Minnesota Steelheader

2008-08-09T00:24:00.004-05:00

Greetings steelheaders!

It's been a crazy fishless year for myself but I hope to rectify that fact soon. First a little Spring wrap-up. Here's what the steelhead and Kamloops capture rates looked like for the combined traps.

Note the strong temperature/run component in the numbers. We actually had pretty decent flow this Spring, but the temps were up and down around that magic 40 degree mark which made for some tough fly-fishing.

I spent just over 2 days chasing steelhead without much to show for it this spring, but I did get to scout some water in a little more detail. And speaking of scouting... The Fall runs are just around the corner, and there is no better way to learn new water than to get out there after our most diminutive salmon species: The Pinks

Whether scouting new water, or simply getting to know more familiar waters better, keeping track of where you see pinks congregating will help you find steelhead in the Spring since they like the same type of water and for the same reasons. There's no better way to spend a Fall day than tying into feisty fish while increasing your stream knowledge. Who knows, you might just find a chinook, coho or even coaster as a bonus.

Look for Pinks to start staging off Upper Shore river mouths within the next few weeks, and runs to begin after rains in the second week of September give or take. And speaking of scouting, another great tool is available to North Shore steelheaders:

Environmental Data Access from the MPCA

Simply zoom in on the North Shore and look for the "Biological Station" icon. From there select "View Data" and click on the station. A wealth of information will appear from watershed size to bottom substrate, fish species present, sizes, densities and listings of insect species. One very useful tool for scouting streams.

Regards-

NMF

FISHING REPORT: 5-2-08

2008-05-02T13:21:00.003-05:00

Report courtesy of our friends at the MN DNR

Water temperatures in the Duluth Area (Lower Shore) ranged between 37 and 44 degrees this past week.

Water temperatures in the Finland Area (Middle Shore) ranged between 35 and 40 degrees, while water temperatures in the Grand Marais Area (Upper Shore) ranged between 36 and 40 degrees.

Water temperatures are warmer at the Duluth end of the lake, resulting in more rainbow trout being caught there. Anglers interviewed by the lower shore creel clerk caught a total of 46 steelhead and 5 Kamloops. The lower shore creel takes place on the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers.

Anglers interviewed by the middle shore creel clerk caught 3 steelhead and 0 Kamloops. The middle shore creel takes place on the Stewart, Silver, Gooseberry, Split Rock, Beaver, and Baptism rivers.

Anglers interviewed by the upper shore creel clerk caught 5 steelhead and 0 Kamloops. The upper shore creel takes place on the Cross, Temperance, Poplar, Cascade, Devil Track, Kadunce, Brule rivers.

Streams continue to run high, but are running clearer as of 5/2. Most North Shore watersheds received several inches of precipitation on 4/24 and 4/25. Rain is expected on 5/2 and 5/3, which should add some color to the water again. We expect numbers in the run to increase in the middle part of the shore this week as air and water temperatures increase.

As of 5/2/08, the Knife River fish trap has sampled 162 unclipped steelhead, 198 clipped steelhead, and 17 Kamloops, while the French River fish trap has sampled 44 unclipped steelhead, 6 clipped steelhead and 230 Kamloops strain rainbow trout. Very few ripe female steelhead have been sampled with the Knife River trap (>90% green), indicating, the run is still in its early stages on most streams due to low water temperatures.

this report is courtesy of the MN DNR

Filming with cable show

2008-04-24T10:46:00.017-05:00

Wednesday of this week a couple of the Staff here got the chance to film a steelhead outing with the Host of "Cook What You Catch" - Randy Meier.

Those of you who are from the Twin Cities remember Randy Meier as a news anchor from KSTP and more recently, on the national level, at the MSNBC anchor position.

A few weeks ago we were invited by Wall to Wall Media to help out with the show. The crew needed some help on finding good water and also a woman to challenge Randy... see the link to find out why.

