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    Fishing & Ice Fishing

    Parks | Visit | Activities
    Sport fishing is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities available in Cleveland Metroparks. In a recent visitor survey, sport fishing ranked sixth in overall popularity among fifteen specific activities listed by park users as part of their daily recreational activities.

    View the Fishing Report

    Greater Clevelanders make nearly 350,000 trips to fish in the waters of Cleveland Metroparks each year. The Park District currently has thirteen major fishing areas located within convenient reach of area anglers. A variety of fishing opportunities and a surprising amount of fishing diversity await you in the waters of Cleveland Metroparks. There are opportunities to access Lake Erie, the area's largest fishery resource, which give fishermen the chance to tackle "big waters."

    Cleveland Metroparks also holds ownership to twenty-six stream miles of the Rocky River which represents the largest single public stream ownership in Ohio. Rocky River currently supports a significant steelhead trout fishery as well as native stream fisheries for a diversity of fish species. The year-round fishability of the Rocky River has been enhanced by the steelhead fisheries as well as a stock and catch trout fishery in upstream segments of the river. Cleveland Metroparks also holds significant ownership to portions of the Chagrin River and the Cuyahoga River which support local stream fisheries.

    Local lakes and ponds dot the various reservations of the Park District. These areas are also productive year round as rainbow trout are stocked during the winter months.

    Fishing Licence Requirements

    Anglers are reminded that an Ohio fishing license is required for all persons, age 16 and older, who fish in the public waters of the state. These waters include Lake Erie, all streams and all inland lakes and ponds which are not in private ownership. Seniors, age 66 and older, can receive an annual fishing license at a reduced rate from the state of Ohio. For an application, apply on the Ohio Division of Wildlife website. 

    Fishing Hours and Prohibited Equipment

    Fishing is permitted daily in Cleveland Metroparks from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks may close waters to fishing as it deems advisable. Closed signs will be posted if an area is not available for fishing. In all other Park District waters fishing is permitted subject to the statutes of the state of Ohio, except for the following: hooks left unattended, trot lines, traps, spears and gigs, and bows and arrows. 

    Fishing Gear Rentals

    For the family that loves to fish, fishing gear rentals will be available during the month of May at Wallace Lake. Check the program calendar for dates, location and fees.

    Fishing Guides

    Fishing Guide Permit

    Active Fisheries Management Program

    Cleveland Metroparks conducts an active fisheries management program to enhance the various fishing opportunities at local water areas. Active management of water areas include fish populations surveys, water quality analysis, fish stocking, fish habitat improvement projects and cooperation with other resource agencies to best manage area waters. Cleveland Metroparks has been recognized nationally for its management of the area's high-use urban waters for both fisheries enhancement and for fishing recreational use. 

    Fishing Areas

    Fishing areas in Cleveland Metroparks 
    • Acacia Pond
    • Beyers Pond
    • Hinckley Lake
    • Judges Lake
    • Ledge Lake
    • Ranger Lake
    • Shadow Lake
    • Strawberry Pond
    • Wallace Lake

    Parks

    • Big Creek Reservation
      Big Creek Reservation

      Big Creek Reservation serves primarily as an urban greenway, which winds along Big Creek through the southwest suburbs of Cuyahoga County.

    • Bradley Woods Reservation
      Bradley Woods Reservation

      This swamp forest boasts hiking trails, walking paths, Bunns Lake and a monarch butterfly waystation.

    • Euclid Creek Reservation
      Euclid Creek Reservation

      Euclid Creek reservation offers shady trails and picnic areas near the creek, surrounded by steep forested hillsides and rocky cliffs.

    • Hinckley Reservation
      Hinckley Reservation

      The reservation is dominated by the 90-acre Hinckley Lake, enjoyed by ice fishermen in the winter months.

    • Lakefront Reservation
      Lakefront Reservation

      From beaches to boat ramps, fitness trails to fishing piers, Lakefront Reservation is a true gem in the “Emerald Necklace”

    • Mill Stream Run Reservation
      Mill Stream Run Reservation

      Marvel at the flowing streams and ride down Ohio’s tallest, fastest toboggan chutes.

    • North Chagrin Reservation
      North Chagrin Reservation

      Explore one of the original corridors of the Emerald Necklace at North Chagrin reservation. Scenic views of the Chagrin River await.

    • Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
      Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation

      Explore a portion of the historic 309-mile Ohio & Erie canal. Scenic beauty and fishing opportunities await.

    • Rocky River Reservation
      Rocky River Reservation

      Long and narrow, this reservation follows the winding course of the Rocky River from Berea into Lakewood near Lake Erie.

