Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Lake Erie, Cleveland. As of today, February 10, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather has been quite mild lately, which has significantly impacted our fishing conditions. Following the recent thaw, our local streams, such as the Rocky and Chagrin rivers, have opened up and are now offering fishable conditions. However, be cautious of treacherous ice slabs piled up along the river banks, especially near the Rocky River boat ramps. Today’s forecast shows partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s, which is ideal for getting out on the water.
Sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM, giving you a good window to catch some fish.
### Fish Activity
Currently, anglers are actively pursuing steelhead in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers. These streams have receded in level and are offering good fishing conditions, although the weekend’s prospects depend on the amount of rain we receive. For steelhead, you can expect a modest number of fresh fish mixed in with those that have been overwintering in the streams.
In addition to steelhead, recently stocked trout are another target. Lakes such as Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Ranger, and Judge’s have been stocked with a mix of rainbow, brook, brown, golden rainbow, and even tiger trout. These fish are biting well on small baits and jigs under small ice floats, although ice fishing is not recommended at this time due to the lack of solid ice.
### Best Lures and Bait
For steelhead, drifting dime to nickel size spawn sacks, smaller marabou/hair jigs (1/32-1/64 oz) tipped with a few maggots, and egg mimicking beads under floats are all good options. If you’re targeting the recently stocked trout, small to medium size (1.5-3”) jigging spoons worked at various depths can be very effective. These spoons can be tipped with a few maggots, a waxworm, or a small minnow to elicit more bites. A dime size ball of PowerBait on a bare hook or molded on a small jighead is also a reliable choice.
### Hot Spots
If you’re looking to catch some steelhead, the Rocky and Chagrin rivers are your best bets right now. Be sure to check the flow data links to ensure the rivers are at a safe and fishable level.
For those targeting trout, Wallace Lake and Shadow Lake have been producing some excellent catches. These lakes have good opportunities for fishing from the safety of solid ground where the shoreline drops quickly into deeper water.
If you prefer fishing in Lake Erie itself, the Cleveland Lakefront Metro Parks and Headlands Beach State Park are excellent spots. At the Cleveland Lakefront, you can catch a variety of bass, salmon, and carp from the piers without venturing out into the open lake. Headlands Beach State Park offers the federal break wall where you can game for bass, salmon, grass carp, and yellow perch.
### Safety Tips
Remember, safety is paramount. Always check the ice thickness if you decide to venture out onto the ice, and ensure it is at least 4 inches of solid ice. Use a spud bar to check the ice near shore and around inlets and outlets. Carry emergency ice picks and a length of rope, and always fish with a friend.
That’s all for now, folks. Tight lines, and I hope you catch some big ones out there
