September 5, 2024

***NOTE:  The Fishing Report Blog is back to regular weekly Thursday updates from September-May***   As the days get cooler as we approach fall, highlight species targeted by anglers along the Rocky River and other area streams include smallmouth bass, carp, panfish, and channel catfish with a watchful eye looking for the first returning steelhead trout as temperatures cool. To monitor the most recent river water level and temperature you can check the following link: <Rocky River flow gage data> <Chagrin River flow gage data> <Rocky River NEORSD station with turbidity>. Lake Erie anglers are primarily targeting walleye and inland lake/pond anglers are primarily pursuing largemouth bass, channel catfish and panfish.
 
The first few reports of steelhead being caught around Cleveland are coming in! As the weather cools, early steelhead first show up around off the rocks at Edgewater and E55th, Wildwood Park and in the northernmost river sections closer to Lake Erie (the Rocky River marina area is one such spot). Casting a spoon (ie Little Cleo or KO Wobbler) or spinner (ie Vibrax or RoosterTail) at these locations are as good a bet as any for connecting with an early steelhead trout. These same areas may also produce a few walleye after dark as the temperature cools, as well, with Perfect 10 and other shallow running stick-style crankbaits working well.
 
Rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, freshwater drum and sunfish species can be found along the Cleveland shoreline in late summer and can be caught on offerings such as tube jigs, dropshot rigs and live bait. Although not consistent from day to day, white perch and even a few yellow perch have made appearances at the shoreline at spots like E55th breakwall recently and have been biting on bits of worms or small minnow fished on the bottom on a crappie rig. The best bite is often in the morning and late afternoon. Please note that Wendy Park at the old Coast Guard station is closed for repairs and will reopen to the public in roughly August 2025.
 
In addition to anxiously anticipating some early returning steelhead anglers are pursuing a mix of warmwater species in the Rocky, Chagrin and Cuyahoga rivers. Smallmouth bass are the most sought after among them and bite best at the heads of deeper pools. A dark olive or brown tube jig 3-4" length is one of the best producers of bass in the river. "Smallies" also bite well on live bait (ie: minnow, crayfish, and leeches), lures (ie: spinners and minnow plugs), and flies (ie: crayfish patterns, Clouser minnows, dark brown or olive sculpin or muddler minnow patterns). Channel catfish, common carp and panfish are among a host of other species also available in local streams.
 
Anglers at our inland lakes and ponds are catching catfish, largemouth bass, and panfish. Wallace Lake, Ledge Lake, Shadow Lake, and Beyer's Pond are just a few other spots worth poking around in late summer.
 
Steelhead Expo at the Rocky River Nature Center Saturday, September 28. The Steelhead Expo is a great way to kick off the steelhead season and will be held at the Rocky River Nature Center on Saturday, September 28. This event is a collaborative effort between the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and Cleveland Metroparks and will offer a full day of expert speakers and seminars, vendors, and other related information to usher in the fall steelhead season. There is no charge for the event but OCBS, a non-profit sportman's group which is very active in the local fishing and conservation communities, is offering a raffle as a fundraiser so donations or participation in the raffle is encouraged. Location info here: <Rocky River Nature Center>.
 
Fall Family Fishing Fest will be held Saturday, October 12. Come out and join us for Fall Family Fishing Fest at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This event is free and we will have a limited number of fishing poles to loan out, as well as bait. We will be stocking 600 lbs of channel catfish and 1,000 lbs of rainbow trout at the Ohio & Erie Canal in anticipation of the event. Although anglers of any age can participate, prizes in several categories will be reserved for kids 15 years old and under. Thank you to Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders for supporting this great event with grant funds.

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

Bellamy caught two walleye in the same week fishing at E55th breakwall (photos courtesy of denise Persinger).





Vinny has been catching smallmouth and rock bass in the Rocky river (photos courtesy of Brian DiGioia).




Domonike caught a fine largemouth bass casting a white X-Rap along the Cleveland shoreline (photo courtesy of Domonike Golphin).






Wes caught largemouth and white bass along the Cleveland shoreline and shared regarding the one catch “Caught a personal best 16 1/2” at the Edgewater Park break-wall on a white Rooster Tail aspinner. The excitable boy smile is goofy but genuine. Pretty fun moment!” (photos courtesy of Wes Bombik).







Mike also caught a trophy white bass recently, as well as a sheepshead and channel catfish, in the Cleveland area (photos courtesy of Mike Simon).















The Butram family and friends Have been catching some great channel catfish at Wallace lake as well as largemouth bass at Edgewater Park (photos courtesy of Corey Butram).




Here’s an opportunity for local anglers to assist researchers with information and make an easy $50 in the process. It’s a win-win! You can scan the QR code above or go to this <link>.