In fall highlight species targeted by anglers along the Rocky River, other area streams, and Lake Erie include steelhead, yellow perch, walleye, and panfish. The Rocky River is elevated and muddy, but leveling off, following some much needed rain the past 24 hours, but quite a bit more rain is in the forecast for the next day. iver anglers should keep an eye on the flow data to determine the trend in flow before heading out. To monitor the most recent river water level and temperature you can check the following link: <Rocky River flow gage data><Chagrin River flow gage data>. The steelhead bite from the Lake Erie shore has been hot at Edgewater and E55th, and yellow perch are biting well for boaters off Cleveland and Euclid.
The Rocky River and other area streams received some much needed rain, with more on the way. Wise anglers will keep an eye on the flow data before heading out to the river. The Lake Erie shoreline steelhead bite has been hot at Edgewater and E55th this week, with Wildwood and Huntington parks also producing some fish. Be aware that conditions can be unfishable at most spots along the lakefront when there is a strong northerly wind, though. Casting a spoon (ie Little Cleo or KO Wobbler) or spinner (ie Vibrax or RoosterTail) at these locations are as good a bet as any for connecting with an early steelhead trout. Suspending a jig tipped with maggots or a minnow under a float has also been producing well along the lakefront. Anglers can expect a fresh run of steelhead in the streams as water levels recede and clear.
The Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area was stocked with 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout, 600 pounds of big channel catfish, and 1,000 smaller catfish (the latter by ODNR Division of Wildlife) late last week. Anglers at our inland lakes and ponds are catching catfish, largemouth bass, and panfish. Wallace Lake, Ledge Lake, Shadow Lake, and Beyer's Pond are a few spots worth poking around in late summer/early fall.
The yellow perch bite has been good off Cleveland this week. Anglers are using perch spreaders and live or salted shiners in 38-45feet of water. The perch size has been good. Early fall walleye fish around Cleveland will improve into fall, although there are many undersized walleye (15 inches) around shore. The ODNR Division of Wildlife weekly Lake Erie fishing report can be viewed <here>. Anglers/boaters can view current lake conditions off Cleveland at the following link: <City Of Cleveland Water Intake Crib Cam>.
A Week of First Steelhead! As the photos below reveal, several lucky anglers tied into their first steelhead ever this week. Congratulations to Rylie, Pete, Brandon, Julian, and anyone else who accomplished this feat. No doubt we have some new lifelong steelhead anglers in the making!
If you have a photo that you would like to contribute to the fishing report, or if you have any further questions regarding fishing in the Cleveland Metroparks, you may contact Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec at (440) 331-8017 or md@clevelandmetroparks.com .
Tight Lines,
Mike
Big Bill caught the big salmon, and Little Andy caught the little salmon" (photos courtesy of Bill Wahl).
Mike notes "Been catching some decent steelhead at Edgewater. Alot of other people catching good numbers as well. Went three days straight and caught one each day. My dad caught two. Lost three fish as well. Alot of bites and misses too. Best steelhead activity I seen near shore in years." (photos courtesy of Mike Reed).
Note: The fishing report is updated monthly in June, July, and August and weekly every other month
***Note: All photo submissions must first complete the Cleveland Metroparks photo waiver.***
2023 Cleveland Metroparks Registered Fishing Guides
(name, company, contact)
- #23-001 Jeff Liskay, Great Lakes Flyfishing LLC, jeffliskay@gmail.com (440) 781-7536
- #23-002 Monte Casey, The Steelhead Guide, (440) 773-8064, www.steelheadguide.com
- #23-003 Gareth Thomas, Alley Grabs Guide Service, alleygrabs@gmail.com, (216) 235-5056
More information on Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Guide Permit requirements, including the permit application, you may check the following link:
<Fishing Guide Permit Program>
Learn how you can support recreation opportunities through a donation to the Cleveland Metroparks
Fishing Fund.