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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
***January 31, 2011, morning update: Ice fishing for trout was good at Wallace Lake on Saturday and Sunday. Mornings were decent, mid-day was slow, and from 2:00pm-dusk was best. Many anglers caught trout both evenings, and several got their three fish limit. The bite was light, and small ice bobbers with bait set 5 foot down was most productive. Salmon eggs, spawn sacks, and waxworms caught the most trout., while the jigging spoons have have been working so well in recent weeks were not producing much.***
***January 28, 2011, afternoon update: Anglers were catching some trout in Wallace Lake today in six foot of water or less using jigging spoons, Power Bait, and live minnows. Reports of slow fishing at Shadow Lake recently have merit, as the dissolved oxygen levels were found to be alarmingly low during an investigation today. The root source of this issue has been identified and is being addressed, but in the meantime anglers should fish elsewhere for a much better chance of success. The Rocky River has some open water in the area around Puritas Road bridge, but it's limited elsewhere.***
A very limited amount of water has opened up on the Rocky River following the warmer temperatures (relatively speaking, of course!) over the past several days. Beneath the ice the river has a green stain in the deeper areas and modest flow. Ice formation on the flow gage probes can lead to inaccurate readings during extended winter conditions:
The fishing pressure on the river has been very light this week due to the very limited amount of open water available, and I have not heard any reports of success by angler targeting steelhead. Keep your fingers crossed for another thaw to open more river and enhance fishing opportunities.
The fishing highlight this week has centered around freshly stocked trout in our lakes and ponds. A total of 1,900 pounds of trout were released in Cleveland Metroparks lakes and ponds, distributed approximately as follows: Wallace (900#), Shadow (450#), Ledge (200#), Judges (200#), and Ranger (150#) lakes. These fish complement a similar quantity which were released the week prior to Christmas. This will be the last installment of trout this winter (stocking the East Branch Rocky River will not begin until mid-March).
Ice fishing for trout has been most consistent, overall, at Wallace Lake, with more sporadic reports of success from Ledge, Judges, and Ranger lakes. Look for fishing to continue to improve as the recently released fish get acclimated to these ponds, since they did some out of a facility that uses 55*F spring water and were placed in a new environment with water in the low 30*F range. Trout have been caught on a variety of offerings, including Power Bait (orange and yellow in pea to marble size balls), small jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms suspended below a float, jigging spoons (Forage Minnow and Swedish Pimple), canned corn, and live minnows. Some days one of these offerings seems to work better than the others, so having more than one bait option with you is a good idea, although I have heard of most fish this week taken on Power Bait and jigging spoons.
The most successful anglers have realized that these fish are typically not overly aggressive in the very cold water and have been biting very lightly in most cases, so using the smallest possible bobber, hook, and line are a good idea, as well as keep alert to detect the light “tap” of a hit. More days than not, the most active fish tend to be in the few feet of water under the ice. Ice anglers can use two rods and up to six tip-ups per Ohio fishing regulations.
Also, thank you to the 93 folks who came out to attend the Rocky River Watershed Council annual meeting last night! It was great to meet so many new faces, as well as saying hello to some old friends, who are supportive of protecting the health of the river.
Ice Fishing Basics offered by Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO). Have you considered trying ice fishing, but didn’t know how to get started? Well, I’m happy to report that registration is now open for IGO’s introduction to ice fishing class to be held on February 12 from 9:00am-noon at Garfield Park Nature Center (cost $15, which includes give away). Join Outdoor Recreation Manager Dana Smith and ODNR guest naturalist Carol Ward in this classroom session to learn about ice fishing equipment, ice fishing hotspots and ice safety techniques. During the session, we’ll try some “hands on” experiments that may pique your interest in learning more about ice fishing. NOTE: you must register by February 2nd by calling (216) 341-1704 (you can also call this number for more information).
Euclid Creek Dam Removal. For those following the fishing report regularly, you are already aware a dam on the East Branch of Euclid Creek on Cleveland Metroparks property was removed recently. There is a nice write-up and associated resources (including narrated slideshow) associated with this project on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website at the following link:
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
"Wild Bill" caught this 19 inch rainbow trout at Wallace Lake on Saturday. He has been catching fish this week on a 2 inch green tube jig with red head.
Billy caught this brace of fat rainbow trout on orange Power Bait at Judges Lake this week.
A father and daughter try their hand at ice fishing.
Most of the trout have been hitting lightly, but this one from this morning was a definite exception. "Alabama Jim", pictured, was in conversation with another angler and not paying attention to his rods when Ranger Lt. Flanigan noticed from a distance that his rod tip was bobbing with a bite. The fish was still intent on stealing Jim's Power Bait by time Flanigan walked over to inform him that he was getting a hit...and the fish was landed. It must be all that law enforcement training about "awareness of your surroundings at all times" paying off for Flanigan (ha, ha!).
Ice fishers at Ledge Lake this week.
Brad caught this trout on Power Bait at Wallace Lake today.
This trout was caught on a jigging spoon at Wallace on Saturday.
On the weekends, there can be quite a few ice anglers at the productive spots on our lakes and ponds.
Stephen was trying for trout when he caught this colorful little sunfish this week (photo courtesy of Stephen White).
An angler fishing the hole we just released the trout through. At least he knows a few should be nearby!
A total of 1,900 pounds of rainbow trout were stocked in Cleveland Metroparks lakes and ponds over the past week. See the report for details.
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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, CFREManager of Gift and Donor DevelopmentCleveland Metroparks4101 Fulton ParkwayCleveland, Ohio 44144216.635.3217kjk@clevelandmetroparks.com
This Fishing Report was submitted on 1/27/2011 1:44:11 PM by Seamus and last updated on 3/19/2011 1:44:11 PM.
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