In late spring, highlight species targeted by anglers in Cleveland Metroparks include largemouth/smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, channel catfish, yellow perch, and stocked trout. The Rocky River is low and clear at this time and weekend conditions will depend on how much rain we recieve in the coming days. Lake-run smallmouth bass have again highlighted the multi-species Rocky River fishery this week. Recently stocked rainbow trout and cannel catfish are available at Wallace Lake and Ohio & Erie Canal reservation. Our local ponds and lakes are offering good opportunities for largemouth bass and panfish. Walleye fishing has been good around the Cleveland after dark and bass fishing has been very good along the shoreline, too. To monitor the most recent river water level, temperature, and clarity (turbidity) you can check the following links: <Rocky River USGS flow gage data> <Chagrin River USGS flow gage data> <Rocky River NEORSD station with turbidity>
The highlight of the Rocky River and other stream fisheries in late spring is diversity! While lake-run smallmouth bass are stealing the show lately, anglers can also expect channel catfish, carp, freshwater drum, white bass, yellow perch, and a handful of lingering steelhead around the marina. The river is low and clear at the moment and weekend conditions will be dependent upon how much rain we receive in the coming days so be sure to check the flow gage before heading out. Smallmouth bass are present in deeper, rocky holes throughout the main branch of the river. For targeting smallmouth specifically an olive or dark brown 3-4" tube jig is a great choice. Please consider releasing larger bass, which are on their spawning run. Unlike our steelhead, this outstanding fishery is completely self perpetuating and we want to keep it strong. These bigger lake-run smallmouth are typically around until early June, after which time smaller (on average) year-round resident bass will be available.
Throughout spring, a total of 3,000 pounds of rainbow trout were stocked in the East Branch Rocky River between Route 82 (Royalton Road) and the ford crossing just south of Wallace Lake. Although our spring stocking program has concluded some of these trout remain, although we'll be seeing the last of them as the water warms. Last week Wallace Lake was stocked with 700 pounds of farm raised catfish and 800 pounds of rainbow trout and the Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area was stocked with 700 pounds of catfish and 500 pounds of trout for the children's fishing derby events this past weekend and plenty of these fish remain.
Some offerings to consider for trout include PowerBait in a variety of color, small jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, salmon eggs, worms, waxworms, minnows, and small lures (such as RoosterTail spinners). Please note the current seasonal trout regulations: Lake Erie and all streams 5/day (post May 15 regulation) minimum size 12" (this includes steelhead), 3/day no size limit at Wallace, Ledge, Judge's and Ranger lakes, and 5/day no size limit at Shadow Lake and Ohio & Erie Canal.
Late spring is a good time of year to pursue panfish and largemouth bass at our inland lakes and ponds, as well as at protected areas along the Lake Erie shoreline of Cleveland Harbor, like Edgewater Harbor and Gordon Park. Northern pike may also be found prowling weedy nearshore areas of the big lake in spring. A white spinnerbait or Husky Jerk are good offerings for spring bass and pike, while a few waxworms suspended under a small bobber works well for sunfish. Crappie bite well on live minnows or small jigs. E55th Marina and Emerald Necklace Marina are now open from 9-5:00pm to supply your bait, refreshment, and general boating needs. The walleye night bite around Cleveland was good this week, with shore anglers with long handled landing nets casting Husky Jerk and Perfect 10 crankbaits.
Rocky River Clean-Up Saturday June 4. The annual Rocky River volunteer clean-up will be held Saturday June 4 from 9:00-noon, to be followed immediately by a hot dog cookout to thank our valued volunteers. This is a collaborative effort between caring citizens, Rocky River Watershed Council, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, local groups (such as Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and Boy Scouts) and Cleveland Metroparks. We will be meeting at 9:00am sharp at the picnic shelter at Scenic Park (near the marina) to form into groups and discuss our plan of attack to clean-up the river. All are welcome at this family/kid friendly event, and don?�+t forget to come dressed to possibly get a bit wet and muddy.
Boating & Fishing Fest at East 55th Marina on Saturday June 11. The free Boating & Fishing Fest will be held Saturday June 11th at East 55th Marina from 11:00am-6:00pm. Enjoy a day of fishing and boating info, fishing for kids, boat rides, food, music, and more! This is a free event.
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 [email protected].
Tight Lines,
Mike
Tony reports from the Cleveland shoreline "It was a great Saturday for me at the lakefront! The day started off calm and as usual when the wind kicked up in the lake got rough the fishing got good! I also saw a loon for the first time and was able to get a picture of her. I've never seen a loon in Ohio until now. They're very common in Ontario and I know that they do live here but this is the first time I've ever seen one so I attached a picture. Have a great week!" (photos courtesy of Tony Cilluffo).
Nate caught this surprise walleye by the Rocky River marina on a DT Rapala crankbait (photo courtesy of Nathaniel Watkins).
Brian caught this gorgeous 35", 10 pound northern pike in the Cuyahoga River. The toothy critter bit a Blue Fox spinner in fire tiger color (photo courtesy of Brian Ailor).
On Tuesday afternoon Marty caught three nice yellow perch and a carp by the Rocky River marina. He notes that all the fish bit minnows and worms were not working for him (photo courtesy of Marty Wrenn).
Dan caught this beautiful 21" smallmouth bass in the Rocky River on an olive tube jig with red flakes (photo courtesy of Dan Spath).
John and Jim had non stop action for two hours at Wallace Lake on Monday, catching a total of 30 trout (only keeping their limits though, of course). The trout frenzy attacked spoons, plugs, and jigs equally well. Among the catch were two 17 inchers, as well as a golden rainbow trout that eluded the kids at the derby on Sunday (there was a special prize for the fish) (photos courtesy of John Hall).
Walter caught this 5 pound largemouth bass in Cleveland harbor yesterday (photo courtesy of Jeff Shaw).
Jeff and Allen caught a some nice smallmouth while filling their cooler with tasty rock bass along the Cleveland shoreline this week. They were using tube jigs (photos courtesy of Jeff Deluca).
The preceding photos are a sampling of what the kids caught at the children's spring fishing derbies this past Saturday and Sunday. A full photo album from the event can be viewed <here>.
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.