if i can suggest something here.why not schedule an outting during the steelhead season?i realise its hard to plan a steelhead outing as we just dont know when the fish start they,re runs. also with the economy the way it is,it may be hard for some to make it up to erie.but if planned far enough ahead,we may be able to save a few dollars for a trip in mid october.anyway,just a suggestion.i would,ve loved to join your outing on the clarion,but my weekends were booked solid all the way to september.thanks for a great site doc

I have NEVER fished for steelheads...

it sounds like an interesting  idea..

although as you said, it is a trip for many of us. and that's probably why I have never ventured up there.

Steelhead are fun.  All they are is big Rainbows and you know how well those fight.  Fishing in Erie isn't much fun though imho.  There are way too many people fishing, lots of posted land, and enforcement officers all over the place.  I had one stop me once because he was watching me from behind a tree and thought I was using a bare hook.  I was in fact using an artificial nymph.  Most of the streams are small too.  I haven't gone up there for several years.  I'm sure if I still lived there (like I did when I was going to college) I would, but I don't really want to drive 2.5 hours for it.  Too bad the Clarion isn't loaded with those big Rainbows.  Now THAT would be fun!

yeah the trip up is my main objection..

I could catch alot of fish here in that 2.5 hours..

in fact that's my average trip time

like i said,just a thought.i usually make 2 or 3 trips up for the steelies.i 79 goes over 1 of my favorite stretchs of elk creek,and my parents live 2 miles from that particular stretch.i would be very interested in joining your fishing day if after labor day.i live in section 2d so it wouldnt be hard for me to find ya.i'll keep watching this post for the details.

At the peak of my fishing for big browns I was averaging one trout over 20" for every 5-6 hours of fishing. Last year I averaged approx 10 Steelhead for the same time invested with the biggest 32". You can avoid the crowds and still catch lots of fish by going during the week during the winter or in April and May. Oct-Nov is rightfully called combat fishing but the numbers of large fish is unreal.

Love it or hate it, we have the best steelhead fishery in the continental US.  
Now, you have to take into account that it is completely artificial/stocked, and that the streams aren't even good trout streams.
But, what a boom it has been to the economy of NW PA.  Gives something back to the community for 8-9 months a year.

I've never been much for the steelhead fishing,  too crowded for my taste.  Although I hear if you know where to go, there are places to fish away from the crowds.  

   The edward John perch boat would always be a possibility.  Plus it is a little easier to socialize on.  dd