Fishing Report - April 24, 2008
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 is currently running quite clear, with a greenish stain only remaining in the deeper areas. The fishing conditions are good for various fish species in Park District lakes and ponds, as well. Not surpisingly, the pleasant spring weather has lured many anglers outside over the past week, with plenty of families and children enjoying the varied spring fishing opportunities, as well. The latest <river flow gage data> will help anglers determine any changes in river conditions.
Steelhead are currently well distributed throughout the Rocky and Chagrin rivers, with most fish having already spawned and are now in “dropback” mode (slowly moving back towards Lake Erie). These fish need to replenish the engery reserves depleted during the rigors of spawning and are often feeding aggressively. Dropback steelhead are most often found in the deeper holes, although some days they may also be found in fast water or tailouts. A few fresh adult steelhead and skippers are still available, as well, especially in the northern river reaches where they feed upon the abundant emerald shiners present. Given the clear water conditions light leaders and smaller more subdued colored offerings are usually an angler’s best bet. Although the steelhead run has peaked already and they are declining in numbers now, there will still be fish available up until about the first or second week of May most years.
Although steelhead numbers are declining for the season, reports of Lake Erie run smallmouth bass are on the upswing. Olive or dark brown tube jigs of about 4" are a top smallmouth offering. Streamer flies and smaller lures (spinners and plugs) will take their share of bass in the coming weeks, too, as well as live baits such as minnows, crayfish, and leeches. Most larger smallmouth have been caught in the northern river reaches. An angler fishing for steelhead near the marina one morning this week reported catching and releasing three nice smallmouth bass up to 4½ pounds (and losing a few others) using a small jig tipped with maggots drifted under a float. I also strongly encourage other anglers to quickly release any larger bass this time of year, as they are getting ready to spawn and natural reproduction is responsible for sustaining this fishery.
Cleveland Metroparks plans to stock another 800 pounds of rainbow trout in the East Branch Rocky River (600#) and Wallace Lake (200#) tomorrow afternoon. The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocked 500 rainbow trout at Shadow Lake on Friday April 18th. These latest fish will supplement the trout that have been stocked around the Park District in recent weeks (check archived fishing reports for more info regarding previous stockings). Power Bait, salmon eggs, worms, corn, and small spinners are among the offerings these trout will eagerly grab.
The courtesy docks at the marina were installed last week for the convenience of early season boaters, as well.
Children’s Spring Fishing Derbies Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th. It’s time again for the highly popular annual Children’s Spring Fishing Derbies. Details on this free event can be found at the following link: <fishing derby details>. I would like to sincerely thank the following sponsors for their longstanding support which makes this great community event possible: Cleveland Fishing Association, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders, Optimist’s Club, Rodmaker’s Shop, and the Woods and Waters Club. We look forward to seeing you and your children, grandchildren, or other young friends/relatives there!
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
Chuck caught this trophy buck steelhead in the Rocky River (photo courtesy of Monte Casey).
Dave displays a trophy 31" steelhead from the Rock (photo courtesy of Dave D.).
Smallmouth are starting to bite well in the river (photo courtesy of John P.).
Andrea caught and released this fine hen during a recent fly fishing outing (photo courtesy of Andrea S.).
Carp on the fly rod are a challenge being pursued by increasing numbers of anglers every year. This golden hued beauty came from the Chagrin River (photo courtesy of Jim).
As a Baldwin-Wallace college graduate, I considered it a privilege to spend time on the water with retired B-W President Mark Collier this week. Here is Mark with his very first steelhead caught after a little basic instruction (this was one of ten he hooked). We were rewarded by dead drifting small, pale pink egg patterns through deeper holes with moderate flow.
Tim, who serves as the Firelands Fly Fishers Director of Communications, displays a colorful Rocky River steelhead caught on an olive flashback nymph (photo courtesy of Tim S.).
Kevin caught this large buck steelie on a minnow (photo courtesy of Kevin G.).
Don Mayer, 90 years young, engaged in battle with a feisty Rocky River steelhead (photo courtesy of Monte Casey).
Tom with a fine Rocky River catch (photo courtesy of Monte Casey).
Although most steelhead have wrapped up spawning over the past week, some fish are still on their nests (photo courtesy of Kory K.).
"Doc" had plenty of reason to smile during a recent outing on the Rock (photo courtesy of Scott).
Marty displays a dropback hen caught on a beadhead nymph (photo courtesy of Tim S.).
Joe displays one of several steelhead he caught on Woolly Buggers during a
recent fly fishing outing (photo courtesy of Joe L.).
Garry caught and released this 10 pound class buck steelie Monday morning (photo courtesy of Garry Z.).
Rich caught this buck on a Woolly Bugger (photo courtesy of Joe L.).
This dropback was regaining her silvery coloration (photo courtesy of Mike S.).
Scott displays a torpedo-like chrome hen (photo courtesy of Monte Casey).
Anglers work a popular stretch of river last week.
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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
Mike Durkalec