Barney Lovett of Johnstown caught this 16-pound steelhead from a Pennsylvania Lake Erie tributary last fall.

Steelhead anglers had been experiencing outstanding action. Then the weather took on a more seasonal flavor. Once Lake Erie tributaries recede and air temperatures moderate, expectations are high for the remainder of the winter-early spring steelhead season.

I spoke recently with area steelhead guide and fly-fishing expert Mark DeCarlo. As a result of that conversation, here are five tips aimed at improving the success of the hardy folks who target these big, lake-run rainbow trout.

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Fish more than one stream: As a guide, DeCarlo continually must deal with the fickle weather and water conditions that are common to Lake Erie tributaries. He fishes streams in not only Pennsylvania, but Ohio and New York as well.While the recreational angler need not cover a three-state area, it is advantageous to be familiar with a number of streams.Even in Pennsylvania, which has fewer than 50 miles of Erie's shoreline, there can be a significant difference in stream conditions. Having a knowledge of several streams gives you options if your first choice ends up not being the best one.•

Target steelhead during the best conditions: If you have a flexible schedule, it's wise to pick the best conditions for a trip north.DeCarlo said anglers can expect the best action when a creek is running "steelhead green." This greenish tint comes about when a creek is dropping following a period of higher, dirty flow.The creek is still a bit on the high side, but the brownish chocolate color has cleared. It's possible to make out some bottom features like rocks and deeper ledges, but not so clear as to make the fish extra spooky.Steelhead tend to be a bit more forgiving under these conditions, as compared to low, clear flows.•

Be willing to alter your presentation: Lake Erie tributaries rise and fall quite quickly, as the watersheds they drain are relatively short. So you can be sure, despite your best efforts, you will be faced with less than optimal conditions at times.DeCarlo has noticed that many anglers are unwilling to change their presentations to match the present conditions.In short, when the water is clear and low, and the fish are exceptionally wary, it's necessary to use more of a finesse approach. For the fly fisher, this means longer leaders and downsizing flies.When the water is up and dirty, the opposite is true. Flies should be brighter and bigger. Larger flies present a bigger profile that is easier for the fish to see. Extra weight will be necessary to get the fly into the strike zone."I call it feeding the fish," said DeCarlo. "You have to put it right down there in their face."•

Spin fishermen can use flies, too: While DeCarlo specializes in fly fishing for steelhead, he knows that it's not completely necessary to use traditional gear to present flies."Spin fishermen don't always have to use some type of bait," he said. "By using a float, they can effectively fish a wide variety of flies."This includes egg patterns, nymphs and streams, all of which can be effective for catching steelhead.•

Don't be in a hurry: Another common mistake many steelhead anglers make is working an area too quickly."Folks will blunder through a pool, spooking the very fish they are after," said DeCarlo. "They would be more successful if they would take things slower and fish in a more controlled manner. There are a lot of fish right there at people's feet."