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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Rocky River was named one of the “150 Best Places to fish in America” in the June 2007 issue of Field and Stream magazine
There is very little open water on the Rocky River currently, and steelhead anglers are hoping for a thaw. Ice formation on the flow gage probes can lead to inaccurate readings during extended winter conditions:
The fishing highlight this week continues to center around trout stocked in our lakes and ponds in mid-December and mid-January. A grand total of 3,700 pounds of trout were released in Cleveland Metroparks lakes and ponds this winter, with Wallace Lake getting half of the total fish. This concludes our winter trout stocking, although there are enough fish to keep anglers happy until spring (stocking the East Branch Rocky River will not begin until mid-March).
Ice fishing for rainbow trout has been good this week, with some days better than others. Wallace and Ledge lakes, in particular, are good choices. It also seems like more of the larger 17-20” trout are starting to bite better this week, as evidenced by some of the photos following this report. Although the bite continues to be best on spawn sacks (especially using fresh trout or salmon eggs), fish were also being caught on jigging spoons earlier this week. Ice anglers can use two rods and up to six tip-ups per Ohio fishing regulations.
With the significant drop in temperature today, expect the bite to often become lighter accordingly. Anglers can deal with this challenge by using the smallest reasonable bobber and light leaders, and setting the hook as soon as a bite is detected. Anglers waiting for fish to pull the bobber completely under are missing a lot of fish, since on many days they seem to be mouthing the bait once or twice then moving on. Also, changing to a fresh bait often can be a very effective, and often underutilized, tactic for catching trout when the bite is light. When using spawn sacks, before changing to a fresh bait try squeezing the spawn sack to release some of the oils within and try that bait for a minute or two before changing the spawn sack…you might be surprised at how often this can trigger a hit. Anglers should make note that trout tend to be less inclined to hit an actively worked lure, like a jigging spoon, when the temperature plummets, as well.
Shadow Lake is currently posted as closed to fishing as an investigation continues looking into the cause of extremely low dissovled oxygen levels in the lake. This has not been an issue at the lake historically, which is why red flags were raised when it was first noticed in late January. Neighbors at Waste Management and Solon have been extremely cooperative in assisting in this investigation. Although this is not the type of thing we prefer to be in the news for, an article about the situation was on the front page of the Plain Dealer this past Saturday, and can be read at the following link in case you didn’t see it:
I would also like to point out that indicators that there was a problem in the lake were first brought to my attention due to angler reports of atypically slow fishing at the lake in January, which allowed us to be very proactive in investigating and initiating correction of the issue very quickly (as opposed to realizing there was an issue due to viewing dead fish following the spring thaw). The moral of this story is that if you note something that doesn’t seem quite right regarding our waters, don’t hesitate to report it to me. Some of my best clues about issues with water quality come from the observant eyes of local anglers like you.
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 md@clevelandmetroparks.com .
Good fishing,
Mike
Ted with a beautiful 17.5" rainbow trout caught on a jigging spoon at Wallace Lake.
"Possum" with a slab rainbow trout caught on a spawn sack yesterday. I wonder why he isn't wearing his Steelers hat this week!?
"Wild Bill" with a brace of chunky Wallace Lake trout caught this week.
Shadow Lake is closed to fishing until further notice.
A gang of ice anglers typically clusters around the area the trout are biting at in Wallace Lake.
Your bill may be sharp, but good luck chiseling through 10 inches of ice to get at the fish, bud!
A misty and slush filled river may be inhospitable to our local anglers today...but it sure was striking in the morning light.
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Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund helps provide a rewarding fishing experience to Northeast Ohio anglers through the stocking of rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and other sport fish. The Fund also supports children's fishing derbies and creation and restoration of essential habitat in the ponds, lakes, and rivers within Cleveland Metroparks. For more information or to make a gift to Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund, please contact: Karen J. Kannenberg, CFRE Manager of Gift and Donor Development Cleveland Metroparks 4101 Fulton Parkway Cleveland, Ohio 44144 216.635.3217 kjk@clevelandmetroparks.com
This Fishing Report was submitted on 2/10/2010 1:44:10 PM by Seamus and last updated on 3/19/2011 1:44:10 PM.
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