January 9, 2025

***NOTE: The Fishing Report Blog is updated weekly on Thursdays from September-May*** Winter has truly settled in this week and steelhead fishing conditions will become more challenging accordingly. A growing amount of ice and slush is to be expected. 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>. (keep in mind that ice formation on the water level sensors can lead to erroneous readings, though). Anglers are chomping at the bit to begin ice fishing for stocked trout and other species on out inland lakes and ponds and that could be shaping up soon based on the forecast. See ice fishing safety guidelines offered below.
 
With the advent of true winter weather this week steelhead fishing in the streams will become increasingly challenging.  Growing amounts of ice and slush is to be expected and find open water with some depth will be the best strategy.  Slowly drifting smaller marabou/hair jigs (1/32-1/64 oz) tipped with a few maggots and dime to nickel size spawn sacks are top winter offerings as scent can help entice bites quite a bit in colder water.
 
When conditions permit the Lake Erie shoreline fishery will continue to offer late season opportunities for steelhead. E55th breakwall is a top spot to drift a jig tipped with maggots or a nightcrawler 4-6 feet under a float.  Anglers should take special care in winter as shoreline rocks and concrete can be covered in treacherous ice and boot/shoe cleats can be invaluable, as is a long handled landing net. If we actually get good ice later this winter, Cleveland harbors can offer a variety of species including steelhead, yellow perch and northern pike (stay tuned to the fishing report for updates on that).
 
There are lots of trout available as on December 17 and 19 we stocked 3,000 pounds of mixed trout between Wallace (1,400 lbs, adding to the 500 lbs recently stocked here on December 6th), Shadow (750 lbs), Ledge (650 lbs), Judge’s (100 lbs) and Ranger (100 lbs) lakes. The bulk were rainbow trout averaging a pound each although there were plenty of bonus brook, brown, golden rainbow, and even rare tiger (brook x brown hybrid) trout to keep things interesting. A few of the fish were of trophy proportions and among the most impressive that we’ve ever stocked (see various examples in the photos below). Given the quality and quantity of the trout stocked they are receiving a lot of interest and subsequent high fishing pressure and folks are reporting a tough bite overall. Some tips are to fish small baits and jigs under smaller floats and to expect very light hits. Another good option through the ice is small to medium size jigging spoons, which should be worked at various depths of the water column until active fish are encountered. A second (and final) round of winter trout stocking will occur later this month. Keep posted to this report for details on that. 
 
A few of the first ice fishers of the season were cautiously stepping out onto smaller inland lakes and ponds today but I would strongly advise against doing so quite yet. The ice will be improving further by the weekend based on the forecast. For those considering ice fishing we offer the following safety advice. Most state conservation agencies recommend at least 4" of solid ice before anglers should venture out to ice fish, and in Cleveland Metroparks it is the angler's responsibility to check that. One method is to use a spud bar near shore and check the ice thickness, and if it is > 4 inches then walk out a little further and check again. Ice is often thinnest right at the water's edge and around inlets and outlets of the waterbody. Heavy snow serves to insulate the water and slow additional ice formation, as well. A pair of emergency ice picks held at the ready on a cord around the neck are a safety must, as is an emergency length of rope. A floating "survival suit" is something you may consider, as well. Other safety tips are to always fish with a friend, let someone know where you'll be, and focus on areas near where other anglers are already fishing. Anglers leery about going out on the ice can still pursue these trout by drilling or spudding holes the ice along shore and fishing from the safety of docks and areas where the shore slopes rapidly into deeper water, such as is common at Wallace Lake which was a former sandstone quarry.  
 
Cedar Point Road Bridge has been re-opened.  Although it was not a Cleveland Metroparks project the Cedar Point Road bridge being out was an inconvenience for many folks who enjoy Rocky River Reservation. After 3.5 years the county has finally completed the project and the bridge is re-opened. Also note there is no longer a stop sign at the site (which had been the case for the duration of the construction), but there is a stop light there now.
 
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

Matt caught this chunky brook trout jigging a Forage Minnow spoon tipped with the smallest minnow in the bucket (photo courtesy of Matt Jacquet).




Nick landed this 31” bruiser buck in the Chagrin River yesterday (photo courtesy of Nick Kosiba).





Brian has been catching some nice trout at Metroparks lakes and sent in photos of a male (top) and female (bottom) brook trout that he caught this week (photos courtesy of Brian Kich).





Mike shared from before the freeze set in “My wife caught her first steelhead this week and it was a big beautiful buck! (In the net. I have a pic of her holding it but she didn’t want that shared.) very proud of her! I’ve been catching many myself, here’s a fat hen from the same hole.” (photos courtesy of Mike Simon).







Here are a few examples of the fine fish that were stocked around Cleveland Metroparks back in December.  Plenty will be available to ice fishers once safer conditions settle in.