Download the mobile app!
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
(Note: The fishing report is updated monthly in June, July, and August and weekly every other month)
***June 2, 2011, afternoon update: The river is finally exhibiting good fishing conditions after so much rain and flooding this spring, and anglers are catching smallmouth bass, rock bass, carp, and channel catfish quite well. See fishing suggestions for these species in the report below.***
As we move into summer, highlight species targeted by anglers along the Rocky River are smallmouth bass, carp, panfish, and channel catfish. To monitor the most recent river water level and temperature you can check the following link:
Smallmouth bass are typically found in the deeper, rocky pools of the river during the day in summer, and often move to the heads of such pools in the early morning and evening hours to feed actively. A dark olive or brown tube jig of about 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). There are abundant small to medium sized bass in the river along with a healthy number of trophy fish up to (and over) 20 inches in length. It has been very encouraging to see most anglers releasing the larger bass recently so that these fine gamefish can be caught again. Also, note that all smallmouth bass must be released immediately if caught downstream of the Detroit Road bridge until June 24rth. Rock bass are also present in the same river areas as smallmouth, and can be caught using the same offerings listed above.
Channel catfish and large carp are also present in some of these same areas in the river, and fishing for them can be a laid back and relaxing way to enjoy some time on the water. Good numbers of channel catfish stocked in May also remain to be caught at Wallace lake and the Ohio and Erie Canal fishing area. Catfishing is usually best during lower light conditions using baits such as nightcrawlers, minnows, chicken liver, and processed dough baits. A good number of larger catfish are moving into the river from Lake Erie on their spawning run. Resident channel catfish are available in the river all summer.
Some large carp (some exceeding 15 pounds) can be caught in the northern river reaches throughout the month, as well. Carp can often be caught throughout the day on such bait as canned corn, carp dough baits, worms or crayfish tails. A growing contingent of fly anglers looking for a challenge are targeting carp with nymphs and crayfish imitations, as well. The key to fishing for either carp or catfish is fishing on (or very near) the river/lake bottom.
In addition to the aforementioned species, freshwater drum (sheepshead), white perch, and bullhead catfish are also abundant in the northern river reaches (north of Morley Ford) in early summer. For the angling generalist, any of the species thus far can be effectively targeted by fishing a fat nightcrawler worm right on the river bottom with a sinker.
Summer means family fishing time for many folks, and panfish fit the bill perfectly for a leisurely picnic and fishing outing. Anglers seeking panfish have experienced decent fishing at most of the ponds and lakes in the Park District in the past week. Crappie, bluegill, and other sunfish species can be taken with a number of offerings, but a waxworm or redworm on a small hook (or tiny jig) suspended under a stick float and fished around a weedbed or shoreline brush is always a good choice. Wallace Lake, Shadow Lake, and Beyers Pond are just a few of many places in the Park to wet a line for various panfish species.
Rocky River Clean-Up Saturday June 4. The annual Rocky River volunteer clean-up will be held this Saturday June 4 from 9:00-noon, to be followed immediately by a “thank you” cookout for our volunteers. This is a collaborative effort between caring citizens, Rocky River Watershed Council, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, local groups (such as Boy Scouts and Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders) and Cleveland Metroparks. We will be meeting at 9:00am sharp at the picnic shelter at Scenic Park (near the marina) to form into groups and discuss our plan of attack to clean-up the river. All are welcome at this family/kid friendly event, and don’t forget to come dressed to possibly get a bit wet and muddy!
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 .
Tight Lines,
Mike
Maggie caught her largest smallmouth bass in the Rocky River yesterday, and described the event as "exciting!" (photo courtesy of Ken Reichle).
Mike shows off another fine largemough bass he caught this week. I think this young man has earned the official title of "bassmaster"! (photo courtesy of Mike Kovalski).
Some very large common carp are biting in the Rocky River this week (photo courtesy of Numan Samaan).
Justin has been enjoying his late spring/early summer chasing everything from catfish to bass. Above are a few quality Rocky River smallmouth bass he caught this week (photos courtesy of Justin Marconi).
This is one of three steelhead Nate caught on the upper Main Branch of the Rocky River this morning, and he reported that he saw quite a few others hanging around. Finding any steelhead in the river as late as June is pretty rare, but with the cold, wet spring we had this was an ideal year for a late run (photo courtesy of Nate Adams).
Anglers near the marina are catching a mix of fish, including sheepshead, carp, channel catfish, white perch, and even a bowfin last week. Some large channel catfish are biting best towards dark.
A couple enjoying a relaxing afternoon fishing at Ledge Lake this week. They caught some panfish and a few modest size largemouth bass.
Regular readers of the blog may recall some photos depicting water quality monitoring stations funded by a state grant that were installed around the park last year. After a year of data collection, as well as a graduate thesis out of the deal for an Ohio State University student, we moved them to new locations. Cleveland Metroparks is proud to be a national leader in using the latest technology to assist in managing our natural resources.
While out doing field work this week, we ran into this turkey hen on her nest near a small stream. She was so well camouflaged with the tree trunk and sat so still that three of us walked right by her before the final person noticed her...even though only ten feet off the trail!
___________________________________________________________________________________
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
Note: For all other fishing related inquiries please contact Mike Durkalec at (440) 331-8017 or md@clevelandmetroparks.com
This Fishing Report was submitted on 6/2/2011 6:07:56 PM by Seamus and last updated on 6/2/2011 6:07:56 PM.
Including GPX (Universal GPS Format), KML (Google Earth), and XLS (Excel) files.
Gives You Access To:
Download GPS files of fishing spots. Create Custom Maps of fishing spots. Fishing predictions w/ future date & location. Featured Listings for your fishing business.
$7 month or $49 year