February 12, 2026

***NOTE:  The Fishing Report Blog is back to regular weekly Thursday updates from September-May***  Ice fishers have been out in force on Cleveland Metroparks inland lakes and ponds as well as in Cleveland area Lake Erie harbors. A total of 6,500 pounds of mixed trout were stocked throughout the winter between five Cleveland Metroparks waters for the enjoyment of ice anglers (details below). The Rocky River and other local streams are iced up with extremely limited open water and that will not be changing soon based on the forecasted weather. River water level and temperature trend can be found at the following links: <Rocky River flow gage data><Chagrin River flow gage data> <Rocky River NEORSD station with turbidity><Rocky River Main Branch live feed camera>. Note: ice formation on the sensors can lead to erroneous flow readings.

Area rivers are largely frozen over and despite a warm-up in the forecast it will take quite a bit of mild temperatures and rain to deteriorate the excellent ice on lakes and ponds and open the river up again. Anglers have been ice fishing on Metroparks lakes and ponds, with most pursuing trout, although sunfish, largemouth bass and some channel catfish are also being caught. Throughout winter Cleveland Metroparks has stocked 6,500 pounds of mixed trout between Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Ranger, and Judge’s lakes. Although Wallace Lake (being the largest of these lakes by far) received nearly half the total fish, most of the smaller lakes receive more fish per acre so any of them are great options. A video of our crew stocking trout using a slide that was widely viewed on our social media can be watched <here>. The bulk were rainbow trout averaging a pound each although there were plenty of bonus brook, brown, golden rainbow, cutbow (cutthroat x rainbow hybrid), and even rare tiger (brook x brown hybrid) trout and blueback rainbow trout (new this year) to keep things interesting. A number of the fish were of trophy proportions. Small marabou or hair jigs tipped with a few maggots or a waxworm, a dime sized ball of Power Bait, and smallish to medium size jigging spoons are all great offerings to try for trout. This concludes our winter trout stocking for the season. Panfish as well as some largemouth bass and channel catfish are also being caught on our inland lakes. 

Anglers have been out in force on the ice of Cleveland area Lake Erie harbors for a variety of species. Off the public boat ramps at Gordon and Edgewater parks, as well as marinas at E55th and Wildwood are all good options for ice fishing access. Anglers catch a mix of yellow perch, sunfish, steelhead, largemouth bass, and northern pike along with others species. A small to medium size jigging spoon (ie Little Cleo or Kastmaster) and small jigs tipped with maggots or a waxworm are popular choices, as are live minnows if you can find them. I was recently a guest on the popular 120 Outdoors Podcast to cover all aspects of ice fishing for steelhead in Great Lakes harbors and if you are interested in listening that can be found <here>. 

This is shaping up to be one of our best years for local ice in at least a decade! With the elevated interest in ice fishing this year Cleveland Metroparks put together a “how to” video that covers safety, equipment, and techniques that can be viewed <here>. For those new to ice fishing we offer the following safety advice. Most state conservation agencies recommend at least 4" of solid ice before anglers should venture out to ice fish, and in Cleveland Metroparks it is the angler's responsibility to check that. One method is to use a spud bar near shore and check the ice thickness, and if it is > 4 inches then walk out a little further and check again. Ice is often thinnest right at the water's edge and around inlets and outlets of the waterbody. Heavy snow serves to insulate the water and slow additional ice formation, as well. A pair of emergency ice picks held at the ready on a cord around the neck are a safety must and ice cleats can be helpful when there is not much snow on the ice. Other safety tips are to always fish with a friend, let someone know where you'll be, and focus on areas near where other anglers have already been fishing. 

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 will 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

Corey shows off a jumbo perch from a Cleveland shoreline harbor. See tips on where to try in the report above 9photo courtesy of Corey Reed).

A few scenes from the ice fishing at WinterFest at Wallace Lake this past Saturday (photos courtesy of Katie Lee).

Doug caught some nice fish through the ice in Cleveland Metroparks this week. I especially like the photo he caught on a trout eating his bait below the hole! (photos courtesy of Doug Clout).

Nick got a great catch of panfish, including bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch, in a Cleveland shoreline harbor this week (photos courtesy of Nick Bachtel).

Owen and Elizabeth show off a few quality steelhead caught through the ice locally this week.

 Brad scored this jumbo yellow perch in a Cleveland Metroparks marina on Lake Erie (photo courtesy of Brad Gardner).

If you’re wondering about the Rocky River, Berea Falls (pictured here) has the most open water I’ve seen- and I’m not kidding! There is a 10+ foot waterfall running underneath that ice.

The popular and fun Barbie Rod Steelhead Derby will be returning on Saturday March 28! Registration is now open at the QR code in the image above or at this link:  <Barbie Rod Steelhead Derby registration>.

February 16, 2026 at 7 p.m. - Join the Points North podcast team at Collision Bend Brewing Company in Cleveland for Pints North Trivia Season 4.

Love the Great Lakes? Spend an evening at Collision Bend Brewing Company in Cleveland, OH for a friendly night of trivia centered on the land, water, and inhabitants of our incredible region.  Hosted by the award-winning Points North podcast team, it’s the perfect chance to grab a drink, connect with neighbors, and win some great prizes—including custom pint glasses.  Whether you're a local expert or just curious about our home, everyone is welcome at this free public event!  Also, you can support Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund by enjoying a tasty Steelhead Sipper ale, with $2 from each of this brew sold supporting Metroparks fishing thanks to Collision Bend Brewing and Mad River Outfitters

Collision Bend Brewing Company Cleveland
1250 Old River Rd
Cleveland, OH 44113

(Also check out their Euclid location on Babbitt Road)
https://www.collisionbendbrewery.com/

2026 Cleveland Metroparks Registered Fishing Guides (name, company, contact)

#26-001 Jeff Liskay, Great Lakes Flyfishing LLC, [email protected] (440) 781-7536

#26-002 Monte Casey, Steelhead Guide, (440) 773-8064 www.steelheadguide.com

#26-003 Gareth Thomas, Alley Grabs Guide Service, [email protected] (216) 235-5056

#26-004 Jim Lingenfelter, Wild Ohio Outdoors Guide Service, (440) 731-9160  www.wildohiooutdoorguide.com

#26-005 Lucas Smith, What That Vise Do LLC, [email protected] (724) 841-1564

More information on Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Guide Permit requirements, including the permit application, you may check the following link: <Fishing Guide Permit Program>