We teamed Randy up with fellow MN Steelheader staffer Paula Elert. With a few TV shows under her belt and plenty of fish she was a perfect match. Paula was eager to show Randy how to catch steelhead and a few loopers for the frying pan. " Bring it on Randy!"

Unfortunately for all, no fish were to be caught on film. The steelhead staff did however manages to locate one willing 25" Rainbow on a Tuesday scouting the high muddy waters after the 2" down pour on Monday night. Though Wednesday was a beautiful 64+ day, the rivers were just not willing to give up any fish. After visiting with conservation officers, and countless of streamside anglers we could not find a single person who had either seen or caught fish... perfect conditions - no fish.

Pictured from left to right: MN Steelheader staffer - Paula Elert; Mn Steelheader Director - Davin Brandt; Host - Randy Meier; Cameraman - Aaron Goodyear

Check us out on: the Sportsman Channel week of May 19th

Fishing Report - 4-23-08

2008-04-23T22:02:00.002-05:00

The Big Rain Monday night really brought the rivers up - way up. With the rivers very dirty and high it seemed that fishing would be good by today. Not the case. A couple of the MinnesotaSteelheader.com staff ventured North and fished hard Tuesday and today. We caught one nice looper Tuesday and that was it. This was the only fish that we had seen caught.

Today (Wednesday) the rivers started clearing up and were totally fishable. The conditions and weather were great. the only problem....no fish. We fished a couple of rivers today with zero success. Not a single angler we spoke to or saw had caught fish. This is 40+ anglers! Note too that we are only reporting from the Baptism south.

Our take: With rains expected Thursday and Friday we estimate the next couple of days fishing should start improving. For the weekend angler, this could be the weekend...assuming the fish and weather cooperate.

Tight lines to all.

FISHING REPORT: 4-21-08

2008-04-21T13:08:00.003-05:00

" Fly fishing has it's challenges along the Northshore, with cooler winds prevailing along the lake conditions have cooled down quiet a bit. Water temps are hovering around the upper 30's and this makes fly fishing a little slower.

Egg patterns are still the main course until bugs become a favorite when temps climb a bit. Water conditions are perfect other then the temps. You will find fish in deep slots and large pools. Use an indicator to detect light hits and lots of split. If conditions allow, swing a stone along shallower areas. Fly fish hard and cover lots of water.
Cheers. John - Great lakes Fly Company"

Stream Report 4-18-08

2008-04-18T09:30:00.002-05:00

As of Yesterday afternoon most rivers were high and muddy lots of run off.... We will add more info as it come in.

Tight lines to all this weekend.

Visitor Note & Picture

2008-04-17T16:37:00.002-05:00

Big Thanks Guys!

Just wanted to say thanks for such a great website, I've turned to it may times in the past year or two.

You have a great bunch of articles and info. They have been a great help to me in young steelheading career.

Attached is a fish I caugth on a mid-shore river in '07. About 30inches, by far my biggest!

Thanks again, have a great spring!

Ben - Woodbury, MN

FISHING REPORT: 4-14-08

2008-04-15T10:16:00.008-05:00

It is time to fish...

The North Shore rivers are finally starting to shed some ice, and this warm spell that is expected should help the rivers continue to open up.

Reports of fish in rivers near Duluth have been increasing over the last few days, but many rivers are still very cold and the fish aren't terribly active. With the possibility of rain this week, we may see some high unfishable rivers for a day or two. The plus side is the rain should help clear out the snow and ice, allowing the rivers to warm up and start taking bigger runs of fish.

Egg patterns are a standard producer on the shore, but bugs will take fish as well- especially when the rivers are running high and dirty. Don’t be afraid to open up your fly box a bit. Oh, and if you are not sure on what flies to use, visit our fly book page. If you are not into tying your own flies or just don’t have the time, visit our friend at Great Lakes Fly Company right in Duluth. These guys will set you up with some nice patterns and give you a little fishing advice as well.

Tight Lines...

FISIHNG REPORT 4/10/08

2008-04-10T15:56:00.007-05:00

The Northshore is fly fishable!

