Lake Metroparks offers a variety of opportunities for fishing including stocked ponds as well as river, stream and lakeshore access.
Lake Metroparks' aquatic resources bring value to our parks and to Lake County. From the depths of our ponds to the edges of our rivers and streams to the beaches of Lake Erie, Lake County's watery resources afford our citizens unrivaled opportunities to enjoy fishing.
Lake Metroparks is committed to protecting existing water resources and preserving areas through purchase and easement opportunities. Lake Metroparks has created angler access through construction of trails, parking areas, canoe landings, and decks.
Lake Metroparks encourages catch and release fishing, which helps to maintain fish populations and ensure many park goers the same opportunities to enjoy fishing.
Lake Metroparks provides some of the best public access to Ohio's treasured steelhead streams!
Steelhead fishing in northeastern Ohio has become increasingly popular in the past few years. As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has refined its stocking efforts, more and more people are enjoying fishing for these tremendous sport fish. Consequently, it has become increasingly important for anglers to know where they can fish and how to avoid conflicts with private landowners and other river users. Outdoor enthusiasts recognize the need for recreational users to respect each other and the rights of private landowners. If you are new to the sport or are a long time steelhead fisherman, make sure that you are fishing on public property or that you have permission from the land owner.
Steelhead trout are not native fish to the Great Lakes; however they have been stocked in the eastern United States for over a hundred years. Lake Erie Steelhead are reared in hatcheries until they are approximately 6 to 9 inches long and are then introduced into local streams. The young fish which are called smolts make their way into Lake Erie where they grow rapidly. As fall approaches, the steelhead begin to congregate at the mouths of streams and rivers flowing into the Lake. As the rivers swell with the increased flows of the fall and winter, the adult fish begin making their way upstream to spawning areas. They may remain in the streams until well into the spring. Fish returning for the first time are approximately 16 to 19 inches in length. Fish making their third return may be over 30 inches in length and weigh over ten pounds. This is the time when a shore angler has the opportunity to catch a Lake Erie trophy.
Steelhead can be caught by a variety of techniques. A spawn sack drifting under a small bobber with a spinning outfit is very productive. A fly rod with any number of steelhead flies can also be great fun and highly effective. Fishing techniques may change from season to season and with changing water conditions. There are many tackle shops and outfitting stores that can provide excellent information on water quality and recommended gear. There are also a number of very good fishing clubs in northeastern Ohio that provide excellent information and referrals. For information on basic fishing techniques and public access areas in northeastern Ohio contact:
As this fishery has developed into a regional resource, it has become increasingly popular. People are coming from greater and greater distances in order to enjoy this challenging fishing experience. Consequently the potential for conflicts between fishermen and landowners has gradually increased.
Know state regulations and applicable park rules. Make sure that you are current and up to date.
Use only legal techniques, bait or lures.
Do not litter.
Do not trespass on private property. Even if you are wading in the stream you are trespassing unless you are on parkland or have permission from the landowner.
Be courteous of those already fishing. Walk behind other anglers who are already fishing. Stay out of the main portion or the stream as much as possible and keep water disturbances to a minimum and be quiet.
Give other anglers space. If they are already fishing a run, do not try to squeeze in. Move on to another spot and leave them undisturbed.
Fish are easily spooked. Do not spook another angler's fish. Wearing Polaroid glasses will help you see fish and avoid this.
Do not leave things on the stream such as fishing line, lure packages, candy wrappers, cans, or bottles. Pack out more than you pack in!
Report environmental damage or any pollution on park property to the Lake Metroparks Ranger Department at (440) 358-7290.
Report poaching, game and fish violations to the correct authorities either the Lake Metroparks or the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Properly handle and release fish that you do not intend to keep.
Remember that your good time may be dependant upon not infringing on another angler. There are many great fishing areas that are publicly owned and readily accessible.
Printer Friendly Version
Lake Metroparks encourages catch and release fishing, which helps to maintain fish populations and ensure many park goers the same opportunities to enjoy fishing.
As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has refined its stocking efforts, more and more people are enjoying fishing for these tremendous sport fish. Consequently, it has become increasingly important for anglers to know where they can fish and how to avoid conflicts with private landowners and other river users. Outdoor enthusiasts recognize the need for recreational users to respect each other and the rights of private landowners. If you are new to the sport or are a long time steelhead fisherman, make sure that you are fishing on public property or that you have permission from the land owner.
eastern United States for over a hundred years. Lake Erie Steelhead are reared in hatcheries until they are approximately 6 to 9 inches long and are then introduced into local streams. The young fish which are called smolts make their way into Lake Erie where they grow rapidly. As fall approaches, the steelhead begin to congregate at the mouths of streams and rivers flowing into the Lake. As the rivers swell with the increased flows of the fall and winter, the adult fish begin making their way upstream to spawning areas. They may remain in the streams until well into the spring. Fish returning for the first time are approximately 16 to 19 inches in length. Fish making their third return may be over 30 inches in length and weigh over ten pounds. This is the time when a shore angler has the opportunity to catch a Lake Erie trophy.
