler. Our goal is to provide with a memorable experience you'll never forget!

January

Species: Northern Pike, Lake Erie Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

Techniques: Northern Pike: In most situations we'll fish larger (7-9in) articulated streams on deeper sinking lines. Fish will congregate in larger very slow pools. Trips will be run out of rafts.

Steelhead: Pending the deep freeze of winter has not set in yet on our Lake Erie trips, standard two fly indicator rigs will be most effective along with swinging and stripping streamers and sinking lines and two handed rods. Depending on water conditions, trips will be run out of rafts or on foot walk wading.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

Skill Level: Northern Pike: Intermediate to Advanced-Pike fishing at all times of year in our area is considered more for the intermediate to advanced angler. This time of year can produce some of our largest fish as they pack on calories to get ready to spawn in late February- early March. Pike fishing is not a numbers game especially this time of year so keeping your head in the game the whole day is key to success!

Steelhead: All Skill Levels-While this is not considered "primetime" for this species, it's a great time to avoid crowded rivers. Very easy for all skill levels to pick up the techniques required for success this time of year. Roll casting and mending techniques are very easy for everyone to master. Swinging and stripping streamers won't typically produce as many fish as the standard indicator rigs but can be a fun change of pace.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

February

Species: Northern Pike, Lake Erie Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

Techniques: Northern Pike: In most situations we'll fish larger (7-9in) articulated streams on deeper sinking lines. Fish will congregate in larger very slow pools. Trips will be run out of rafts.

Steelhead: Pending the deep freeze of winter has not set in yet, standard two fly indicator rigs will be most effective along with swinging and stripping streamers and sinking lines and two handed rods. Depending on water conditions, trips will be run out of rafts or on foot walk wading.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

Skill Level: Northern Pike: Intermediate to Advanced-Pike fishing at all times of year in our area is considered more for the intermediate to advanced angler. This time of year can produce some of our largest fish as they pack on calories to get ready to spawn in late February- early March. Pike fishing is not a numbers game especially this time of year so keeping your head in the game the whole day is key to success!

Steelhead: All Skill Levels-While this is not considered "primetime" for this species, it's a great time to avoid crowded rivers. It's also very easy for all skill levels to pick up the techniques required for success this time of year. Roll casting and mending techniques are very easy for everyone to master. Swinging and stripping streamers won't typically produce as many fish as the standard indicator rigs but can be a fun change of pace.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

March

Species: Lake Erie Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

Techniques: Steelhead: All techniques are in play this time of year with standard two fly indicator rigs will be most effective along with swinging and stripping streamers and sinking lines and two handed rods. Depending on water conditions, trips will be run out of rafts or on foot walk wading.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

Skill Level: Steelhead: All Skill Levels-This is peak season for our lake run Steelhead! Great time of year for anglers of all ages and skill levels to have success. Roll casting and mending techniques are very easy for everyone to master. Swinging and stripping streamers won't typically produce as many fish as the standard indicator rigs but can be a fun change of pace.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

April

Species: Lake Erie Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, River Smallmouth Bass

Techniques: Steelhead: All techniques are in play this time of year with standard two fly indicator rigs will be most effective along with swinging and stripping streamers and sinking lines and two handed rods. Depending on water conditions, trips will be run out of rafts or on foot walk wading.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

Skill Level: Steelhead: All Skill Levels-This is peak season for our lake run Steelhead! Great time of year for anglers of all ages and skill levels to have success. Roll casting and mending techniques are very easy for everyone to master. Swinging and stripping streamers won't typically produce as many fish as the standard indicator rigs but can be a fun change of pace.

Brown and Rainbow Trout:

May

Species: Northern Pike, River and Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout

Techniques: Northern Pike:

River Smallmouth:

Erie Smallmouth: Bass are in prespawn mode and the baitfish binge is on in Lake Erie. We use intermediate sinking lines to keep 4-6 inch streamers a foot under the surface along rock reefs and island points where bass can swim straight up to ambush. We are fishing in less than 10 feet right along shore. This month regularly produces the largest smallmouth of the year.

Brown trout:

Skill Level:

June

Species: Brown Trout, River and Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass, Lake Erie and Inland River and Lake Carp, Northern Pike, Lake Erie Freshwater Drum

Techniques: Northern Pike:

River Smallmouth:

Erie Smallmouth: Bass are in prespawn mode and the baitfish binge is on in Lake Erie. We use intermediate sinking lines to keep 4-6 inch streamers a foot under the surface along rock reefs and island points where bass can swim straight up to ambush. We are fishing in less than 10 feet right along shore. This month regularly produces the largest smallmouth of the year.

Brown trout:

Skill Level: