Cleveland Metroparks

Cleveland Metroparks Winter Trout Stocking 2019

January 18, 2019 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

HINCKLEY, OH – This week I had the opportunity to observe a few Cleveland Metroparks trout stockings. This was the final of two rounds of winter trout stockings that occurred at Wallace, Shadow, Judge’s, Ledge, and Ranger Lakes. I suppose I will state the obvious, now is the time to get to any of these lakes for this awesome annual fishing opportunity. Along with the sheer numbers of fish, there are some exceptional individual specimens that are worthy of trophy status in anyone’s book. If you read this post in it’s entirety, I will elaborate more on that.

Owen and Michael all smiles despite the actual hard work it takes to do the stockings

A net full of memories waiting for skilled (or lucky) anglers!

They make it look effortless, but that can is HEAVY (I was happy to be the photographer!)

I was surprised that the stocking of trout actually was quite laborious. It involved manually netting the fish and then lifting them into a large rubber trash can. After that, the trash can full of fish and water has to be carried down to the water for the release. I’m certain many of you assumed that it was just a tank that pulls up to the lake with a giant hose that shoots them in. I myself, assumed that from media I had seen online, and from watching an ODNR stocking some years ago at Swanton Reservoir in Northwest Ohio. While it does seem like ‘fun’ work, it truly was work. I only assisted on a couple trips down to the water and my back let me know it was work!

What a beautiful Brown Trout

An equally stunning Brook Trout

An eager Brook Trout didn’t need dumped, it jumped to its new home

There wasn’t a single fish that I observed that wouldn’t have put a smile on a fortunate angler’s face, but there were some that would be extremely special catches. This included some Brown and Brook Trout, some Golden Trout (only at a few locations, not all lakes), and some of all species that were substantially large. While my personal target would be these special species stocked in lower numbers than the Rainbows, a giant Rainbow would certainly be exciting! I am always impressed by the overall quality of trout that the Cleveland Metroparks stock, and this round was no exception. I pray some of these fish have a future encounter with me in the coming weeks.

I remain grateful to the Cleveland Metroparks for their efforts to provide recreational opportunities. Specifically, their associates like Michael and Owen who carry out the mission so well. They are not simply astute and credentialed in their chosen field, but passionate fisherman too. I am certain this contributes to how these lakes are managed so successfully.

I hope all of you get a chance to target these fish and feel free to shoot me an email about how you do or leave a comment. Don’t forget to visit the Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Blog to get fishing related news and view some of the catches. Finally, please consider making a donation to the Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund if you want to make a monetary gesture of gratitude – that also helps continuation of programs like these trout stockings.

Filed Under: News & Announcements Tagged With: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cleveland Metroparks, Rainbow Trout

Wallace Lake, multi-species from the kayak

May 25, 2018 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

BEREA, OH – I returned to Wallace Lake a few days after the fishing derby, solo this time with the kayak. A bit of mixed emotion with the day’s success after the poor showing with the kids. I would have gladly traded these catches for just a single fish for each of them to reel in. That’s how fishing goes though and I certainly wont say that just because I didn’t catch any with them, that I hoped I wouldn’t catch any without them! Just a little fisherman’s honesty there!

A very nice sized Wallace Lake catfish

The fishing started fast as I caught a Largemouth Bass on one of my first few casts. I had also used a second rod to still fish (and slightly drift) which yielded a very nice 22″ catfish. After those two catches I decided to focus on the trout as that was my main target of the day. While I did have to work for them, I did get a limit.

Typical stocker Rainbow Trout

After catching the 3 fish limit of trout (only 1 was kept that wasn’t fit for release), I played around in the shallower areas sight fishing. I got a few bumps and follows but nothing else was caught except a single Bluegill. The day had grown exceptionally hot, and I was pleased with catching four species and accomplishing the trout limit goal. Being more than content, I called it a day.

Filed Under: Fishing, Kayak Fishing Tagged With: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Cleveland Metroparks, Rainbow Trout, Wallace Lake

Wallace Lake Fishing Derby, 2018

May 20, 2018 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

BEREA, OH – The annual tradition of attending the spring Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Derby at Wallace Lake was continued in 2018. I also continued my tradition of not catching fish. Remember last year?, you can read that here. For whatever reason, I do poorly at the organized events (minus last year’s epic N. R. Corn Festival Derby) helping the kids get on the fish.

