January 22, 2026

***NOTE:  The Fishing Report Blog is back to regular weekly Thursday updates from September-May***  The Rocky River and other local streams are very iced up with 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. A total of 3,000 ponds of mixed trout were stocked this week between 5 Cleveland Metroparks lakes and ponds (details below).

The Rocky River was around 95% frozen over yesterday and this will not be improving soon based on the extended weather forecast. Areas below dams and falls tend to freeze more slowly than other areas, and the larger Cuyahoga River is a good choice in winter as it has more flow and ices up less rapidly than smaller streams. Where you can find open water slowly drifting a brightly colored dime to nickel size spawn sack can be productive in winter as are small marabou jigs tipped with a few maggots or a Gulp minnow, salmon egg mimicking beads, or live (or salted) minnows under a float.

The big news this week were the 3,000 lbs of mixed trout stocked at five Cleveland Metroparks lakes on Tuesday and Wednesday as follows: Wallace (1,300 lbs, Shadow (750 lbs), Ledge (600 lbs), Ranger (200 lbs) and Judge’s (150 lbs) lakes. These fish complement the 3,500 lbs of trout stocked in the same locations back in mid December. 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 out winter trout stocking for the season.

Anglers were back out on the ice this week and things only look to get better given the forecasted temperatures coming up. For those considering 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 carrying an emergency length of rope is a good idea. A floating "survival suit" is something you may consider, as well. 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

Kristopher’s first catch submitted to the fishing report was this beautiful blueback rainbow trout from Wallace Lake (photo courtesy of Kristopher McGreehan).

Bobby’s first submission to the fishing report were a beautiful rainbow, golden rainbow and brook trout with he following info “I had a few photos from Wallace Lake I’d love if you used them in the next report. All were caught 1ft off the bottom jigging with occasional dead sticks on a yellow tungsten jig and maggots. Tight lines and can’t wait for this ice to keep on growing” (photos courtesy of Bobby Greller).

Nick caught this gorgeous hen steelhead on the Chagrin River on Saturday (photo courtesy of Nick Kosiba).

Greg landed this 26.5 inch 8.6 lb rainbow trout through the ice at Ledge Lake and said he couldn’t quit shaking for 2 days because it was so exciting! (photo courtesy of Greg).

Jimmy has my respect as a die hard steelheader having headed out and persevered in a snow storm on the Rocky River (photos courtesy of Jimmy Miranda).

Chucky (pictured) and Nick caught a bunch of rainbow trout and bonus brook trout ice fishing at Wallace Lake this week (photos courtesy of Nick Zarzeczny).

John got a quick limit of three rainbow trout on Tuesday jigging a blue and silver lipless crankbait (photo courtesy of John Hall).

Jared and friends had a great time catching rainbow trout, along with a few brook trout and golden rainbows, on the ice of Metroparks lakes this week (photos courtesy of Jared Kassouf).

This week we stocked 3,000 lbs of mixed trout in five Metroparks lakes (details in report above). Included were some blueback rainbow trout and trophy tiger trout as pictured above.

Rocky River was 95% frozen over on Wednesday. The same day I drove over the stretch of the Cuyahoga River on I-271 and it was only 5% frozen over. Winter steelheaders take note!

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>