As we move into early fall, highlight species targeted by anglers along the Rocky River and other area streams include steelhead trout, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Local streams are currently low and running clear, although that could change as we head into the weekend with significant rain in the forecast. Anglers can keep abreast of the latest river flows and temperature, especially during transitional conditions, at the following link: <Rocky River flow gage data> <Chagrin River flow gage data>. Lake Erie anglers are targeting yellow perch, walleye, white bass, and smallmouth bass.
A modest number of early steelhead have continued to linger around the marina and mouth of the Rocky River this week, and anglers are reporting a few being caught every morning. Fish have also been reported from the northern Chagrin and Cuyahoga rivers. Some steelhead have also been caught off the shoreline at E55th this week. Most of the steelies have been 24-30", with few of the smaller 16-20" skippers making an appearance yet. The coming rain should lure even more of these large trout into the northern river reaches. Early fall steelhead will hit spoons/spinners (Little Cleo, Vibrax and Rooster Tail all being proven producers), as well as jigs and spawn. The fishing will only continue to get better as we move further into fall. A few smallmouth bass are still being hooked in the river, as well.
The yellow perch bite has been very good this week, overall, when lake conditions permit. Perch have been biting on and off from the north facing breakwall at E55th Street. Anglers are using perch spreaders and live emerald shiners, which can be purchased at the bait shop right at the E55th Marina building. Boating anglers have reported success off Rocky River/Gold Coast in 50-60?�+, Edgewater Park in 40-60', Gordon Park/E72nd Street in 57-60?�+' and Wildwood Park in 59-63'. A few anglers are catching walleye while perch fishing, which is always a welcome surprise. Smallmouth bass have been lurking around nearshore structure, as well. The ODNR Division of Wildlife weekly Lake Erie fishing report can be viewed <here>. Anglers/boaters can view current lake conditions off Cleveland at the following link: <City Of Cleveland Water Intake Crib Cam>.
The Fishing Report Blog Celebrates 9 Years of Serving You. The first Fishing Report Blog rolled out back in September 2005 and has run unimpeded since that time. It is by far our longest running Cleveland Metroparks blog, even several years before our popular Facebook page. Although I've certainly appreciated all the positive feedback during that time, I am always open to new ideas and suggestions for improvements you would like to see, so please contact me with any of your ideas. And, most importantly, thank you for your photos, reports, support and readership of the blog over all these years, which have all been an integral part of its success!
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
Nate caught this gorgeous Rocky River steelhead on a minnow (photo courtesy of Nate Watkins).
Chris made an unexpected catch while targeting steel in the Rock this week- a good size walleye! The fish bit a pink spawn sack drifted near the marina. Chris also caught steel on spawn, jigs and spinners this week (photos courtesy of Chris Dietrich).
Jake caught this 13" yellow perch, among many others, in 54 FOW off Cleveland this week (photo courtesy of Jake Powers).
Scott had a great day on the Cuyahoga River this week, hooking two steelies and landing this 30.5" 10.5 pound brute (photo courtesy of Scott Denham).
In this installment of Know Your Fish, can you name this species in the comments section? The specimen was caught in the Rock this week (photo courtesy of Nate Watkins).
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District staff conducted a fish assessment on Euclid Creek at Wildwood Park on September 24. Among their catch of 20 species of fish were 8 steelhead specimens, including the beauties displayed by Donna and Mark above (photos courtesy of NEORSD).
"Dr. Bob" Hinkle retired from Cleveland Metroparks as our longstanding Chief of Outdoor Education. Now Bob and his wife Kim are enjoying retirement by doing such activities as perch fishing off E72nd in their boat. Rumor has it that Kim outfished Bob on the recent trip where she caught this doubleheader among their catch...but you didn't hear that here! Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Cleveland Metroparks, Bob (photo courtesy of Bob Hinkle).
Dedicated bass angler Brian sent in photos of two of his better largemouth bass from Wallace Lake from September. He reports on the lake "Super tough fishing but if you can catch them there you can get them anywhere" (photos courtesy of Brian Kich).
Justin has been hooking some fine Rocky River chromers on his centerpin rig (photos courtesy of Justin Marconi).
LAST REMINDER ABOUT THE STEELHEAD EXPO! The free event is this Saturday, October 4, at the Rocky River Nature Center from 9-4:00pm.
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.