Bryce with his new friend Heidi, and the tiny toad they caught

No matter how the fishing goes, the event is always a lot of fun. I nearly always find myself fishing around like minded folks that just want to see their kids have fun and hopefully make a memorable catch. While this ends up being a reality for many, I find myself making great memories even if it doesn’t involve a catch(es). This year was no exception, the family next to us having similar poor fishing results, but enjoying all of our kids playing and exploring the woods together. I’m confident none of the kids will remember the lack of fish, but will remember playing tag, wagon rides, finding critters like baby toads, and making new friends.

Cleveland Metroparks staff just prior to the awards

For those fortunate enough to find the fish, and there were plenty that did, the awards presentation is enjoyable to watch. Seeing those proud parents… and those kids walking up with their self-esteem and confidence boosted is fantastic. There are tons of well deserved ‘high-fives’ and the vibe is always upbeat and exciting.

That’s a lot of fishing swag waiting to be won!

As you can see from the above photo, many young anglers leave with some nice new gear in tow. As an adult, I view catching the fish itself is the reward, but imagine catching fish AND getting a reward for it. Sign me up for that! No wonder why all of the kids are so excited and the events are so well attended.

Bryce always loves the education ‘stations’

Jen talking about invasive species with Bryce

The Cleveland Metroparks always do a great job of having some type of interactive education. From year to year it varies on what exactly it might be, but it is always present. I can speak for not only my children, but the all of the ones I observe, that they love interacting with the staff and volunteers. It is also safe to say that they are having fun while not realizing they are learning. This speaks volumes about the people providing the education and how they present it – as it so well received. I always learn something new myself.

Bryce ‘horsing around’ with a ranger

So another year has gone by and my fishing results for the kids was the same. But just like last year, we had the same great overall experience. If I can make a case for how much fun you will have even if you don’t catch fish – just imagine how awesome it is if you do! There’s really no risk of having a bad time either way. As always, I want to say a huge thank you to Mike Durkalec, Aquatic Biologist, and all of the other staff (and volunteers) from the Cleveland Metroparks… not just for this event, but for all of the wonderful resources they maintain for us in NE Ohio.

Filed Under: Fishing Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks, Fishing Derby

Memorial Day Weekend, Wallace Lake

May 31, 2017 by coolwaterfish 2 Comments

The tail end of my kayak and the fountain at Wallace Lake

BEREA, OH – It’s fair to say I am more patriotic than most people. I love our country and especially our veterans. I am a strong believer and supporter of American exceptionalism and no words can describe how I feel about those who have laid down their lives for this great nation. While my fishing blog is not used as a political platform, I just wanted to acknowledge my fantastic weekend both fishing and enjoying my family was a direct result of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

One of six Largemouth Bass caught

A week had passed since the Children’s Fishing Derby at Wallace Lake that I had blogged about here. I thought there would be a strong likelihood of trout remaining and of course my shot at a Golden Trout. The Cleveland Metroparks released 100 of them in conjunction with their Centennial Celebration. The Golden Trout would continue to elude me, but their was plenty of action to make for a banner day of kayak fishing. In the end, I tallied six Largemouth Bass caught and released and my three fish limit of Rainbow Trout. A few more trout were released after hitting the limit.

The author with a rare smiling photo

A quality sized stocker measuring a bit over 14 inches

The bass were caught on 1/32 ounce jigs with Berkley Gulp! Minnows, and the trout all were brought to net via inline spinners. I have no idea what size a keeper bass is as I only release them, but if it is 12″, a couple would have been a little better or under that mark. Two of the three trout kept were rather decent for stockers, I only measured the largest, that fish a tad over 14″.

The end of the day

Memorial Day Weekend tends to offer time for a lot of folks to fish. I was excited to see so many people, especially kids, fishing on my Facebook and Instagram feeds. I couldn’t have been happier with the results of my day (well unless I finally caught a Golden), and hope others had success. Even if the fish didn’t cooperate for you, I am certain the time was well spent!

