January 30, 2020

In winter steelhead trout are the highlight in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers.  Local streams are in very nice shape today with green stain and moderate flow and with a dry forecast into the weekend conditions will continue to drop and clear.  Anglers can keep an eye on the flow data at the following link: <Rocky River flow gage data><Chagrin River flow gage data> <Rocky River NEORSD station with turbidity>.  A total of 3,000 lbs of trout were stocked at five Metroparks lakes last week, as well.

Local streams are in good shape for steelhead fishing with a greenish stain and moderate flow.  Given the dry forecast into the weekend stream conditions can be expected to further drop in level and clear.  The streams will likely have some slush and ice on mornings following nights dipping below 30 degrees F.  A mix of fresh run and more colorful steelhead (that have been in the river awhile) are being caught by anglers willing to move around until they find active fish.  Steelhead are well distributed throughout the watersheds at this time.  Steelhead in stained water earlier this week were biting dime to nickel size spawn sacks in bright colors, and as the water has cleared small marabou jigs (black with orange head and white with flash have been producing well) tipped with maggots, live or salted minnows, 3" rubber worms (pink and white have been good) and salmon egg mimmicking beads drifted near the river bottom under a float have all been taking a share of the fish. Fish can be expected to continue trickling into the streams throughout winter.

Last week we stocked 3,000 lbs of trout at Wallace (1,400 lbs), Shadow (750 lbs), Ledge (600 lbs), Judge's (150 lbs) and Ranger (100 lbs) lakes.  This complements the 3,000 lbs distributed between the same locations back in mid-December.  This was our second and final winter trout stocking.  The size of the trout averages about a pound and a half each, and along with the predominantly standard rainbow trout are good number of bonus golden rainbow trout and brook trout (see photo below).  These trout bite on jigging spoons, brightly colored PowerBait, and small jigs tipped with a few maggots or a waxworm.  NOTE: the limits on these trout at 3/day at Wallace, Ledge, Judge's and Ranger lakes and 5/day at Shadow Lake and Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area (there is no size limit, unlike the river where trout need to be minimum length of 12" and you can harvest 2/day).   A crust of ice still covers most of our inland lakes and ponds as of today, although not thick enough for ice fishing.  Anglers are currently fishing from the safety of shore in areas where the water drops off quickly, such as from docks, other platforms, etc.

Fly and Jig Trading Post Project at Rocky River Nature Center.   This week we unveiled the Fly and Jig Trading Post at the Rocky River Nature Center (see image below).  Inspired by similar "flybrary" projects elsewhere, local angler Ray Lancaster made the foam on wood plaque display, Nature Center staff made the sign, and local anglers (Bill Mantle, Duncan Simpson, Dean Sauer and yours truly) got the project kick started with dozens of jigs and flies.  The idea is that you pick a fly or jig or two you like, and leave and equal (or greater) amount of your own favorite patterns, in return, for another angler to try.  This is on an honor system and there is no cost to participate.  The "trading post" is at the front desk and available during regular Rocky River Nature Center hours.  Check it out!

Cleveland Metroparks Annual Boat Launch Passes are Now Available.    This week the 2020 season Cleveland Metroparks Boat Launch Pass went on sale.  The base price (there are certain discounts) is $30.   You can purchase in person at Lakefront Administration Office, 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44108 Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM or online at: <2020 Boat Launch Pass>.  Note: this applies only to motorized watercraft that are trailered.

The Wallace Lake Lifeguard Pier is Open To Fishing Again.    The lifeguard pier at Wallace Lake has been re-opened to anglers.  This area is popular in winter when there is ice, but not enough to permit safe ice fishing.  The area had been shut down to access because litter was being left behind and because the lifeguard shack has been used as a restroom by an inconsiderate visitor (use your imagination here).  A few bad apples almost ruined it for everyone, including some seniors who have enjoyed fishing this spot for over 30 years.  So please be considerate and pick up your trash and otherwise respect the area when fishing here!

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

Kayla caught scored some Rocky River steelhead on Friday.  She credited it as a team effort with a new friend she met on the river (photos courtesy of Kayla Malinda).




Walt has been consistently catching trout at Shadow Lake, including a trophy golden rainbow trout (photos courtesy of Walt Gedeon).



Ephraim noted that he saw a lot of trout caught on the north end of Wallace Lake this past weekend, along with two surprise channel catfish like the one Luther (pictured) caught on Sunday (photo courtesy of Ephraim Bowser).



Ben enjoyed the weather late last week and caught his first fish ever on the fly- this steelhead from North Chagrin Reservation.  Ben was an excellent member of my seasonal technican team last summer as a CWRU student (photo courtesy of Ben Cehelsky).



Tom Balcer was fishing on his buddy Mike Ruffo's boat on Saturday and landed this monster 11.75 pound walleye- his personal best!  The were fishing 45-50 feet of water off Cleveland (photo courtesy of Mike Ruffo).




Nick has been getting the stocked trout at Wallace and Ledge lakes on salmon eggs in the jar (photos courtesy of Nick Zarzeczny).






Nick had a great day on the Chagrin River yesterday using marabou jigs drifted under floats (photos courtesy of Nick Kosiba).



Randy hooked six steelhead on the Rocky River yesterday morning using spawn sacks and yarn egg flies.  He is a bit different than most and fishes floats on a baitcaster reel and custom made 13' rod (photo courtesy of Randy Gerrick).




Matt and Dave headed to the Rocky River marina yesterday afternoon and had success on jigs (photos courtesy of Matt M.).



Steve caught his limit of Shadow Lake trout.  Limits vary by location, with details in the report above (photo courtesy of Steve F.).



Cleveland Metroparks annual boat launch pass tags (for motorized trailered boats accessing Lake Erie or the lower Rocky River) went on sale this week.  See above for purchase options, including online sales.



Thanks to a collaboration between local anglers (spearheaded by Ray Lancaster) and Cleveland Metroparks we are proud to unveil the Fly and Jig Trading Post!  See above for details.



Liz and I did a quick two day icefishing trip up north and landed this huge brown trout on Monday.  On Sunday we lost one at least this large when it broke the light leader right at the hole.