Tactics

The only naturally reproducing Rainbow Trout in the midwest are the famous steelhead of the Great Lakes. Steelhead are rainbow trout that migrate from an ocean or huge lake into a river to spawn, like a salmon. The young steelhead live in the river just like a stream trout. After two years or sometimes more of stream life, they begin their downriver journey to the big lake. At this time, increased activity of the thyroid gland makes the fish lose their rainbow-like markings and they develop a silvery sheen. They’re now technically smolts, undergoing the same changes as small salmon. Steelhead then go on to spend several months and up to four years out in Lake Superior groging on herring, smelt, and other fishes before returning to the stream of their birth to spawn. Some fish come up the rivers in spring and others in the fall. Unlike most salmon they can return to the lake to recuperate and spawn again. Steelhead grow darker the longer they’re in the river: the really silver fish tend to be fresh-run, just in from the lake. And it’s those that fight with the most bewildering speed, cunning and tenacity. Navigating the flooded springtime waters of the prime steelhead rivers is dangerous, and getting them to strike is no picnic either. But once you latch onto one, it's like a bolt of lightning has been unleashed on the river. They taste good too.