The Fishery: Northeast Ohio provides anglers with a world class fishing opportunity to target Lake Erie steelhead. Although the Great Lakes steelhead fishery has existed since the 19th century, the past twenty years have seen an explosion in quality and quantity of these splendid game fish. Anglers from throughout the country come to target the Ohio steelhead from fall through spring, as weather and stream conditions permit. Approximately 400,000 steelhead are released annually in the Rocky, Chagrin, Grand Rivers and Conneaut Creek, and neighboring Pennsylvania stocks over one million smolts as well. The enormous number of steelhead stocked along 
“steelhead alley” create strong returns of fish that last from early fall until late spring.

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 December. January and February are the toughest months to fish, as sub-freezing temperatures and lake effect snow create slushy and iced-over river conditions. Small breaks in winter weather can create short periods of opportunity for anglers to wet a line.

March brings a return of fishable weather, and after the first bout of warm temperatures the ice and snow that blanket the area throughout the winter 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.

Guided Pennsylvania Trout Trips with Chagrin River Outfitters, Availability: Opening Day – July 15th

The Fishery: Potter County, located in North Central Pennsylvania, has some of the finest trout fishing in the eastern United States. Many anglers make an annual pilgrimage to these Northern Pennnsylvania waters which boast fantastic trout fishing, without the crowds that are typically found in the central part of the state.

The First Fork of the Sinnemahoning is blessed with prolific insect life, providing prolific hatches and exciting dry fly fishing that peeks from early May and lasts through June. Notable hatches that occur during this time frame include caddis, sulphers, light cahills, march browns, brown drakes, green drakes, blue winged olives, and grey foxes.

During your stay in Potter County, you will stay at the First Fork Lodge. This rustic bed and breakfast affords anglers the luxury of a good nights sleep and food that you will remember well until your next trip to “God’s Country.” This trip is quickly becoming a favorite among many anglers.

The Gear: Area streams can be fished appropriately with 8’6” – 9” four to five weight rods. A sturdy reel that balances out its matching rod well is a necessity, as anglers will be casting all day to rising trout and a well-balanced setup will reduce fatigue. Breathable waders allow anglers to remain comfortable during the variable weather conditions that occur in Potter County during spring and early summer. In addition, rubber or felt soled wading boots with studs can provide the angler with an extra sense of security while wading through the area’s trout 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 also need a Pennsylvania fishing license, valid through the duration of their stay.