• Steelhead return to the rivers in high numbers when it's time to spawn.trout image by michael langley from Fotolia.com
  
  Ohio is one of three states in a heavenly place known by local anglers as "Steelhead Alley." The rivers and tributaries that flow out of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, overflow with steelhead game fish. Steelhead are a type of trout that are famous for a good fight and great size. They range from 5 to 55 pounds on average. Finding steelhead is easy, but you need the right information.
  
  

Time

• The best time to catch steelhead in Ohio rivers and streams is in the fall. The state stocks the rivers with young steelhead trout and in the warm summer months those young fish take off for the colder water of Lake Erie. As adults, they migrate back to the rivers they left to reproduce. They don't like the shallow water when it's too warm so they won't return until water temperatures drop to 60 degrees or cooler. They'll stay in the rivers until spring when they take the trip back out to Lake Erie.
  
  

Location

• Don't get too invested in a favorite "fishing hole." Be prepared to move when conditions are best. Watch the levels of the streams. When the levels drop it is easier to find the fish. Stay away from rivers that are at a high level due to flooding. Those waters usually have a strong, fast current as well. Steelhead will dive deep and be less active in heavy water. Your best choice is a calm, low water level. Look for spots that have a slightly greenish tint to the water and about a foot of visibility.
  
  

Gear

• Even though steelhead are typically very large fish, use light tackle. Set your reel up with 4 to 7 pound test line. Steelhead are smart and will avoid thick lines and big hooks. A noodle rod, essentially an elongated spinning rod, is the best choice for steelheads. Noodle rods let you choose the best tension and put the stress on the rod instead of the line so you can use a lighter line with big fish. Choose the right size rod for your build. Younger and smaller anglers should have a shorter rod; taller anglers can use a long rod better. Noodle rods vary from 7 to 12 feet in length.
  
  

Conservation

• Trout are a delicious menu addition, but if you don't eat your fish, throw them back.grilled trout and mangold on plate image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
  
  While many trout lovers make good use of their catch in their daily menu, if you aren't going to cook your catch, practice catch and release fishing. Don't keep the fish out of water any longer than necessary, to measure it, weigh it or take a picture as your "trophy." Catch and release fishing ensures the survival of the species for many years to come.