Steelhead Run Expected to Start Soon - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Local motels, restaurants, bait shops and other businesses are now waiting for the annual steelhead run to begin.

 Studies have shown the influx of fishermen from around the world pumps about $10 million into the Erie County economy annually. And the popularity of the sport keeps growing.

 Now a few of the fish have come into Lake Erie tributary streams in recent days. Many more remain near the mouths of the streams. Experts say the big movement could start very soon, depending on the weather.

 Mark Haffley of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission said, "Any day now, as soon as we get some good rain. We are going to need a couple of days of good rain to blow out the creeks. Some of the mouths are still shut from low rain amounts this summer."