Mastering the Art of Steelhead Bead Fishing on Great Lakes Tributaries

The Allure of Steelhead Bead Fishing on the Great Lakes

As an angler, there's nothing quite like hooking into a powerful steelhead while drift fishing the tributaries of the Great Lakes. Steelhead are anadromous rainbow trout, born in the gravel beds of rivers and streams, that migrate out to vast bodies of water like the Great Lakes to feed and grow. After 2-3 years roaming the depths of Lake Michigan, Huron, Erie or Ontario, they return to their natal rivers and streams to spawn. It's this spawning instinct that makes them aggressively strike baits and lures during their fall and spring runs.

For many anglers, myself included, steelhead fishing brings an adrenaline rush like no other. Their intense fights on light tackle will peel line off your reel at blistering speeds and send rod-jarring surges of power through your hands. Not only are they strong, but stealthy too. Spotting a silver bullet streak through a hole or pool takes patience and a keen eye.

The Art of Dead Drifting Beads

One of the most effective ways to target steelhead in Great Lakes tributaries is drift fishing with beads. Beads are plastic or glass replicas of salmon/steelhead eggs which steelhead gobble up voraciously during their spawning migration. Rigging them is simple. Just thread the small bead onto your mainline above a bare jig head, egg loop knot or quick snap swivel. No leader needed. Then cast upstream and let the bead drift naturally with the current, occasionally giving the rod small twitches to impart action.

The key is matching the size and color of your beads to the wild eggs steelhead are keyed in on. Steelhead eggs range from peach, pink, orange and red when they first enter rivers to darker muted tones of olive, brown and black as they near spawning time. Carrying a variety of sizes and colors in your vest will allow you to dial in what they want day to day, or even hour to hour.

Top Bead Materials and Shapes

The popularity of beads has exploded in recent years, giving anglers more material choices than ever before. Let's look at some top options:

Plastic Beads

Plastic beads have been the standard for many years. They're inexpensive, available in a huge array of colors/sizes and float well. Brands like Raven and OC make excellent quality plastic beads. The downside is plastic doesn't mimic the translucency and flash of real eggs perfectly. Still a mainstay for most anglers.

Glass Beads

For a more realistic profile and egg-like appearance, glass beads are a top choice. They provide that subtle flash and light penetration of natural eggs steelhead instinctively key in on. Not as durable as plastic but well worth it. Top glass bead brands include Ice Dub and Spawn-Eez.

Metal Beads

Metal beads have gained a loyal following for their ability to get down deeper and faster in heavy flows. Made of materials like tungsten, brass or copper, they carry the same egg silhouette but have added weight. Color options are limited but that subtle metallic flash can trigger stubborn biters. Brands to look for are Microwave Tackle and Reel X.

Soft Plastic Beads

The newest entry into the bead game is soft plastic beads. They have the durability of traditional plastic but stretch and compress like the real deal. Great for finicky biters. Check out brands like NuEgg and Atlas Mike's.

Best Practices for Rigging and Fishing Beads

While bead rigging is simple in concept, little tweaks can make a big difference:

• Use lighter line - 2-6lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon lines help beads drift naturally.
• Add a colored bead below your main bead for flair.
• Peg your drift beads 1/2 inch above the hook to prevent line slippage.
• When fishing deeper holes, consider adding split shot 18-24 inches above your bead.
• Take time to observe current seams, structure, bubble lines - prime hangouts for steelhead.
• Set your drag - steelhead pull hard so be ready!
• Stay focused - subtle takes require quick hook-sets.
• When one bites, there's often more nearby - keep covering the drift.

Top Great Lakes Tributaries for Steelhead Bead Fishing

Each Great Lake has world class steelhead rivers that see monumental runs of fresh chromers each fall and spring. Here are some top destinations:

Lake Ontario

• Salmon River, NY - King of east coast steelheading.
• Oak Orchard River, NY - Smaller flow but big fish.
• Sandy Creek, NY - Less pressure with trophy potential.

Lake Erie

• Elk Creek, PA - One of Erie's most prolific steelhead tributaries.
• Walnut Creek, PA - Low-key and lesser known.
• Chagrin River, OH - Legendary Lake Erie steelhead destination.

Lake Huron

• Au Sable River, MI - Blue ribbon trout stream with great steelhead numbers.
• Rifle River, MI - Quality over quantity.
• St. Mary's River, MI - Underrated fishery with monster steelhead.

Lake Michigan

• Manistee River, MI - Top producer year after year.
• Muskegon River, MI - Big fish factory.
• Pere Marquette River, MI - Scenic river with excellent steelhead fishing.

In Conclusion

Drifting tiny plastic, glass or metal beads through Great Lakes tributaries is an incredibly effective technique to target steelhead as they run the rivers to spawn. Their realistic profile triggers savage strikes from aggressive pre-spawn fish. Being successful requires paying close attention to bead type, size, color and rigging based on stream conditions and steelhead behavior. Put in your time learning the nuances of drifting beads and the payoff can be the steelhead fight of a lifetime!

FAQs

What are the best beads materials for drift fishing steelhead?

The most common bead types are plastic, glass, metal and soft plastic. Plastic beads are affordable and come in many colors but lack flash. Glass beads offer more realistic translucency. Metal beads get down deep fast. Soft plastics have a lifelike action. Try various types until you find what works.

What pound test line is best for beads?

Use lighter 2-6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line for beads. This helps them drift naturally and inconspicuously. Steelhead have sharp vision and may shy away from heavier line.

Where should I position the bead on my line?

Slide your bead 1/2 inch above the hook or swivel. Use a toothpick, matchstick or bead peg to keep it from sliding down. This gives steelhead a better chance at getting the bead in their mouth when they strike.

How can I make my bead rig sink faster?

Add several small split shot weights 18-24 inches above your bead rig. This helps get your offering down to the strike zone in deeper pools or heavier currents. Go lighter on the split shot in shallow waters.

What are the best Great Lakes tributaries to fish beads?

Top rivers are the Salmon River, Oak Orchard River and Sandy Creek (Lake Ontario), Elk Creek, Walnut Creek and Chagrin River (Lake Erie), Au Sable River, Rifle River and St. Mary's River (Lake Huron), and the Manistee River, Muskegon River and Pere Marquette River (Lake Michigan).