The Fishery:Northeast Ohio provides anglers with a world class fishing opportunity to target Lake Erie steelhead. Cool rains in September raise water levels of our spate streams from typical late summer flows and allow the first pushes of steelhead to enter area streams. Angling opportunities are plentiful as these fresh run fish are very willing to take a properly swung streamer, or a naturally drifted egg and nymph tandem rig. Fishing typically becomes consistent by mid-October, and continues to be steady until cold settles in, usually around early to mid-January. If you can handle a little cooler temps December offers some of the best fishing of the year and is the favorite of our guides. Mid-January to Mid-March have fishable days and the fishing can be great but its hard to know when those days are going to be from a weather standpoint.
March brings a return of daily fishable weather, and after the first bout of warm temperatures the ice and snow in the area disappear. Ohio boasts fantastic spring runs of steelhead that can last until water temperatures warm in the month of May. Fishing sink tips and large sculpin and leech imitations can result in rod jolting strikes and fantastic aerial battles. Dead drifting eggs and nymphs during the spring run is almost always sure to result in a couple hook-ups.
The Gear:Ten foot seven and eight weight rods are a great all-around choice for our area. Anglers looking specifically to swing streamers should consider shorter spey and switch rods paired with Skagit lines. A large arbor reel with a solid drag system capable of holding 125 yards of backing is sufficient to handle Lake Erie chromers. Floating WF or indicator taper lines provide anglers with the versatility to fish for steelhead using a variety of techniques. Breathable waders allow anglers to remain comfortable during the ever-changing weather conditions along Lake Erie’s southern shore. In addition, boots with studs can provide the angler with an extra sense of security while wading our slippery spate streams.
Anglers may bring their own gear for guided trips, but we are always more than happy to supply rods, reels, waders, and boots according to need with advance notice. Anglers will need a valid Ohio or Pennsylvania fishing license, depending on the water being fished that day.
How To Book A Trip:Chagrin River Outfitters offers both half and full day guided fishing trips. Up to 2 anglers half day $350.00, full day $450, full day float $500.00. Interested anglers should click here to reserve a trip or contact the shop at 440-247-7110 to check guide availability on days that they would like to fish. Chagrin River Outfitters is capable of handling large corporate groups and can provide catering with enough notice. Please call the shop for additional details on these sorts of trips.
