Top Fly Patterns for Steelhead on Lake Erie Tributaries

Knowing there are so many patterns to choose from on today’s market, here’s a breakdown of the patterns I recommend to make your day on the water a productive one. Two patterns that have earned permanent residence in my box come from the legend Jeff Blood. Jeff Blood is a seasoned fly angler and tier with over 40 years of experience targeting Great Lakes steelhead—primarily in Lake Erie tributaries near his Pennsylvania roots. Don’t fish without these patterns in your box! Jeff’s White Death Zonker is an absolute killer. That subtle wiggle and lifelike movement can provoke even the most sluggish fish into striking. I typically swing or strip it slow through deeper slots, especially when fish are staged up but not actively moving.

The “Blood Dot Egg” is another pattern that flat-out catches fish, and while I usually run it in peach, chartreuse, or classic orange depending on water clarity, one seriously overlooked but deadly variation is blue.

Why blue? It might not look natural to us, but blue excels in cold, clear water—especially at depth—because blue wavelengths penetrate farther than reds or oranges, keeping the fly visible in deeper runs where steelhead often hold. It maintains contrast in soft light and shadows, making it easier for fish to find when other colors fade out. Blue Blood Dots have saved more than a few slow mornings for me.