February 13, 2020

In winter steelhead trout are the highlight in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers.  Local streams are exhibiting good flow and stain this morning, but can be expected to become slushy in the near future with the forecast of snow and temperatures in the teens.  Anglers can keep an eye on the flow data at the following link: <Rocky River flow gage data><Chagrin River flow gage data> <Rocky River NEORSD station with turbidity>.  A total of 3,000 lbs of trout were stocked at five Metroparks lakes in mid January, as well.

Local streams are offering good flow with a greenish stain this morning, but given snow and temperatures in the teens leading into the weekend the streams can be expected to have some slush and ice building, especially in the mornings.  A mix of fresh run and more colorful steelhead (that have been in the river awhile) have been being caught by anglers this week, and the entire Main Branch of the Rocky River (from Cedar Point Road bridge north to the emerald Necklace Marina) produced lots of catches this past Sunday.  Newer steelhead anglers can find some reliable spots to get started on the Rocky, Chagrin, Cuyahoga and other streams at this link: <ODNR steelhead fishing river maps>.  Steelhead have been biting on dime to nickel size spawn sacks in bright colors, small marabou jigs (1/32 and 1/64 ounce are most popular) tipped with maggots, live or salted minnows, 3" rubber worms (pink and white have been good) and salmon egg mimmicking beads drifted near the river bottom under a float have all been taking a share of the fish. Fish can be expected to continue trickling into the streams throughout winter.

In mid January we stocked 3,000 lbs of trout at Wallace (1,400 lbs), Shadow (750 lbs), Ledge (600 lbs), Judge's (150 lbs) and Ranger (100 lbs) lakes.  This complements the 3,000 lbs distributed between the same locations back in mid-December.  This was our second and final winter trout stocking.  The size of the trout averages about a pound and a half each, and along with the predominantly standard rainbow trout are good number of bonus golden rainbow trout and brook trout (see photo below).  These trout bite on jigging spoons, brightly colored PowerBait, and small jigs tipped with a few maggots or a waxworm.  NOTE: the limits on these trout at 3/day at Wallace, Ledge, Judge's and Ranger lakes and 5/day at Shadow Lake and Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area (there is no size limit, unlike the river where trout need to be minimum length of 12" and you can harvest 2/day).   Local lakes and ponds currently have a thin ice of crust covering them and anglers are currently fishing from the safety of shore in areas where the water drops off quickly, such as from docks, other platforms, etc.

Cleveland Metroparks Annual Boat Launch Passes are Now Available.    This week the 2020 season Cleveland Metroparks Boat Launch Pass went on sale.  The base price (there are certain discounts) is $30.   You can purchase in person at Lakefront Administration Office, 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44108 Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 3 PM or online at: <2020 Boat Launch Pass>.  Note: this applies only to motorized watercraft that are trailered.

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

Brandon caught this 30" steelhead on the Rocky River on Sunday (photo courtesy of John Burkhart).



Taylor went 6/6 on the Rocky on Sunday using his homemade marabou jigs (photo courtesy of Taylor Neumann).



On Sunday Macho caught a surprise brown trout in the Rocky River (photo courtesy of Macho Velez).



Yesterday Randy caught this thick buck steelhead drifting a yarn egg under a float in the Rocky River (photo courtesy of Randy Gerrick).








Ross and his buddies had a great day of steelhead fishing on the Rocky River Sunday, getting quality and quantity.  The first photo is a 30" buck (photos courtesy of Ross Bailey).





Shawn also had a great Sunday on the good ole Rock (photos courtesy of Shawn Kemp).








Brad is yet another angler who experienced fantastic steelhead fishing on the Rocky River on Sunday (photos courtesy of Brad Gardner).



Here is an opportunity to have some fun while supporting students on the Ohio State University Bass Fishing Team.