Cleveland Metroparks Blogs & Podcasts

Rocky River was named one of the “150 Best Places to fish in America” in the June 2007 issue of Field and Stream magazine

The Rocky River fishing conditions are currently good, with the water on the clear side with a green stain to the deeper areas. The weekend outlook will be dependant upon how much of the rain in the forecast we receive, which is likely to be a good amount over the next several days. Anglers would be wise to check the <river flow gage data> during changing weather patterns to determine the trend in river conditions.

Steelhead are currently well distributed throughout the river, with many fish spawning and visible as darker shadows in the riffles. The depressions steelhead make with their tails to deposit their eggs are called “redds”. A short video of spawning trout (complete to music) can be viewed on the personal website of local fishing guide Monte Casey at the following link: <Rock-and-Roll Spawnfest>.  Many fly fishers are enjoying this annual opportunity to sight fish for trout in shallow, clear water riffle areas. One tip I would suggest in that situation is to use a single fly pattern, as tandem rigs inadvertantly foul hook fish very easily in that situation. Many white suckers are also spawning in similar areas. A small, dark nymph pattern or tiny egg pattern drifted with minimal weight is often a productive choice in such a situation for trout or suckers.

Other anglers are choosing to focus on the non-spawning steelhead located in deeper river areas. A prime spot this time of year is a deeper hole located just downstream of a spawning riffle, where there is often a mix of fish including those that have spawned aready (called “spent” or “dropback” steelhead), silvery fish that have not spawned yet, as well as a few younger “skipper” steelhead in the 15”-20” size range. These fish often feed on eggs washed downstream from the spawning areas and can be very conducive to biting. Under clear water conditions the flies aready mentioned earlier work good in these areas, too, as well as smaller, more subdued colored spawn bags, jigs/maggots, and minnows. Some anglers prefer to fish articial lures and catch fish on spinners (with silver in the finish is always good), smaller spoons, Flatfish style plugs, and even small rubber “trout worms”. Basically, just about anything a steelhead will hit can work well during prime river conditions in spring.

If the river becomes elevated and floods over the next few days (which is looking likely based on the radar) the weekend steelhead fishing conditions will be poor, but anglers can always switch gears and target stocked trout at Wallace and Hinckley lakes. Rainbow trout in the ponds and river bite well on small jigs (especially black and chartreuse colors) tipped with maggots and suspended under a small ice bobber, as well as Power Bait (various bright colors) fished near the bottom. Some anglers also experience success casting small spinners or other lures.

Although no stocking will be conducted this week, Cleveland Metroparks is scheduled to coordinate stocking another 800 pounds of rainbow trout in the East Branch Rocky River next week. Over the past three weeks, the following quantities of rainbow trout were stocked: 1,100# in the East Branch Rocky River, 2,500# in Hinckley Lake (by ODNR), and 400# in Wallace Lake.

The lower Rocky River is currently being dredged near the marina in anticipation of the recreational boating season. The courtesy docks will likely be put back in place between mid and late April, dependant upon river conditions.

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 .

Good Fishing,

Mike

Jim caught this beautiful hen on his flyrod in the Rocky this week (photo courtesy of Jim A.).

A fly fisher works a pod of spawning white suckers this afternoon.

A father teaching the basics of fishing to his son on the lower Rocky.

A pair of spawning steelhead observed today from an overhead vantage point.

A young lady and her father enjoying some coffee, conversation, and leisurely fishing near the marina.

Mike shows off a fresher hen steelhead (on the left) in contrast to Jack's darker buck steelhead.

A fly fisher plies his craft on a sun dappled riffle.

Joe displays a fine specimen (photo courtesy of Monte Casey).

Jeff caught this fine steelhead on the fly rod this week (photo courtesy of Jeff S.).

David display a very nice buck steelhead taken at Rockcliff Springs access this week.

This skipper steelhead taken near the marina will make a fine dinner for two.

The river was being dredged today near the boat ramps.  The courtesy docks will likely be installed mid to late April. 

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Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund

Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund helps provide a rewarding fishing experience to Northeast Ohio anglers through the stocking of rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and other sport fish. The Fund also supports children's fishing derbies and creation and restoration of essential habitat in the ponds, lakes, and rivers within Cleveland Metroparks.


For more information or to make a gift to Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund, please contact:

Karen J. Kannenberg, CFRE
Manager of Gift and Donor Development
Cleveland Metroparks
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44144
216.635.3217
kjk@clevelandmetroparks.com