Sport fishing is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities available in Cleveland Metroparks. In a recent visitor survey, sport fishing ranked sixth in overall popularity among fifteen specific activities listed by park users as part of their daily recreational activities.

Greater Clevelanders make nearly 350,000 trips to fish in the waters of Cleveland Metroparks each year. The Park District currently has thirteen major fishing areas located within convenient reach of area anglers. In 1998, the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation will open to add additional local fishing opportunity. A wide variety of fishing opportunities and a surprising amount of fishing diversity await you in the waters of Cleveland Metroparks. There are opportunities to access Lake Erie, the area's largest fishery resource, which give fishermen the chance to tackle "big waters."

Cleveland Metroparks also holds ownership to twenty-six stream miles of the Rocky River which represents the largest single public stream ownership in Ohio. Rocky River currently supports a significant steelhead trout fishery as well as native stream fisheries for a diversity of fish species. The year-round fishability of the Rocky River has been enhanced by the steelhead fisheries as well as a stock and catch trout fishery in upstream segments of the river. Cleveland Metroparks also holds significant ownership to portions of the Chagrin River and the Cuyahoga River which support local stream fisheries.

Local lakes and ponds dot the various reservations of the Park District. These areas are also productive year round as rainbow trout are stocked during the winter months.

Cleveland Metroparks conducts an active fisheries management program to enhance the various fishing opportunities at local water areas. Active management of water areas include fish populations surveys, water quality analysis, fish stocking, fish habitat improvement projects and cooperation with other resource agencies to best manage area waters. Cleveland Metroparks has been recognized nationally for its management of the area's high-use urban waters for both fisheries enhancement and for fishing recreational use.

Cleveland Metroparks conducts a variety of public fishing programs to teach fishing skills and to teach fisheries resource conservation. Learn-to-fish programs for all age groups can be scheduled in your community or at a Cleveland Metroparks water area. Cleveland Metroparks can even loan fishing equipment to community groups. All scheduled fishing program events are announced in the monthly park newsletter, The Emerald Necklace. For more information on program offerings call the natural resource office at (440) 331-8017.

Greater Cleveland has a wide diversity of water resources. Many of these resources lie within the "Emerald Necklace" of Cleveland Metroparks. Enjoy the experience - you may be surprised by the opportunity so close at hand!

Fishing Areas in Cleveland Metroparks brochure
Fishing Areas and Fishing Programs brochure

Rocky River Fishing report

Fishing is permitted daily in Cleveland Metroparks from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks may close waters to fishing as it deems advisable.Closed signs will be posted if an area is not available for fishing. In all other Park District waters fishing is permitted subject to the statutes of the state of Ohio, except for the following: hooks left unattended, trot lines, traps, spears and gigs, and bows and arrows.

Anglers are reminded that an Ohio fishing license is required for all persons, age 16 through 65 inclusive, who fish in the public waters of the state. These waters include Lake Erie, all streams and all inland lakes and ponds which are not in private ownership. Seniors, age 66 and older, can receive an annual fishing license at a reduced rate from the state of Ohio. For an application, apply at the following link on the Ohio Division of Wildlife website:  http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/vendor.aspx

At Cleveland Metroparks controlled water areas, fish length and daily catch limits may be imposed for largemouth bass and rainbow trout as deemed necessary to regulate the harvest of these species. Regulations will be posted at designated areas.

No boats (rubber rafts and kayaks are considered boats), driven or propelled by gasoline motors, can be operated upon any lakes, rivers, ponds or other bodies of water owned by, or under the control of, Cleveland Metroparks, except in the Rocky River from Scenic Park to Lake Erie. (The speed limit is not to exceed six miles per hour.) Scenic Park is located in Rocky River Reservation on Valley Parkway, off Detroit Road in Lakewood. Electric-powered trolling motors are allowed on Hinckley Lake provided the boat owner has obtained an operating permit. Free permits are available at the Hinckley Lake Boathouse. Hinckley Lake is located in Hinckley Reservation off West and East Drives, off Bellus Road in Hinckley.

No boats can be operated upon any lakes, rivers, ponds, or other bodies of water owned by, or under the control of, Cleveland Metroparks that do not meet the safety standards or carry safety equipment as described in the provisions of Sections 1547.01 to 1547.99 of the Ohio Revised Code relating to watercraft and regulations of the Ohio Division of Watercraft. Boats can not be operated without the appropriate lighting, as determined by the Ohio Revised Code. Boat trailers must be parked in the designated areas.

No boats can be operated in Cleveland Metroparks after 10:30 p.m. except in Rocky River from Scenic Park to Lake Erie. Scenic Park is located in Rocky River Reservation on Valley Parkway, off Detroit Road in Lakewood.

• Big Creek Reservation
• Hinckley Reservation
• Huntington Reservation
• Mill Stream Run Reservation
• Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
• South Chagrin Reservation
• Rocky River Reservation
• Other Fishing Areas

Fishing Tips

Donations to Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund help provide a rewarding fishing experience to Northeast Ohio anglers through habitat enhancement, fish stocking and special fishing events.