***NOTE: The Fishing Report Blog has resumed weekly Thursday updates from September-May*** As we begin our approach towards 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 the first returning steelhead trout as temperatures cool. 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.
As the weather cools, 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. These same areas are beginning to produce a few walleye after dark, as well, with Perfect 10 and other shallow running stick-style crankbaits working well. A small number of steelhead that succumbed to the heat wave about two weeks ago turned up in local streams, but the current cooling trend should put an end to that.
White and yellow perch, channel catfish, rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and various sunfish species can be found along the Cleveland shoreline in late summer and can be caught on offerings such as live bait, tube jigs, and dropshot rigs. Although not consistent from day to day, white perch and even a few yellow perch have made appearances at the shoreline at spots like Wendy Park at the old Coast Guard station in recent weeks, at times in good numbers, and have been biting on bits of worms or small minnow fished on the bottom on a crappie rig. The best bite has been in the morning and late afternoon lately.
Anglers are pursuing a mix of warmwater species in the streams Smallmouth bass are the most sought after among them and bite best at the heads of deeper pools in the mornings and evenings. 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).
Channel catfish, carp, sheepshead, white perch and sunfish are also present in some of these same areas in the river, especially around the marina on the Rocky, and fishing for them can be a laid back and relaxing way to enjoy some time on the water. Catfishing is usually best during lower light conditions using baits such as nightcrawlers, minnows, chicken liver, and processed dough baits. Catfish often bite best following a rain when the water is a bit murky. Carp can often be caught throughout the day on such bait as canned corn, carp dough baits, worms or crayfish tails. For the angling generalist, any of the species thus far can be effectively targeted by fishing bits of nightcrawler worm right on the river bottom with a crappie rig.
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 just a few other spots worth poking around in late summer.
Steelhead Expo at the Rocky River Nature Center Saturday September 25th. After a year hiatus due to the pandemic I am pleased to report that the Steelhead Expo is back and bigger than ever! The event is a great way to kick off the steelhead season and will be held at the Rocky River Nature Center on Saturday September 25th. 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:
<Rocky River Nature Center>.
The Steelheaders Ball is back! When: Friday, October 29, 2021- 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: The LaSalle Theater, 823 E. 185th St, Cleveland, OH 44119
What: Live Music by The Interstate All-Star Band, BBQ Food Truck, cash bar, assorted raffles, door prizes and more!
Why: Fundraiser to support a variety of local fisheries projects. Tickets- $20.00 online, $25.00 at the door. Purchase tickets online at:
<Steelheaders Ball tickets>
Photo Release Waivers for Fishing Blog Photos (fast and easy to complete online). Photo release waivers for photos sent in for the fishing report can easily be completed online through Smart Waiver (takes only about 30 seconds to complete) at the following link:
<Smart Waiver link>. You only need to do this one time and any future additional photos submitted are already covered.
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 .