Plenty of muddly water, with some of the rivers near Duluth free of ice. Lots of crowds too. This will be the case until the rivers farther up the shore become fishable allowing anglers to disbuse.

Egg patterns will be the main stay until the water becomes clearer and lower. Hit the deep holes and seams closer to the banks of the rivers. Water temps are in the upper 30's.

Tight lines to all....

report courtesy of our boys at Great Lakes Fly Co.

Niskanen column on Steelhead

2008-04-09T20:44:00.006-05:00

Saint Paul Pioneer Press outdoor writer, Chris Niskanen, has writen a nice column in today Pioneer Press. You can view the article here. Below is a blurb from the artical:

Spring is running late on the North Shore, and anglers are still waiting for wild steelhead to move en masse into the rivers. "As soon as we get some warm weather, things will start loosening up,'' Schreiner said. "They don't really run up streams until temperatures are in the 40s, and we're still a week from that."

Check back soon for updated fishing & stream reports...

Additional Flow & Temperature Resources for North Shore Steelheaders

2008-03-28T12:16:00.004-05:00

Here is a great additional resource for keeping tabs on North Shore steelheading conditions:

Duluth Streams.org

Not only can you get an indication for what is happening with regards to flow, but you can also get critical temperature & precipitation data.

Simply click on the Real-Time Data & Water Chemistry links to load the current year's data. You can select from any of the parameters displayed & even change the temperature data back & forth from Celsius to Farenheight with a color display in the background. This is a wonderful tool for getting flow, temperature & precipitation data for tribs near or on steelheading hotspots.

Currently only the Tischer Creek data-collection sonde is back in the water, but the other sondes will be coming on-line soon.

Regards & Good Fishing
NMF

04.03.2008 Update-
There is a DNR/MPCA cooperative stream monitoring program that just became available:

Arrowhead Brule Gage

Click on the link to obtain discharge information for this tributary. What is really helpful is that you can use this link to obtain a picture of what's occuring with regards to flow on the upper-shore. You'll now be able to infer flow on tribs like Kadunce, Devil Track & a few others using this link. Keep in mind however that you won't be able to view current conditions until after the ice goes out which should be sometime in the next two weeks.

Fishing Report - 3/24/08

2008-03-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

The Northshore is froze up on all popular rivers. Lots of ice and snow. You can get into a few open areas when the ice flows out and they have been hooking a few fish out in the lake. This is a hit and miss chance, but is worth it if you take the time. Report Courtesy: Great Lakes Fly Company

FLY REVIEW - Super Fly!

2008-03-15T20:29:00.005-05:00

"The Superior X-Leg is the one fly I have to have when fishing Lake Superior river mouths for loopers and steelhead from early spring to summer. I have found this fly to work very well during the latter part of the steelhead run in the spring on the North Shore streams. I like to use the beadhead x-legs when fishing the Brule for fall run steelhead and Browns. Friends of mine have had success with the x-legs in far away waters such as New Zealand. This fly is a proven winner!!! "

Len Anderson - North Shore Steelhead Guide.

That Versatile Yarn

2008-03-01T09:24:00.002-06:00

If you don't use yarn, you should! Yarn is a simple presentation that can represent anything from a single egg, to egg clusters drifting downstream from a redd. Steelhead feed heavily on eggs during the Spring run, & yarn is a deadly way to imitate them. Advantages to yarn are that it is easy to use & is available in many different colors. You can mix & match colors to diagnose what the fish want, or even scent it for added appeal in cold water. Colors can be quickly changed & best of all it tends to stick in the teeth of steelhead giving you that extra split-second to set the hook.

Did I mention that you can purchase several seasons worth of yarn for just a few dollars? Not only that but it takes up very little room in your pocket. Just add a small folding scissors to your vest & you are in business.

