‘Jumpers’ a big thrill in rivers: NE Ohio fishing report for the weekend of March 29-31
Cleveland Metroparks fisheries managers were collecting some of the early-arriving bass this past week in the lower Rocky River to assess their health, and were surprised at how many bass were already making the early scene. Smallmouth bass have begun to migrate up Lake Erie tributaries, marking the start of their spring spawning season. River fishermen have reported hooking big smallmouth bass, or “jumpers” as some bass fans call them. Cleveland Metroparks fisheries managers were able to observe these early-arriving bass in the lower Rocky River to assess their health. The game fish are typically found for tube jigs, in-line and safety pin spinners, diving plugs and marabou jigs. The East Branch of the Rocky River received another stocking of 900 pounds of rainbow trout last week. The popular Barbie Rod Steelhead Derby will be held rain or shine, but no fishing will be allowed in the park's covered bridge area due to a major bridge project.
Published : 4 weeks ago by D'Arcy Egan |, degan, D'Arcy Egan in Environment
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Smallmouth bass have begun to migrate up Lake Erie tributaries as they kick off their spring spawning season, and river fishermen are reporting hooking one of the big smallmouth bass, or “jumpers” as some bass fans call them.
They earned their nickname “jumpers” for a proclivity to battle being hooked by soaring from the rocky river or lake bottom to the surface of the water, then often jumping madly in the air, an often successful way for them to shake off an offending hook.
It’s always a memorable battle for a fisherman, and most respect it by gently releasing the bass that they catch.
Cleveland Metroparks fisheries managers were collecting some of the early-arriving bass this past week in the lower Rocky River to assess their health, and were surprised at how many bass were already making the early scene.
The game fish are suckers for tube jigs, in-line and safety pin spinners, diving plugs and marabou jigs. The bass can also be found around the rocky areas of the harbors, and in the deeper waters off shorelines where they’ll feed heavily until the spawning season begins.
Fishermen trolling for walleye in near-shore waters around the Huron River this week reported catching a few smallmouth bass mixed in the walleye they were putting in their coolers. The nearby Ruggles Beacon area was once one of the top Lake Erie spots for smallmouth bass, and seems to be recovering from the overharvest of the late 1990s.
Clearing waters a key this week: This week’s heavy rains have muddied the rivers and near-shore waters of Lake Erie, requiring Thursday’s armada of walleye anglers to scout for clearing waters and hungry walleye that will bite.
East of the Huron River, where waters are protected by Cedar Point and are often in better shape after windy weather, fishermen found success. In the shallow 16- to 20-foot depth. Big lead-head jigs with green and purple hair skirts were pulling walleye from the rocky areas. In deeper 36-foot depths, Bandits, Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogues and other diving plugs with white or chrome bodies did well for trolling anglers.
Port Clinton having a party today: The party fishing boats at Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Port Clinton are getting an early start on the walleye season Friday, sending out all three boats at 6:30 a.m. They also plan on Saturday and Sunday outings, but may hold off on next week’s fishing trips due to a forecast of bad weather. For last-minute reservations call 419-734-9002.
Barbie Rod Derby is on rain or shine: The popular Barbie Rod Steelhead Derby is on Saturday, rain or shine. The derby is slated for the Rocky River, but with rain in the forecast, if things get too soggy and the Rocky River too muddy, the derby will be open to trout caught at Wallace Lake in nearby Berea.
The Slyman’s Lunch, with big brats, will feed Barbie Rod competitors and everyone with a donation to the Cleveland Metro Parks Fishing Fund. The Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders have a mountain of raffle prizes, and raffle winners don’t have to be on site.
Rainbow trout released Thursday: The East Branch of the Rocky River received yet another stocking of 900 pounds of rainbow trout last Tuesday. The trout were poured into the river at five locations between Royalton Road (Route 82) and Wallace Lake.
No fishing will be allowed, though, in the park’s covered bridge area because of a major bridge project.
East sider anglers celebrated the stocking of 500 rainbow trout released by the Ohio Division of Wildlife last Friday at Shadow Lake in the South Chagrin Reservation in Solon.