Gear & Tackle

Trout & Salmon

Steelhead Fishing in Minnesota

Migratory rainbow trout that run up coastal rivers from the ocean, and up Great Lakes tributaries from the lakes, to spawn. Winter runs make steelhead a cold-weather obsession.

Waters
1
State
Minnesota
Water
Freshwater
Methods
Fly, Spin & Bait

Peak Months in Minnesota: Oct to Jun

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Highlighted months are the best fishing. Most fish are in the water year-round; other months are slower.

Steelhead
Image: USFWS · Public domain

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Minnesota fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Steelhead

Month

6 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Steelhead Setup

Fly

11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.

Spin / Cast

8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.

Minnesota

Where to Catch Steelhead

1 of 1 waters

Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota

Lake Superior (Duluth)

Lake Superior along the shore from Duluth toward Two Harbors, with lake trout, coho, and Chinook in summer and shore casting for steelhead and browns in the cold months.

Lake Trout · Coho Salmon · Chinook Salmon

Minnesota

Shops to Stock Up

Recommended

Gear for Steelhead

Fly Rods

Echo Spey Rod

A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line

Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Wading Boots

Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.

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Flies

Steelhead Fly Assortment

Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.

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Steelhead Fishing by State

Michigan (6)Oregon (5)California (4)Ohio (3)Idaho (2)Alaska (2)Washington (2)New York (2)Indiana (2)Pennsylvania (1)Minnesota (1)Wisconsin (1)