New York

Lake Erie tributaries

Much like their famed cousin the wild Atlantic salmon, steelheads are anatropous fish. They can be found in the tributaries of the Great Lakes, though they are not native to those waters. They were deliberately introduced to the area in the late 1800s from their native waters along the North American West Coast. These silver-sided fish can be caught year round, and unlike their cousins in the Pacific, they do not die after spawning. Steelheads are actually sea-run rainbow trout, but they are far more formidable than a simple trout and can grow to adult sizes in lakes or oceans to over 30 pounds. They are arguably the most thrilling freshwater fish you can catch on a fly rod. If you are fortunate enough to fool one into striking your fly, don't be surprised when a silver bullet peels line off your reel, taking breathtaking leaps as a prelude to an unforgettable fight. Chromers will test your skills as well as your mettle.

A steelhead fresh from the lake

Arthur Coia fighting a fish with the spey rod