September 4, 2025

***NOTE: The Fishing Report Blog is back to regular weekly Thursday updates from September-May***  As the days get cooler as we approach 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> <Rocky River Main Branch live feed camera – scroll down at link>. Lake Erie anglers are primarily targeting walleye and inland lake/pond anglers are primarily pursuing largemouth bass, channel catfish and panfish.

The first few reports of steelhead being caught around Cleveland are coming in! 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 closer to Lake Erie (the Rocky River marina area is one such spot). 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 may also produce a few walleye after dark as the temperature cools, as well, with Perfect 10 and other shallow running stick-style crankbaits working well.

Rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, freshwater drum and sunfish species can be found along the Cleveland shoreline in late summer and can be caught on offerings such as tube jigs, dropshot rigs and live bait. Although not consistent from day to day, white perch and even a few yellow perch have made appearances at the shoreline at spots like E55th breakwall recently and have been biting on bits of worms or small minnow fished on the bottom on a crappie rig. The best bite is often in the morning and late afternoon. Please note that Wendy Park at the old Coast Guard station is closed for repairs and the reopening is running a bit later than expected. Work could be complete and the area reopened as early as November 2025.

In addition to anxiously anticipating some early returning steelhead anglers are pursuing a mix of warmwater species in the Rocky, Chagrin and Cuyahoga rivers. Smallmouth bass are the most sought after among them and bite best at the heads of deeper pools. 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, common carp and panfish are among a host of other species also available in local streams. 

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 27. The Steelhead Expo is a great way to kick off the steelhead season and will be held at the Rocky River Nature Center on Saturday, September 27. 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 usher in 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>.

Fall Family Fishing Fest will be held Saturday, October 18. Come out and join us for Fall Family Fishing Fest at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This event is free and we will have a limited number of fishing poles to loan out, as well as bait. We will be stocking 600 lbs of channel catfish and 1,000 lbs of rainbow trout at the Ohio & Erie Canal in anticipation of the event. Although anglers of any age can participate, prizes in several categories will be reserved for kids 15 years old and under. Thank you to Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders for supporting this great event with grant funds.

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 [email protected].

Tight Lines,
Mike

John shared regarding his catch from the Chagrin River “Lost a few night fishing this last week, during the nice cold nights, first one I landed this morning was a "monster". Always nice to get the first of the season out of the way. Water low and super clear and kinda starting to heat up again tho. Caught on a 1/8oz Black Roostertail” (photo courtesy of John DiFranco).

Chase shared regarding his rod bending catch “I spend most of my days kayak fishing but I wanted to share a picture of a beautiful drum I caught in the morning. It was caught out of the Rocky River pier (Bradstreet Landing) about 100 yards off shore. I would love if this would show up on the rocky river fishing report!” (photo courtesy of Chase Calvert).

Father and son caught some flathead catfish in the Cuyahoga River (photos courtesy of Josh Merryman).

Scott shared regarding a successful outing on the Rocky River with his son “Dylan always has a nice day catching quality fish at our favorite spot. It seems our blue Heron buddy always knows when we are coming!” (photos courtesy of Scott Ferian).

The Butram family and friends have been doing well kayak fishing locally, including Wallace Lake (photos courtesy of Corey Butram).

Researchers want to hear your experiences and opinions on ice cover in the region (and doing so enters you into a drawing for $100 Visa gift card). Use the QR code in the image or go to this direct link: <ice survey>

#25-001 Jeff Liskay, Great Lakes Flyfishing LLC, [email protected] (440) 781-7536

#25-002 Gareth Thomas, Alley Grabs Guide Service, [email protected] (216) 235-5056

#25-003 Jim Lingenfelter, Wild Ohio Outdoors Guide Service, [email protected], (440) 731-9160

#25-004 Monte Casey, Steelhead Guide, (440) 773-8064 www.steelheadguide.com

#25-005 Nicholas DelVecchio, Wildwood Outfitters, [email protected] (724) 433-2315

#25-006 Lucas Smith, What That Vise Do LLC, [email protected] (724) 841-1564

#25-007 Nate Miller, Steelhead Alley Outfitters, www.steelheadalleyoutfitters.com (440) 796-6105