***NOTE: The Fishing Report Blog is back to regular weekly Thursday updates from September-May*** As we begin our approach to fall, highlight species targeted by anglers along the Rocky River and other area streams include smallmouth bass, carp, panfish, and channel catfish- with a watchful eye looking for early returning steelhead trout. Despite some overnight rain, area rivers are low and clear today and we need the cool weather to return along with more rain to kick steelhead fishing into the next gear. 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> <Rocky River NEORSD station with turbidity>. Lake Erie anglers are primarily targeting walleye and inland lake/pond anglers are primarily pursuing largemouth bass, channel catfish and panfish.
Early steelhead first show up around off the rocks at Edgewater and E55th, Wildwood Park, and in the northernmost river sections by the lake. 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. Reports of a few early steelhead slipping into in the northern river reaches have surfaced the past few weeks, although a return of cooler weather and more rain is needed to entice greater numbers of steelhead into the streams. On an extreme note, one very motivated steelhead was observed 15 miles upstream from Lake Erie by the Rocky River Nature Center on Monday (photo below).
Anglers are also pursuing a mix of warmwater species in the streams. Smallmouth bass are typically found in the deeper, rocky pools of the river during the day in summer, and often move to the heads of such pools in the early morning and evening hours to feed actively. A dark olive or brown tube jig 3-4" length is one of the best producers of bass in the river. "Smallies" also bite well on live bait (ie: minnow, crayfish, and leeches), lures (ie: spinners and minnow plugs), and flies (ie: crayfish patterns, Clouser minnows, dark brown or olive sculpin or muddler minnow patterns).
Anglers at our inland lakes and ponds are catching catfish, largemouth bass, and panfish. Wallace Lake has been turning up some fine specimens of all of these types of fish lately, as evidenced by some of the photos below. Hinckley Lake, Shadow Lake, and Beyer's Pond are just a few other spots worth poking around in late summer/early fall. See photos below for some examples of recent catches at these lakes/ponds.
Rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, freshwater drum and sunfish species can be found along the Cleveland shoreline in early fall and can be caught on offerings such as tube jigs, dropshot rigs and live bait. Some good eater size walleye (15-20 inches) have been found in water as shallow as 16-24 feet deep by Cleveland area boating anglers. Yellow perch fishing off Cleveland has been slow. The ODNR Division of Wildlife weekly Lake Erie fishing report can be viewed
<here>.
Steelhead Expo at the Rocky River Nature Center Saturday September 21st. A great way to kick off the steelhead season is to attend the annual Steelhead Expo, which will be held at the Rocky River Nature Center on Saturday September 21st. This event is a collaborative effort between the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and Cleveland Metroparks and will offer a full day of expert speakers and seminars, vendors, and other related information to kick off the fall steelhead season. There is no charge for the event but OCBS, a non-profit sportman's group which is very active in the local fishing and conservation communities, is offering a raffle as a fundraiser so donations or participation in the raffle is encouraged. Location info here:
<Steelhead Expo>.
Rocky River Watershed Council Fundraiser at Burntwood Tavern in North Olmsted on September 21st. Immediately following the Steelhead Expo the Rocky River Watershed Council is having a fundraiser (Raise a Glass For the Rocky) at the new Burntwood Tavern in North Olmsted (6500 Great Northern Blvd.) from 5-8:00pm. For $38 attendees get unlimited appetizers and drinks and can partake in a silent auction and 50/50 raffle all to benefit watershed protection efforts! RSVP at
www.myrockyriver.org and walk-ins are welcome. Make a full day and stop by after the Steelhead Expo!
Chagrin River Outfitters Fall Fly Fishing Weekend on October 5 & 6. On October 5 & 6 Chagrin River Outfitters will have a weekend of free shop classes focused on steelhead fishing, highlighted by New York fly fishing author Rick Kustich. More at the
<CRO website>.
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