When water levels, and river bottoms allow, using crankbaits for catching steelhead can be very productive. Whether you are near the 6th Street Bridge on the Grand River, walking the river near the Foot Dam, or fishing the Huron in our backyard, cranks can get you fish. I have just a short list that I take with me.
If it works for walleye, good chance they have a place when fishing for steelhead. Storm Hot n Tots, Wiggle Warts and Thinfins are pretty much time tested, and true. The companies who came and filled the void after the Rapala buyout, produce not only similar products, but often with better color schemes than what Rapala/Storm produces. Companies and products to consider; Cotton Cordell and the Wiggle-O, Brad’s Wigglers, and the family Storm and the Winning Streak.
Trace Adkins has a song out called “Chrome”. Well if the chicks can dig a bike with chrome, you better believe that steelhead like it shiny too. Look for Blue Tiger, Blue and Chrome, Purple Metallic, Metallic Rainbow (Superman), Green Spec, and Orange Spec lures to add to your collection.