Filed Under: Fishing, Kayak Fishing Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout

Cleveland Metroparks, Wallace Lake Fishing Derby

May 20, 2017 by coolwaterfish 2 Comments

BEREA, OH – With my wife out of town for work, I had a little assistance from the Cleveland Metroparks (www.clevelandmetroparks.com) with keeping the kids entertained today. In what has become an annual tradition, we participated in a kids fishing derby at Wallace Lake. These are very well organized, a lot of fun, and create some wonderful memories. Staff and volunteers are always eager to assist in any way to help participants have a good time. It never ceases to amaze me how Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec amidst all the logistics and chaos of the day – can give so many different kids some personal attention. Pretty amazing.

Along with the tradition of going to these events, is my inexplicable tradition of not being able to help put my kids on fish during the event. I really can’t explain it, but it reminds me to never consider tournament fishing. If there is any degree of competition or I am ‘on the clock’ of an event, I do bad. Thankfully, my kids are forgiving and there is enough going on that they still have a blast. Maybe I need a big button that says “MEDIA” that I can wear, and claim my poor efforts are due to the distraction of covering the event.

I love the photos posted above. The shot of my son and daughter with their arms around each other getting along, both smiling naturally (not the usual cheesy Bryce insists on) is captured very rarely. I also loved seeing them admire some of the catches that make their way into the tank. This is a very popular attraction for all the kids, not just mine. I thought the huge 19.5″ bass was exceptionally kind to frame itself so nicely in my daughter’s photo. That fish, was actually caught by a young girl similar in age to Alexis… surely others were dealing with the same thoughts I was of being excited for her while just a tad bit jealous! What a catch!

Being in the Cleveland Metroparks never limits you to a specific a single type of wildlife. We saw many neat creatures, critters, and animals of all types and sizes. Of note, Great Blue Herons, Orioles, Egrets, turtles, and a toad. My kids did not leave the event sad or disappointed they didn’t catch fish, instead I was treated to conversations throughout the day regarding everything they did see and do, and especially the toad.

Despite somewhat cool weather and overall tough fishing for most, attendance was pretty impressive. This photo taken a few minutes before the morning session awards, shows only a small sampling of the population around the event area and doesn’t account for the numbers that continued to fish. I am glad so many people, with those kids, make it out.

I live about 20 minutes from Wallace Lake, this photo was 5 minutes after we left. Needless to say, they were spent. I love knowing they played that hard.

***UPDATE 5/26/17***

Shortly after we arrived, I recalled that we spoke to a gentleman who was covering the event. It was Michael Iglewski, who runs a YouTube Channel “Michael Iglewski Outdoor Sports“. The image capture above is from his event video which can be seen here. I wish there was footage of us reeling in a monster, but that would have required epic editing skills as we didn’t catch anything.

Filed Under: Fishing, News & Announcements Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks

A giant fish, stocker trout, & friends

January 21, 2017 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

BEREA, OH – Some days are just about perfect, today was one of them. If nothing more would have happened than getting to kayak fish on a 60 degree day near the end of January in northern Ohio – it would have been great. When you add a giant fish, catch and releasing more than a limit of the targeted species, and fishing amongst friends it is truly a special day.

A giant White Amur aka “Grass Carp”

A few years ago, I perfected some tactics to catch Grass Carp at a lake in Medina and the pond in my back yard. The highlight was a huge fish caught by throwing some green leafy plants on the surface, and mixing in a leaf that had a single hook in it. That fish was never documented. In one of those ‘what was I thinking?!’ moments (this particular excuse applies to several memorable fish) I had decided it was necessary to clean the fish off before snapping a few photos. It’s probably not necessary to fill in the blanks, but yes, right out of my hands the fish swam away. I was pretty dejected to say the least. It was my hope whether targeting or inadvertent, that I would encounter the same class fish at some point. Most importantly, that the new story would end with a photo. As you see above, on this day that happened and a bit of fishing redemption was mine. I use the term “a bit” because the other fish took my offering in the mouth and was a catch in the purest sense. Today’s fish ended up snagged after I kept casting where I saw a big fin breach the water. While legal in Ohio for this species, it will never measure up to the first fish due to this.

A small stocker Rainbow Trout

Almost lost in my mind completely over the big fish, was that the targeted species was stocker Rainbow Trout. The trout were placed in early December and it was apparent a good number remained. While not fast and furious, I did get my 3 fish limit and continued to catch & release another 3 or 4. A few fish came on the non-glorious (but always productive) Powerbait and the others on a Panther Martin inline spinner. All of the trout I caught were rather small, and all Rainbows. The Cleveland Metroparks do a great job of mixing in some bigger trout, some Golden, and a few others species of trout with most, if not all stockings. I have never caught any of the ‘bonus’ fish despite a substantial effort in the number of times I’ve been out.