To get started, a selection of up-eye octopus-style or egg hooks in size 8-12 can't be beat. Select larger hooks and bigger, brighter yarn for dirty water, & smaller hooks & natural egg shades for lower, clearer conditions. Pre-cutting yarn into 1/2" to 1" sections & loading it by color into a box is a good idea. Or you can simply put it into a small snack-type baggie, squeeze the air out & seal.

Next you need to know how to tie a snell knot. Here's a great link to an Animated Snell Knot
Tying snells takes a bit of practise, but is easy once you understand how although cold fingers are another issue all-together...

Once you've selected the hook & tied the snell, simply slide the knot back, pull up on the standing end of the tippet/leader to form a loop then insert the yarn (I apologise in advance for the feeble illustrations):

Now slide the knot forward & snug against the eye. Line tension is all that is necessary to hold the yarn in place. Fold the two ends of the yarn up between your thumb & forefinger, then trim to size with your scissors.

That's it! You can also mix or blend colors by using yarn sections divided in half, or make blood dots & fertilized eggs by laying a small separated section of different colored yarn on top of the first. To change colors, simply slide the knot back, remove the old piece & insert a new one.

Fish it on a dead drift using fly gear, drift & noodle rods , or even a spinning rod; it's that versatile. Just remember that water conditions dictate the size & color of yarn, & to select hooks accordingly.

Good Fishing!

NMF

Tools for Estimating Ice-Out

2008-03-01T07:58:00.006-06:00

It's March & North Shore Steelheading is almost here!

If you're like me, you are getting the itch, but winter has the tributaries locked up under ice & snow. The question everyone begins to ask is, "When do you think the rivers are going to open up?" Fortunately there is a way to tell that it is coming & here's how you do it: Magic 8 Ball...

I'm kidding, it's really: Magic USGS Flow Data!
Take a close look at the following graphic-

What you are looking at are the effects of the daily warming cycle on snowmelt & flow. Note that the peaks in gage height (& therefor flow) occur just after mid-day. This is when the air is warmest, the sun at its most intense; & the most melting occurs contributing water to the river. The lows occur just after sunrise which is also typically the coldest part of an average day. At that point, very little if any meltwater is making its way to the river. However when the sun is high, meltwater begins to scour the ice from above & below. The more meltwater, the more ice erosion until the river opens up.

The above is the typical gauge signature of a river about to throw off its winter coat, & it can open up a medium-sized river in as little as a week. When you see a trend similar to this, it's time to get your gear ready!

Regards & Good Fishing!

NMF

Did you Know?

2008-02-27T21:20:00.000-06:00

A legislative change effective Aug. 1, 2007 extended the expiration date of 2007 fishing licenses for resident and nonresident anglers through April 30, 2008, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Any stamps or tags to harvest particular species also are valid through April 30, 2008.

Angling licenses, stamps and tags for 2008, which will be effective from March 1 through April 30, 2009, went on sale Feb. 18.

Fishing licenses are required for resident anglers age 16 and older and all nonresidents. Nonresidents younger than 16 may fish without a license if a parent or guardian who is licensed accompanies them.

Steelhead Habitat Study

2008-02-01T13:29:00.000-06:00

MN DNR stream habitat study is underway...

Throughout the summer of 2007, Tracy Close, with student intern, Roger Peka, installed 24 pieces of large wood to determine if such structures could improve habitat for trout in North Shore streams (see image).

Pieces were placed in the West ranch of the Split Rock River, Upper Knife River, Little West Branch of the Knife River, and French River. Since few large trees are available in North Shore riparian zones, smaller trees were cut, pulled into the river channel using a chainsaw powered winch and bundled together with cable to simulate large trees. "We anticipate that if the pieces remain in place, flood flows will scour a pocket below the piece as it diverts flow to the center of the stream and smaller pieces of wood will accumulate upstream of the large piece providing nutrients and overhead cover for fish." Changes to stream substrates and fish abundance will be monitored for several years to determine if the anticipated benefits occur.

