Our main man, Jeff Liskay, is back on the podcast, and he’s going to take a deep dive into how to build a roadmap to success when chasing Great Lakes steelhead.
We cover all things Great Lakes from gear, fly, big water, and of course, swinging flies. We also hear a classic Elk Creek story from the Great Lakes Dude. Don’t miss out on this one.
Roadmap to Great Lakes Steelhead
Great Lakes Steelhead Show Notes with Jeff Liskay
00:39 – We start the episode with a story of Jeff’s first trip to Elk Creek in Pennsylvania in 1982.
05:00 – Jeff shares his insights on how to build a roadmap to success when chasing Great Lakes steelhead and salmon.
06:00 – Each river has its signature and personality that you need to understand, from the flows to the run, timing, and everything in between. There are a lot of different factors before you even wet your fly. The first thing is that you have to understand and make a mindset of what’s a realistic catch rate.
09:42 – There are two distinct stream characters in the Great Lakes.
12:14 – Success starts before you leave the house. Your job is to put together a game plan way before your trip. The most successful anglers are the ones who can adjust the quickest during the day.
15:12 – Clarity is going to be a big part too. Michigan streams generally stay fairly clear. But Wisconsin streams, Ohio streams, and some New York streams, they can get fairly turbid.
18:16 – You have to make a report card for each river before deciding to fish one.https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeXdWVyjq3D/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwetflyswing.com&rp=%2Fgreat-lakes-dude-2-with-jeff-liskay-a-roadmap-to-great-lakes-steelhead-fishing%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A5519.299999982119%2C%22ls%22%3A1818.699999988079%2C%22le%22%3A5407%7D
20:15 – The tributaries are going to be your go-to during super high water events. They warm quicker in the spring, so the fish will gravitate to them. They also cool quicker in the fall time, so a lot of times, there’s not enough water for the fish to go up them in the fall.
20:56 – Water temperatures are very key. But water temperature is in relationship to the other rivers that are surrounding the river you plan on fishing.
22:57 – The hardest thing to overcome is the competition with fellow anglers. Jeff’s tip is to fish areas with fewer anglers.
Jeff’s Rule of Three
- Execute your plan.
- Evaluate it.
- Adjust if it doesn’t work.
35: 14 – Get yourself a map, find the tributaries, and divide the whole river into three sections. Always start in the lowest section possible.
42:49 – Take breaks and observe the water you are fishing. The stream always gives up its secret if you look upstream.
47:10 – If you have a question, send them over to Dave at [email protected] or Jeff.
You can find Jeff on Instagram @greatlakesdude
Facebook Jeff Liskay
Visit his website at Great Lakes Fly Fishing