    • South Chagrin Reservation
      South Chagrin Reservation

      Explore one of the most biologically diverse reservations in Cleveland Metroparks at South Chagrin reservation.

    Attractions

    • Beyer
      Beyer's Pond

      A wooded, 0.7 mile trail leads to the pond, stocked with channel catfish, sunfish and largemouth bass.

    • Codrington Shelterhouse Picnic Area
      Codrington Shelterhouse Picnic Area

      Open shelterhouse with electricity, picnic tables, grills, swings, fishing area, parking, restrooms.

    • E 72nd Fishing Area
      E 72nd Fishing Area

      This lakeside fishing hot spot includes picnic areas with grills, a fishing wall and access to the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway.

    • East 55th Street Marina
      East 55th Street Marina

      A 1,200-foot fishing platform, fully stocked bait shop and marina store, e55 on the lake restaurant and bar and more.

    • East 55th Marina Fishing Area
      East 55th Marina Fishing Area

      Amenities include restrooms, picnic areas with grills, 2 volleyball courts, 2 bocce courts and a 1200 foot fishing wall.

    • Ledge Lake Building
      Ledge Lake Building

      Plan your event at Ledge Lake! This room within the closed building includes a fireplace, tables, chairs, grills, basketball court and fishing lake...

    • Edgewater Beach
      Edgewater Beach

      Soak up the sun and sand while admiring the city’s skyline. Swim, picnic, walk the dog or kick the ball around.

    • Wendy Park
      Wendy Park

      Amenities include sand volleyball courts, picnic areas with grills, fishing and kayaking access and the Whiskey Island Marina.

    • Edgewater Fishing Pier
      Edgewater Fishing Pier

      This 200 foot long ADA accessible concrete pier is perfect for fishing. Bait is available at the Pier concessions building.

    • Closed for the season Wildwood Marina and Concessions
      Wildwood Marina and Concessions

      Enjoy a fully stocked ship store with all your fishing and boating needs. Live bait and tackle are available from our knowledgeable marina staff.

    • Hinckley Lake
      Hinckley Lake

      Hinckley Lake is 90-acres and provides a variety of opportunities for recreation on the water, including fishing, boating and swimming.

    • Wildwood Park
      Wildwood Park

      One of Cleveland Metroparks lakefront parks, offering guests a variety of outdoor experiences from the forest to the beach.

    • Judge
      Judge's Lake

      This 2-acre lake offers easy access for fishing.

    • Ledge Lake
      Ledge Lake

      Fishing in this 4.5 acre lake is restricted to shore fishing only; no boats.

    • Morley Ford Fishing Area
      Morley Ford Fishing Area

      With easy access of of Valley Parkway and parking available nearby, Morley Ford is a great fishing spot for a variety of species including...

    • North Chagrin Oxbow Lagoon
      North Chagrin Oxbow Lagoon

      North Chagrin Oxbow Lagoon is a beautiful wetland area offering serene views of wood ducks, Canadian geese and other wetland creatures.

    • Ohio & Erie Canal
      Ohio & Erie Canal

      Hike, bike or walk the Towpath Trail from Lake Erie to Rockside Road as you enjoy the natural and urban sights of Cleveland. Stop by CanalWay...

    • Rockcliff Springs Ford
      Rockcliff Springs Ford

      With easy access of of Valley Parkway and parking available nearby, Rockcliff Springs Ford is a great fishing spot for a variety of species...

    • Rocky River Oxbow Lagoon
      Rocky River Oxbow Lagoon

      Rocky River Oxbow Lagoon is a former river oxbow that has been enhanced to make it a permanent fishing area. The area offers various sunfish...

    • Scenic Park Fishing Area
      Scenic Park Fishing Area

      Scenic Park Picnic Area has everything for the perfect picnic, kayaking adventure, or fishing trip

    • Scranton Road Peninsula
      Scranton Road Peninsula

      Running from University Rd. to Carter Rd. this area features public fishing access, a river observation deck and fish habitat breeding areas.

    • Shadow Lake
      Shadow Lake

      Shadow Lake doubles as a scenic picnic area and peaceful place to cast a line.

    • Wallace Lake
      Wallace Lake

      Wallace Lake features many recreational activities making it fun for all ages.

    Upcoming Programs & Events

    • View More Events
    • Save the Date - Wallace Lake Family Campout June 17, 2023 | 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

      Experience camping at Wallace Lake.

      • Wallace Lake
      • View More

    Stay Up To Date
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    • 216.635.3200
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    • Police:
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    • Emergency: 440.333.4911
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