Even though the footprint of the Great Lakes' tributary system is relatively small, its' opportunities are significant and easily accessible by most people in the US.

Whether you're chasing steelhead in Pennsylvania, lake run browns in New York, or salmon in Michigan, you have the opportunity to tangle with huge fish in smaller rivers. Some days are incredibly hot, while others might make you wonder if you're completely in the wrong place.

While there are certainly some situation-specific techniques that will put you on fish, being there and putting in time is the most important thing. It feels like "you should have been here yesterday" is a common refrain in Great Lakes tributary fishing. Today I talk about getting on the water. Take that first step and yesterday can be today (you know what I mean).

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