Rocky River Fishing Report - May 6, 2010

Published May 6, 2010 at 2:51 p.m.

Rocky River was named one of the “150 Best Places to fish in America” in the June 2007 issue of Field and Stream magazine

The Rocky River is now exhibiting good fishing conditions, with a modest stain from the rain last night.  As the steelhead make their seasonal exit anglers are focusing efforts on the usual cast of warmwater species (as outlined in the report).  Anglers can  keep an eye on the flow gage for the latest trend in river flow and temperature at the following link:    

The highlight this week has been lake-run smallmouth bass in the river.  A number of anglers have reported very good fishing for these bronze brawlers over the past week.  A 4” dark brown or olive tube jig or similarly colored/sized woolly bugger fly fished slowly through a deeper, rocky hole is a good way to hook up with these feisty bronze football shaped bass.  Keep in mind, though, that these are the spawning adult fish that sustain this natural fishery…so I strongly encourage catch and release of all larger smallmouth bass this time of year.

River anglers are also catching a mixed bag of other species, including carp, catfish, sheepshead (freshwater drum), rock bass, suckers, and the few remaining steelhead.  A nightcrawler drifted near the bottom in the deeper holes and runs is a great way to have an opportunity to hook up with any of the aforementioned species.

Stocked trout are still being caught around the Park District on Power Bait, corn, worms, and smaller spinners.  Anglers are focusing efforts on areas that have been stocked this year, which include the East Branch Rocky River, Wallace Lake, Hinckley Lake, Shadow Lake, and Judges Lake.

Bluegill, crappie, and other panfish have been biting well around Cleveland Metroparks on grubs or small bits of worm fished below a bobber.  Wallace, Ledge, and Shadow lakes and Beyer’s Pond are a few of many places to pursue panfish around the Park District.

Spring Children’s Fishing Derbies are coming soon!    Our highly popular annual kid’s fishing derbies are coming up on Saturday May 15 at the Ohio and Erie Canal fishing area and Sunday May 16 at Wallace Lake.  For more information, you can check 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 .

Tight Lines,

Mike

 

Brandon (with hat) and Matt have been taking full advantage of the diversity of the warmwater fishery in the lower Rocky, having caught numerous smallmouth bass peppered with a mix of longnose gar (the one pictured is 32"), sheepshead (freshwater drum), and carp.  Looks like fun!  (photos courtesy of Brandon Aspery).

 

One of Armando's last steelies of the season was a real bruiser at 33" and 13.5#  (photo courtesy of Armando Monday).

 

Joanne and Steve had great fun on their last steelhead trip of the season.  During the festivities, Steve (who pulled the giant Easter egg out of the river in last week's report) caught and released this large snapping turtle.  This guy has a real knack for pulling interesting things from the river!  (photos courtesy of Joanne Steinhauser).

 

Congratulations to Steve (top), who caught his first steelhead under the tutelage of Glenn (bottom) (photos courtesy of Glenn Leppo).

 

Kyle has enjoyed the transition from steelhead to tackle busting carp in the Rock.  The largest he caught was pushing 30"  (photos courtesy of Kyle Hinderer).

 

Malachi and his father Nate have been having fun pursuing the bronze bruisers of the Rock (photos courtesy of Nate Adams).

 

Rick caught a surprise largemouth while pitching tube jigs for river smallie this week (photo courtesy of Rick Mulraney).

 

Rick got out one last time and landed this chromer beauty before hanging up his steelhead rod for the season (photo courtesy of Rick Coker).

 

Pat is having fun with the last of the steelhead and his fly rod.  The one beauty was 32" (photos courtesy of Patrick Campbell).

 

I saved this one for last because a neat story goes along with it.  Kevin was on a lunch break fishing excursion on the Rock and was ready to give up a bit earlier than planned due to strong wind, which was making fly fishing difficult.  He flung out his fly for one last cast, and then started to leisurely walk back towards his vehicle to go back to the office without paying much attention while dragging his fly along for the ride.  Wouldn't you know it...his reel started screaming and at the end of a spririted battle the 9 pound buck steelie in the photo came to hand!  (photo courtesy of Kevin Lester).

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

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

 

Note:  For all other fishing related inquiries please contact Mike Durkalec at (440) 331-8017 or md@clevelandmetroparks.com

 

���

Back | Read more at Rocky River Fishing Report