The author’s reaction to someone else’s big trout!

The photo above captures me reacting to someone else catching one of those ‘bonus’ fish I can’t seem to get. I hope it shows my sportsmanship or a lot about my personality to see my joy over someone else getting a nice catch. The unseasonably warm weather brought out a good number of kayak anglers, and this fortunate angler landed a very sizeable Rainbow.

Amongst the kayak anglers on the lake, was at least one face that looked familiar to me. It turns out it was Ken Morris, a Pro Staffer for a few brands and definitely a well respected person in the kayak and fishing community. I had first seen Ken in a Facebook Group we both belong to, CLE Kayak Angers, and it was nice to formally meet. He has a wealth of knowledge and one of those people that freely offers his expertise and insight. I hope to do some planned fishing trips with him in the future. Ken mentioned the River Bassin Tournament Trail, a paddle-powered catch, photo, and release fishing tournament series. It looks really outstanding and I wanted to give it some exposure on my blog. Check it out!

Filed Under: Fishing, Kayak Fishing Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks, Grass Carp, Rainbow Trout, White Amur

Ominous weather for kayak fishing Lake Erie

June 4, 2016 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

BAY VILLAGE, OH – Having a day available to fish is not an opportunity to pass up, even if the weather is less than ideal. The forecast was just fair enough to make me feel comfortable hitting Lake Erie from the kayak, albeit not heading too far out. Due to the weather being suspect, I decided to launch out of Huntington Beach (link here), part of the Cleveland Metroparks, a destination I have used a handful of times the past few years.

I started the day drifting worm harnesses on bottom bouncers and drop shotting artificial tubes. My hope (better stated as my dream) was to catch Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. Needless to say, neither happened. I switched a few times before settling on attempting to troll crankbaits while paddling. This turned out to be a great decision as the rest of the day I was routinely catching White Bass. The size of the fish were good too, most falling between 12 to 14 inches.

While I don’t look happy in the photo, I was thrilled. The serious face had more to do with conditions and trying to get the fish and equipment to cooperate for a picture. Usually, my Lake Erie kayak fishing is tons of Round Gobies and a few Sheephead. Throw in an occasional Channel Catfish and that is about all I’ve done. To pick up a different species, and in good numbers and size, was fun and felt like an accomplishment. Looking at the weather and how I was having success, I couldn’t help but think of the movie Caddyshack. I just hoped it didn’t end with me getting struck by lightning. This did cause me to come off the water earlier than I would’ve liked.

No complaints about the day, I enjoyed it far more than a beautiful day without catching fish. Each time out I am trying new techniques and strategies, and my confidence is building as I am making more catches. I also continue to do better with setting up the kayak for each trip with efficient packing and having the right items within reach while on it. Right down to my loading and unloading of the yak, things seem vastly improved. I can’t wait to get back out!

Filed Under: Kayak Fishing Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks, Huntington Beach, White Bass

One day, three kayak fishing locations

May 28, 2016 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

A fine Rainbow Trout from the kayak, at Wallace Lake

BEREA, OH – The previous weekend’s Kid’s Fishing Derby at Wallace Lake had me wondering if there were any stocker Rainbow Trout remaining. If you read my previous post covering the event, you will know I did not give the fishing it’s due effort, which also left me feeling a bit bummed. I was hopeful fish would remain, but also knew the lake would have had considerable pressure.

With an opportunity to fish nearly all of the day, I was fortunate that my plan could include multiple destinations. I decided I would fish Wallace Lake for a few hours before moving on to the Rocky River at Emerald Necklace Marina and then into Lake Erie.

Getting on to the water at Wallace Lake, I was greeted with a nice Bluegill on my second cast. This didn’t end up meaning anything as to the pace of the fishing as I would go nearly an hour and a half before the next strike. That strike turned out to be a small Largemouth Bass. Fortunately, I got this bite or I may have been out of the water by the time I hit the two hour mark where I had planned to leave. As I fished on, I began to convince myself that it was unlikely many fish remained. The lake is not so big as to not see a good number of shore anglers at any given time, and I had not seen a single trout taken by anyone. I am not sure what motivated me to keep throwing my inline spinner and revise my departure time, but I did. Finally, I got another hit and felt the pull of a bit better fish than the previous two. As I got the fish close to the boat I could see it was a trout, and a fine sized one for a stocker. Fish landed without issue, just under 17″.

