Fishing Report - November 25, 2009
Rocky River was named one of the “150 Best Places to fish in America” in the June 2007 issue of Field and Stream magazine
***November 30, 2009, morning update: The river is currently elevated and exhibiting a brownish stain with about 6 inches of visability. If we don't get more rain, the fishing conditions should be good tomorrow.***
Following the much needed spike in river flow late last week, the river is now fairly low and clear again. Fortunately, it’s looking like a fair amount of rain in the forecast in the coming days and week which would improve fishing conditions again. Anglers planning a trip can monitor the most recent river water level and temperature, especially during transitional weather, at the following link: <river flow gage data>
As expected, the spike in river flow late last week enticed a decent run of chrome bright steelhead into the Rocky and Chagrin rivers. Many fish were hooked in the day or two following the receding level and clearing of the water following that bump in flow. The majority of the freshest fish have been in the northern few miles of those systems, although a modest number of fish are available quite a way upstream and into both branches of the river at this time. If we get much of this rain in the forecast in the coming days anglers can expect a repeat of that scenario.
Plan to be adaptable based on river conditions into the Thanksgiving weekend and the following week; if the river remains on the clear side when you get out plan to continue using the stealthy techniques and downsized offerings that have been working over the past week or so. If the river begins to stain substantially due to rain, you can begin going back to larger and brighter colored offerings and focusing more on barriers to fish migration and tailouts instead of solely focusing on the deeper holes.
The fishing for stocked rainbow trout at the Ohio and Erie Canal fishing area has been fair again this week, with angler effort having tapered off recently. Trout can be taken on Power Bait in bright colors, canned corn kernels fished right on the bottom, small jigs tipped with grubs under a small float, and by casting small spinners.
Winter Trout Stocking Schedule. Just an FYI since I’ve had quite a few inquiries lately, the first winter stocking of rainbow trout in Cleveland Metroparks lakes is scheduled for approximately mid-December. Waters scheduled for stockings include Wallace, Ranger, Shadow, Ledge, and Judges lakes.
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 .
Happy Thanksgiving,
Mike
Brock and John caught these healthy steelhead, respectively, while fly fishing on the Rocky River recently (photos courtesy of Brock Mihaly).
Chris has been hooking into some fine fresh steelies on the Rock this week (photos courtesy of Chris Koch).
Bob caught this 11 pound mint bright hen on the Chagrin over the weekend (photo courtesy of www.flyandfloatfishing.com).
Dan reports seeing alot of fresh fish taken from the lower Rock following the increase in flow late last week, including this streamlined 29" hen (photo courtesy of Dan McCutcheon).
A cool close-up pic of a chrome skipper about to go home to the river (photo courtesy of Sean Swatsky).
Visiting Canadians Cam and Brian pose with a colorful Chagrin River steelie recent (photo courtesy of www.flyandfloatfishing.com).
The new super lightweight HBE carbon fiber centerpin reel is being field tested on our local streams since the great fishery and strong steelhead offer an ideal proving ground (photo courtesy of www.flyandfloatfishing.com).
A rosy cheeked buck steelhead swims off after being caught and released (photo courtesy of Sean Swatsky).
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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