Information provided by the MN DNR

Great Lakes Fly Company

2008-01-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

Is cabin fever creeping in? If so, this is a good time to get your fly box in order. A good place to start for supplies is the Great Lakes Fly Company in Duluth. Really, stop there. Not only has John done a superb job of having a fully stocked shop but the advise is 2nd to none. If Duluth is to far out of the way, check them out online. They have designed an all new website with a lot of great new features.

Formerly known as Lester River Fly shop, Great Lakes Fly Company opened its doors in July of 2006 and they have been working to expand ever since. Building upon a solid base of dedicated local anglers, John and staff have made a commitment to promoting the sport on a local as well as national level. You'd be amazed how many crazy new patterns and fishing excursions are born of a good conversation and a hot cup of coffee around our tying table.

Stop in next time you are in town and let John and his staff get you off to a great fishing trip.

Tagging Program Update

2007-11-13T18:20:00.000-06:00

The Latest info on the tagging program.

In April 2006, archival tags were surgically implanted into 50 Kamloops adults and 26 steelhead adults; half males and half females. The Kamloops were captured during the spawning season in the French River trap, and the steelhead were captured in the Knife River trap. The three-minute surgical tag implantation procedure was followed by external tagging with two T-bar anchor tags inserted along each side of the dorsal fin. The adipose fin on steelhead was clipped making them legal for anglers to harvest. The fish were held in a tank until they recovered and then were released into Lake Superior. None showed any ill effects from the procedure. Click here for more inforamation from the MN DNR.

Beaver management update

2007-10-31T14:20:00.000-05:00

Knife River Watershed

In the fall of 2006, 70 beaver and 84 dams were removed from the Knife River watershed. An additional 6 beaver and 11 dams were removed in the spring of 2007 before steelhead migrations. The 2007 fall beaver reconnaissance flight over the Knife River watershed took place on October 22 (Figure 9). The number of beaver dams was low in the lower 18 miles of the main stem and the lower third of most large tributaries, where removal effort has focused in past years.

North Shore Coasters

2007-09-16T19:50:00.001-05:00

Last fall, I caught a number of nice brook trout that may have been my first North Shore "coasters." I wasn't sure if these were the fabled lake run fish or just robust specimens of their stream dwelling cousins. I have no doubt in my mind that I caught multiple bona fide coasters last weekend. I landed twenty brook trout ranging from 10 inches to over 20 inches on multiple rivers all within 200 hundred of Lake Superior. I find it hard to believe that the fish I caught are the same as the "brookies" that inhabit the upper reaches of these streams. I don't doubt that a large "brookie" or two inhabit the lower streches of these rivers, but I find it hard to believe that I would be lucky enough to catch five fish pushing the magical 20" mark in less than 24 hours on 3 separate rivers if there wasn't a lake run going on.

I was thrilled to find these fish in such abundance in these streams. These fish could represent the beginning of comeback in coasters. I have fallen in love with these fish, whose colors match the colors of the leaves and sky that surround the rivers they call home each September.

The possibility that their numbers are increasing erases any concern that Minnesota has stopped stocking chinooks. Who wants to catch ugly kings when you can catch beautiful native fish like these? Of course I am kidding a little, because I myself love a good old tug of war with a king, but one has to remember that the SE Wisconsin tribs are just as close to the Twin Cities as some of the upper North Shore rivers. Fishing the North Shore is about so much more than reel screeming fights.

I used typical pink salmon tackle to target these fish: a five weight fly rod, floating line, a 4 lbs. tippet, and either egg paterns, beadhead nymphs, or streamers. The coasters respond to a more active retrieve than pinks who seem to prefer a dead drift or occaisonaly, a subtle twitch.

Because of the extreme delicacy of this fishery, I can't stress proper Catch 'N Release practices enough. Please photograph and release your fish as quickly as possible.

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Council honors past members

2007-09-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

News Release From The MN DNR

The Governor’s Council on Minnesota’s Coastal Program recently honored its past members who have served on the advisory board.

