Have Some Reel Fun This Spring with Trout Fishing
By Tim Killeen
The Northeast Ohio fishing scene has plenty of lakes and streams to keep fishing enthusiasts happy. But
did you know that you can also have good luck fly fishing at most of those same locations?
Waders, wispy looking tackle (flies), round reels — fly fishing equipment looks and even feels different than bait fishing. Technique counts.
Lots of Choices
While many people connect fly fishing with trout, using a fly rod to fish for local fish, such as bass, bluegill, northern pike and even muskie can be every bit as much fun.
When it comes to fly-fishing,casting with a fly rod requires a bit of practice; that’s why people tend to stick with the usual spinning rod or bait-casting rod. Those are fine for most of the year. But with early spring comes a terrific
opportunity to try the challenge of fly- fishing: the arrival of steelhead trout into many of Lake Erie’s tributaries.
The steelhead is a type of rainbow trout that typically grows to between 5 and 10 pounds. Much of its life is spent in large bodies of water — locally, Lake Erie. When spring arrives, the steelhead moves into the rivers to spawn. As the water warms, usually by mid-April, the steelhead return to the lake until the fall when the process repeats itself. The time they spend in the lake gives them a chance to fatten up.
Catching a steelhead on a fly can be quite a challenge, and when successful, quite an accomplishment. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources stocks the Vermillion, Rocky, Chagrin, Grand and Conneaut rivers each year with thousands of these fish.
Keeping It Local
Dan Pribanic owns Chagrin River Outfitters, a full service fly shop in Chagrin Falls. He’s seen a recent up- swing in fly-fishing in Northeast Ohio, especially among women. While steelhead get much of the attention each spring and fall, there are many other options for local fly-fishing.
Pribanic says carp fishing offers a great chal- lenge for fly-fishing enthusiasts. These fish typically grow to 10 to 15 pounds and can put up quite a battle when hooked. They’re found in most local ponds and streams.
Chagrin River Outfitters has guide service for half- and full-day trips, plus a travel service for more adventurous excursions to Montana and the Bahamas.
Joe Beno is the fly shop manager at The Backpackers Shop in Sheffield Village. “We are fortunate to live in
this area with so many possibilities,” he says. Carp is also one of his favorites.
“A carp can be a real challenge since they are a wary fish, and hooking up with a 10-pounder will provide an experi- ence you won’t forget.”
Beno’s full service shop offers half- and full-day guides and can provide all the equipment you need. Beno and Pribanic both say it’s a good idea to take a few lessons before heading out to a lake or stream for fly-fishing. A guide on the first trip or two will help in- crease the chances of a successful day.
Many who give fly- fishing a try, and stay with it, never go back to bait fishing. It seems once hooked, you’re
hooked for good.
GETTING STARTED
• Fly rods, reels and line are different from typical tackle.
• You can pick up a starter fly rod and reel starter kit at outdoor stores for less than $100.
• Boots and waders are nice, but not necessary.
• If you like fly-fishing, consider tying your own flies. You can find plenty of instructions and supplies online. Wet flies sink. Dry flies float on top of the water.
• For fishing tips, license requirements and lists of occasional how-to clinics, go to wildlife.ohiodnr.gov.
