WHO: Cleveland Metroparks is hosting, for the general public of all ages. Sponsors (prize donors) committed so far include Erie Outfitters, Stink's Bait and Tackle, Rodmaker's Shop, Butcher and the Brewer, and Cleveland Metroparks.
WHAT: An ice fishing derby with prize packages to be awarded for the three largest trout (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places). Prize packages outlined below.
WHEN: Saturday February 14, registration starts at 8:00am, fishing from 9:00am-2:00pm, fish must be checked in by 2:15pm to qualify.
WHERE: Wallace Lake in Millstream Run Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks in Berea, registration onsite at tent adjacent to swimming area parking lot on the lake. Click <here> for location and site map/info.
WHY: To host a fun public ice fishing event for all ages. Admission ($10 per person) and onsite bait ($2/pack) sales will support Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund. For more information on the Fishing Fund, or to make a separate donation anytime, please visit http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Fishing-Fund.aspx (please note, you cannot pay event registration at this webpage, though. That is done at the registration tent at the event).
Details/Rules:
On Saturday February 14 Cleveland Metroparks will host a public ice fishing derby at Wallace Lake in Berea (site location at link above) to benefit our Fishing Fund. Registration begins onsite at 8:00am, fishing begins and ends at the sound of the airhorn at 9:00am and 2:00pm sharp. Fish will be measured at the registration tent by Metroparks staff and must be submitted by 2:15pm sharp to be eligible for prize consideration (no exceptions). 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize packages will be awarded for the three largest (longest) trout caught during the event. In the event of a tie, the heavier fish will rank higher. Prize package details are outlined below. An individual can only win one prize package. Bait (limited supplies of maggots, waxworms, and redworms) will be available onsite for additional donation to the Fishing Fund. The lake will be stocked with 1,000 pounds of trout prior to the event, including some large fish (you may keep 3 trout/day at this location). Anglers can use a maximum of two rods per entrant and tip-ups are not allowed for this competition! Use of fish finders/sonars will be allowed. Anglers will need to bring their own fishing gear and are strongly encouraged to bring their own auger/spud bar to make holes. For those anglers who do not have an implement to make a hole, there will be plenty of abandoned holes around the lake, anglers who may let you borrow their auger/spud, and Metroparks staff will be available as time permits to assist anglers in need by making holes. All anglers will need a slotted spoon/scoop or similar to remove slush from their hole. A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anglers 16 and over (please make sure you have it with you as Rangers may be checking and, as a reminder, the current license is valid through February 28, 2015).
Please post additional inquiries in the comments section below, or call Mike Durkalec at (440) 331-8017 or email at [email protected]
*PRIZE PACKAGES*
Largest Trout - $329.20 value
StrikeMaster Glide-Lite fishing sled
Butcher and the Brewer $50 gift certificate
Rodmakers Shop $25 gift certificate
Erie Outfitters $25 gift certificate
Frabill Straight Line rod/reel combo
Northland Bionic Ice Fishing Line
Frabill Sit-N-Fish
15 ice fishing lures from:
Heddon, KastMaster, Rapala, and Northland
2nd Place Trout - $217.99 value
StrikeMaster 6" Lazer Auger
Rodmakers Shop $25 gift certificate
Erie Outfitters $25 gift certificate
Shimano Sienna 500FD spinning reel
Northland Bionic Ice Fishing Line
8 ice fishing lures from:
Heddon, KastMaster, Rapala, and Northland
3rd Place Trout - $108.28 value
Erie Outfitters $50 gift certificate
Rodmakers Shop $25 gift certificate
Shimano Sienna 500FD spinning reel
Northland Bionic Ice Fishing Line
IMAGES OF ICE FISHING FUN BELOW!!!
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.