Species / Steelhead / New York
Trout & Salmon
Steelhead Fishing in New York
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.
Best Months: Oct to Apr
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Steelhead
6 picks for October.
Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Indicator rig.
Shop This FlyIntruder 2 to 4 in
FlyStreamer · Swung on a spey rod.
Shop This FlyEgg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner
Shop This LureCured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
BaitNatural Bait · Where bait is legal.
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Rod & Reel
Steelhead Setup
Steelhead
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.
New York
Where to Catch Steelhead
New York
Shops to Stock Up
Allprotacklebox.com
Lindenhurst, New York
at Gas Dock, behind Bay Vue Restaurant, 842 S Wellwood Ave
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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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line
Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Steelhead Fly Assortment
Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.
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