At the annual meeting, seven past serving members were acknowledged including:
- Arnold Overby, served eight years as an at-large member
- Robert Pokela, served three years representing Carlton County
- Helena Jackson, served eight years representing St. Louis County
- Louise Thureen, served four years representing Lake County
- Joanne Fay, served eight years representing St. Louis County
- James Hall, served eight years representing Cook County
- Thomas Spence, served seven years representing Cook County

The 15-member board, known as the Coastal Council, is made up of 12 members from the coastal counties of Cook, Lake, St. Louis, and Carlton along with three at-large members. The group is charged with recommending program priorities and grant projects for funding, annually reviewing the program’s administrative budget and reviewing the entire program every two years. The Coastal Council makes recommendations to the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.

Click here for more information.

News release has been provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. For more info please visit:http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.php/2007/09/11/minnesotas-lake-superior-coastal-council-honors-past-members/#more-41971

Mind your manners...

2007-08-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

People should mind their manners while enjoying Minnesota’s outdoors (August 21, 2007)
News Release from the MN DNR

Minnesota’s summer season may be coming to a close, but there’s still plenty of time to leave behind the city limits and get into nature. What shouldn’t get left behind as people tramp through the woods, pitch a tent, go boating or cast a fishing line are manners.

“Most outdoor enthusiasts are simply looking to get away from it all and have some fun, but for some reason there are those who toss common courtesies to the wind, spoiling a day in the fresh air and sunshine with boorish behavior,” said Col. Mike Hamm, Minnesota DNR chief conservation officer.

This is apparent in recent editions of the Conservation Officer Weekly Report. Here are a few examples:

News Release courtesy of the MN DNR

2007-07-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

Hello all...

I realize it is only the middle of July, but now is a perfect time to start thinking about planning a couple scouting trips for fall. In little more than a month and a half, fall runs for various species will begin; and while your chances of getting into steelhead won't begin to increase until September starts to wind down, you'll find plenty to keep you busy.

One of the benefits to Fall fishing is that with the lower water levels, you can begin to identify locations that will be holding fish in the high waters of Spring, even when they are not visible later under fast, deep & discolored flows. This often pays dividends when you're wondering where to go.

Other benefits are obvious: Learning the layouts of new streams while having fun targeting other species and the enjoyment of just getting out and fishing the North Shore after a long hiatus is an enjoyable way to spend a day or two.

Plus, you just never know what you might hook into: Pink, Chinook & Coho Salmon along with Loopers and Steelhead are always a possibility. Add elusive Browns on the Lower Shore and the Holy Grail -Big Coaster Brook Trout- (in my opinion) on Upper Shore tribs, and you have all the elements of a truly enjoyable trip out scouting.

Pay attention to those locations where you find fish because the Fall Species are there for the same reasons Steelhead will be there in the Spring, starting the next generation.

Now, I am NOT advocating fishing redds for these species, far from it. What you are looking for is holding water adjacent to these areas. Find those and you are well on your way to becoming more successful during the next Spring Run.

Regards,
NMF

The Latest Data from Minnesota Steelheader

2007-05-22T18:30:00.001-05:00

Well, surprise surprise... Steelhead are still active on the Lower Shore. This last bit of precipitation brought yet another push of fish into Lower Shore tributaries. Fish were reported in nearly all tribs from Split Rock South. Better yet, Upper Shore fish are still active with a mix of bright, spawning and darker fish all being reported from the Arrowhead Brule South to the Cross.

Add to that a smattering of Coasters and even Coho being taken in the outflows and it makes for some interesting days. I've also received a report of two confirmed Loopers being taken from the outflow of one Upper Shore trib. This however is not good news. Limiting genetic introgression (the introduction of Looper DNA) into naturalized steelhead stocks is the reason the DNR only stocks Loopers from Two Harbors South. When they wander and interbreed, it causes problems.

There should also be Lakers starting to show up near tributary outflows adding to the mixed bag possibilities for late North Shore Fishing.

Regards and Good Fishing!
NMF