The kayak view at the mouth of the Rocky River

With goal number one for the day accomplished by catching a trout out of Wallace Lake, it was on to the next missions. While not so specific, I just wanted to catch some fish in the Rocky River and Lake Erie. I headed north through the Rocky River Reservation and put the kayak in at Emerald Necklace Marina. The river was pretty busy with boat traffic, both large and small crafts. Who knows if this contributed to keeping fish out of the area but I had no hookups, just conversations with other paddling enthusiasts. Moving on to the lake, my luck didn’t change. All of my offerings were refused other than drifting worm harnesses that were getting destroyed by Round Gobies. I landed a few of them to confirm what species was bait robbing me, and gave up on trying to get anything else to bite. The weather changed too, and I called it a day.

I wish the river or lake would have given up a nice fish or two, but I was happy I got out, and I always get ideas for the next trip and how to be more successful.

Filed Under: Kayak Fishing Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks, Lake Erie, Ocean Kayak, Rainbow Trout, Rocky River, Wallace Lake

Cleveland Metroparks, Children’s Fishing Derby

May 22, 2016 by coolwaterfish Leave a Comment

By random circumstance, I finally had a few moments to catch up on the Cleveland Metroparks fishing blog. I was surprised to learn that right as I was reading, the annual Children’s Fishing Derby had just started at Wallace Lake in Berea that very morning. While we were already an hour into the event, I hustled my son out the door.

Bryce and I are no strangers to these events as we have done several, but it was admittedly different to arrive late. Most of the better, easier places to fish were taken, which left us casting under a tree with ominous branches that displayed numerous trophies of tackle they had claimed. We didn’t let it discourage us, and went about our fishing. About a half hour in, Bryce reeled in a small Bluegill. After the catch, I noticed Bryce was more pre-occupied with the carnival type atmosphere of the registration area and decided to quit fishing.

With things like the above ‘museum on wheels’ with huge animal graphics on the sides, I could understand why Bryce wanted to explore more of the area away from the water. It’s funny how sometimes we can learn from our children. I was consumed with getting him catching fish and making up for lost time from being late, only to have him at peace and happy finding enjoyment in other activities besides catching fish. It rubbed off on dad, and I was having fun too.

In the above photo, Jessica was very encouraging by giving out ‘high-fives’ for correctly identifying the fish species in the dioramas. Bryce also helped us to discover the plexiglass worked as an effective sneeze-guard, who knew?!

The always popular aquarium with some of the day’s catches draws my son to it like tweens to a Justin Bieber concert. Fortunately, most everyone was fishing which allowed him to dominate the front row view. I admittedly always enjoy the aquarium myself, which seems to be a nice fixture to look forward to at the events. I do wish we would have been able to contribute a catch to it.

Bryce always wants to be the intellectually superior person when it comes to fish knowledge with his peers. Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec, pictured above, is always kind enough to share some knowledge. Some people have a gift with teaching, and Mike has it.

After a conversation with this young lady’s dad, I learned she had caught a nearly microscopic fish in a small plastic bucket. I almost went blind trying to spot it, but it was there. Too bad for her that the Smallest Fish Award required being caught on hook and line, or she would have won easily. I’m sure she was fine without the award, as anyone rocking “Fish Ohio” cheek art knows who is boss. Bryce and I didn’t find the tattoos, not sure if I could have pulled off the look.

I apologize that this post doesn’t have any awesome fish pictures in it, but most assuredly I can tell you many great fish were caught. Click here to see some of the catches. The way the day turned out, Bryce and I simply weren’t by the water to make our own catches or see neat catches being made around us. We had fun with the activities pictured above, conversations, great hot dogs and the casting station. For those that have never gone to one of these events, I want to note that loaner fishing rods were offered to those that needed them and free bait. It also goes without saying that there are always numerous volunteers and staff offering free instruction.

A big thank you to the Cleveland Metroparks for another wonderfully fun family event!

Filed Under: Fishing Tagged With: Cleveland Metroparks, Fishing Derby, Rainbow Trout