Winter Steelheading in Ontario

Most of the fishing is confined to creek and river mouths from Dec 31 until the last Sat in April when the season opens again. 
The Niagara River is open for business all year and winter catches of Brown Trout and Lake trout can be as common as Steelhead depending on what section of the river you are fishing.  The lower river below the Whirlpool is a definite must fish section with several different options to drop in on.  The key to success is to not spend much time in any section, but rather fish the hell out of it for 2hrs and move on to the next.  In two hours, you will have either detemined if there are active feeding fish, and have caught the most active ones or nothing is holding there at that moment.  Catching three fish out of any one spot is a good "drop-in" and you've probably exhausted the run so you should consider moving half an hour to one hour after hooking the last fish.
Try everything before you leave though and overlook nothing.  When fishing with buddies, be certain each is using something different.  ie. roe, streamers, bunny/marabou jigs, plastic minnows, pink worms etc.  If fishing solo, then start changing up after 10 drifts in each of that runs pockets because the key to success can be as simple as a colour change or size change away.  Pinks, oranges, whites and purples are all very good winter colours.  Winter baitfish are generally emerald shiner or smelt patterns in 3-4" sizes, so match the hatch.

I have a friend who is unemployed and fishes several days per week.  He has started to get successful in the last 2 weeks because he's discovered where fish hold and basically runs to those spots for first dibbs - yes, he's still a buddy.  If your friend does this, then you are within your right to fish in close proximity.  Unfortunately though, this same fella when not on the fish and you are, likes trying to grease you out and is always low holing people.  Stand Your Ground!  Tell 'em off if there isn't enough water for the both of you to fish.  Luckily the Niagara is a big river and you can almost always find other produtive spots to fish.

The temps are rising and this coming week is forecasted as sunny and +2/7C, so the fish are going to get very active shortly.  Get out there and get your fix before the masses see the forthcoming reports and start flocking to the productive water.

Good Fishing!