The Rocky River is experiencing winter river conditions with cold water and moderate flow. Given our current forecast this weekend could see some ice fishing on our smaller lakes and ponds. Anglers can check the latest river flow and temperature trends at the following link: <Rocky River flow gage data>
Given the winter conditions and dropping water, steelhead are primarily in holes and can be lethargic. Persistent and adaptable anglers are experiencing the most success. Offerings such as live minnows, small 1/32 and 1/64 oz jigs tipped with maggots or a waxworm, 2-3" tube jigs are all taking fish, as is the old stand-by spawn sack. A wobbling plug slowly run through a deep hole can often entice a strike from a sluggish winter steelie, as well.
Looking at the forecast, anglers could possibly be back on the ice on our smaller lakes and ponds this weekend. Keep in mind that a minimum of 4" of solid ice is recommended by most state conservation agencies for foot traffic on ice. In the meantime anglers can try their hand off fishing platforms and drop into deeper water along the shoreline from the safety of solid ground. Anglers at lakes like Wallace, Ledge, Shadow and Judges reported catching rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bazss and white crappie when ice conditions have been conducive in recent weeks, as evidenced by several of the photos below. Small jigs and ice flies tipped with a few maggots or waxworms were working for all of the aforementioned species, and jigging spoons (such as Forage Minnows and Swedish Pimples) were taking the larger predatory fish. PowerBait and salmon or trout egg sacks have been catching their share of trout, as well. Both winter stockings of trout in Metroparks waters have been completed..
I am back on a limited basis. I apologize for the month long hiatus in weekly full fishing report updates that regular blog readers have come to expect. I have been recovering from an accident and am slowly getting better. I hope to be able to update fishing reports weekly again from this point on, though. Thank you to so many of you for your support up until this point. It is a pleasure serving you and I will continue to work hard to get back to fuller capacity.
If you have a photo that you would like to contribute to the fishing report, send them to [email protected].
Good Fishing,
Mike
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Congratulations to young Isaac on catching his first steelhead, as well as to his father Lance for landing the trophy steelies pictured (photos courtesy of Lance Masarik).
Rachel caught this steelie on a white twister tail jig (photo courtesy of Bob Brunner).
Congratulations goes out to Peter Bergan on catching his first steel on his first trip to the Rock. He credits Owen Murphy of Ohio Steehead Drifters for his success (photo courtesy of Peter Bergan).
Dustin caught these Rocky River steel on a white jig tipped with minnow (photo courtesy of Dustin Lancy).
Beau reports good winter largemouth bass fishing at Wallace Lake (photos courtesy of Beau Kinnaird).
Julio landed this 31.5" steel on an icy day on the Rock (photo courtesy of Julio DeJesus).
Brian caught this pretty surprise brown trout (photo courtesy of Brian Pavick).
Andy caught this fine trout in Shadow Lake (photo courtesy of Dana Lesniak).
Shouvik caught this brace of Chagrin River steelies on minnows (photo courtesy of Shouvik Majumdar).
Chad landed this 28" steelhead in the Chagrin while his buddy Scott scored a white sucker (photo courtesy of Scott Heidrich).
Jeff caught this 11 pound steelie at Morley Ford on the Rock on a Fay's Janis jig (photo courtesy of Jeff Sutliff).
Mark has been catching the winter steelies (photos courtesy of Mark Barrett).
Mark caught his largest steelhead on the Chagrin recently (photo courtesy of Mark Warren).
John caught this chromer on Fay's White Room jig (photo courtesy of John Fay).
Travis has been catching some impressive Rocky River steel and him and buddy Sisqo bothb caught surprise brown trout (photos courtesy of Travis Males).
Brian caught this slab Wallace Lake crappie (photo courtesy of Brian Kich).
Will caught this handsome rainbow trout (photo courtesy of Will Ellis).
You never know what kind of critters will make an appearance when you're fishing in Cleveland Metroparks (photo courtesy of Mark Fascione).
Note: The fishing report is updated monthly in June, July, and August and weekly every other month
***Note: All photo submissions must first complete the Cleveland Metroparks photo waiver.***
2024 Cleveland Metroparks Registered Fishing Guides
(name, company, contact)
- #24-001 Gareth Thomas, Alley Grabs Guide Service, [email protected] (216) 235-5056
- #24-002 Jeff Liskay, Great Lakes Flyfishing LLC, [email protected] (440) 781-7536
- #24-003 Monte Casey, The Steelhead Guide, (440) 773-8064 www.steelheadguide.com
- #24-004 Anthony Montagnese, Covered Bridge Outfitters, [email protected] (440) 320-105
- #24-005 Lucas Smith, What That Vise Do LLC, [email protected] (724) 841-1564
- #24-006 Nicholas DelVecchio, Wildwood Outfitters, [email protected] (724) 433-2315
- #24-007 Nate Miller, Steelhead Alley Outfitters, www.steelheadalleyoutfitters.com (440) 796-6105
- #24-008 Jim Lampros, [email protected] (216) 513-6011
More information on Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Guide Permit requirements, including the permit application, you may check the following link:
<Fishing Guide Permit Program>
Learn how you can support recreation opportunities through a donation to the Cleveland Metroparks
Fishing Fund.