Fall is winding down, temperatures are dropping, and the snow is starting to fly. All three factors bode well for the Great Lakes steelhead run. Oncorhynchus mykiss or Steelhead migrate into creeks and tributaries in late October to early May for spawning purposes. Although steelhead enter creeks in October, the spawn often doesn’t occur until March. While running into creeks and tribs, steelhead are known for munching on eggs, baitfish, and various other food sources before migrating back to the lakes. That being said, egg patterns are very effective for inciting these feisty fish to eat. In this tips and tricks video of the week, Big Y Fly Company explains and demonstrates how to peg and fish beads for Great Lakes Steelhead.
Why Use a Bead?
Beads are a very lifelike imitation of eggs and are often neutral buoyant meaning they neither float or sink but ride in the water column where you want them to be. They are also translucent meaning the light shines through them and look extremely similar to natural steelhead eggs.
Materials Needed:
How to Peg a Bead:
- Choose your hook of choice and attach to the end of your tippet with a clinch knot.
- Take the tag end of your tippet and thread it through the bead twice wrapping the bead with your tippet.
- Thread the bead down 1 to 2 inches above the hook and pull the tag end tight.
- Select the color of trout bead pegs that corresponds to the color bead you are fishing.
- Thread the peg through the bead and pull the end until the peg is tight. Then cut each tag end of the peg.
- Lastly, tie your tippet section to your leader and hit the water!
While this method is slightly different than your typical eggstacy egg, it is simple and proven to work! Don’t be afraid to give this a try on your next steelhead trip. Tight Lines!
Making the Transition: Getting Ready for Salmon River Steelhead