Lake Metroparks offers a variety of opportunities for fishing including stocked ponds as well as river, stream and lakeshore access.
Lake Metroparks' aquatic resources bring value to our parks and to Lake County. From the depths of our ponds to the edges of our rivers and streams to the beaches of Lake Erie, Lake County's watery resources afford our citizens unrivaled opportunities to enjoy fishing.
Video of fish stocking of the Paine Creek
with Steve Madewell, Executive Director
6.9 Mb Requires Windows Media Player
Lake Metroparks is committed to protecting existing water resources and preserving areas through purchase and easement opportunities. Lake Metroparks has created angler access through construction of trails, parking areas, canoe landings, and decks.
Lake Metroparks encourages catch and release fishing, which helps to maintain fish populations and ensure many park goers the same opportunities to enjoy fishing.
Fish in Frozen Ponds By Tom Adair, Natural Resource Manager
As you pass by any of the many ponds throughout Lake Metroparks in winter, have you ever wondered what happens to fish as when ponds freeze over? To answer this question, we first have to take a look at the chemical properties of water.
In general, most substances become more and more compact as they are cooled. However, the nature of water is such that, as it freezes, its molecules join into rings, each of which takes up more space than the same number of liquid molecules. This means that ice (frozen water) is less dense than liquid water. For this reason, ice is lighter than water and will, in fact, float on water (which is why icebergs float).
Now, think of what happens to a pond or lake as the temperature cools and the water begins to freeze. As ice crystals form, they float to the surface of the water. Eventually, the entire surface freezes over, covering the bulk of the water underneath, which is still liquid. Once the ice forms, it acts as insulation, helping to retain heat in the liquid below.
So unless the temperature is extremely low for a very long period of time, the water below the ice does not freeze, although the ice may grow thicker. In a normal winter, the cold does not last long enough to freeze all the water, so the fish are able to live just fine until the coming of spring warms the surface and melts the covering of ice.
Occasionally fish are caught in the ice and end up becoming stuck and frozen in state of suspended animation. It stands to reason that frozen fish ought to be dead fish. But it is not so simple. Fish tissue cells (like all cells) contain saline, or salt water. Since salt has a lower freezing point than pure water, even when encased in 32? F, cold-water fish are not technically frozen. Moreover, some fish contain a kind of antifreeze substance that allows them to survive very cold conditions. Fish have evolved over hundreds of millions of years to adapt to these seasonal changes and conditions!
Lake Metroparks provides some of the best public access to Ohio's treasured steelhead streams!
Steelhead fishing in northeastern Ohio has become increasingly popular in the past few years. As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has refined its stocking efforts, more and more people are enjoying fishing for these tremendous sport fish. Consequently, it has become increasingly important for anglers to know where they can fish and how to avoid conflicts with private landowners and other river users. Outdoor enthusiasts recognize the need for recreational users to respect each other and the rights of private landowners. If you are new to the sport or are a long time steelhead fisherman, make sure that you are fishing on public property or that you have permission from the land owner.
Steelhead trout are not native fish to the Great Lakes; however they have been stocked in the eastern United States for over a hundred years. Lake Erie Steelhead are reared in hatcheries until they are approximately 6 to 9 inches long and are then introduced into local streams. The young fish which are called smolts make their way into Lake Erie where they grow rapidly. As fall approaches, the steelhead begin to congregate at the mouths of streams and rivers flowing into the Lake. As the rivers swell with the increased flows of the fall and winter, the adult fish begin making their way upstream to spawning areas. They may remain in the streams until well into the spring. Fish returning for the first time are approximately 16 to 19 inches in length. Fish making their third return may be over 30 inches in length and weigh over ten pounds. This is the time when a shore angler has the opportunity to catch a Lake Erie trophy.
Steelhead can be caught by a variety of techniques. A spawn sack drifting under a small bobber with a spinning outfit is very productive. A fly rod with any number of steelhead flies can also be great fun and highly effective. Fishing techniques may change from season to season and with changing water conditions. There are many tackle shops and outfitting stores that can provide excellent information on water quality and recommended gear. There are also a number of very good fishing clubs in northeastern Ohio that provide excellent information and referrals. For information on basic fishing techniques and public access areas in northeastern Ohio contact:
As this fishery has developed into a regional resource, it has become increasingly popular. People are coming from greater and greater distances in order to enjoy this challenging fishing experience. Consequently the potential for conflicts between fishermen and landowners has gradually increased.
Know state regulations and applicable park rules. Make sure that you are current and up to date.
Use only legal techniques, bait or lures.
Do not litter.
Do not trespass on private property. Even if you are wading in the stream you are trespassing unless you are on parkland or have permission from the landowner.
Be courteous of those already fishing. Walk behind other anglers who are already fishing. Stay out of the main portion or the stream as much as possible and keep water disturbances to a minimum and be quiet.
Give other anglers space. If they are already fishing a run, do not try to squeeze in. Move on to another spot and leave them undisturbed.
Fish are easily spooked. Do not spook another angler's fish. Wearing Polaroid glasses will help you see fish and avoid this.
Do not leave things on the stream such as fishing line, lure packages, candy wrappers, cans, or bottles. Pack out more than you pack in!
Report environmental damage or any pollution on park property to the Lake Metroparks Ranger Department at (440) 358-7290.
Report poaching, game and fish violations to the correct authorities either the Lake Metroparks or the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Properly handle and release fish that you do not intend to keep.
Remember that your good time may be dependant upon not infringing on another angler. There are many great fishing areas that are publicly owned and readily accessible.
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Steelhead fishing in northeastern Ohio has become increasingly popular in the past few years. As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has refined its stocking efforts, more and more people are enjoying fishing for these tremendous sport fish. Consequently, it has become increasingly important for anglers to know where they can fish and how to avoid conflicts with private landowners and other river users. Outdoor enthusiasts recognize the need for recreational users to respect each other and the rights of private landowners. If you are new to the sport or are a long time steelhead fisherman, make sure that you are fishing on public property or that you have permission from the land owner.
Steelhead trout are not native fish to the Great Lakes; however they have been stocked in the eastern United States for over a hundred years. Lake Erie Steelhead are reared in hatcheries until they are approximately 6 to 9 inches long and are then introduced into local streams. The young fish which are called smolts make their way into Lake Erie where they grow rapidly. As fall approaches, the steelhead begin to congregate at the mouths of streams and rivers flowing into the Lake. As the rivers swell with the increased flows of the fall and winter, the adult fish begin making their way upstream to spawning areas. They may remain in the streams until well into the spring. Fish returning for the first time are approximately 16 to 19 inches in length. Fish making their third return may be over 30 inches in length and weigh over ten pounds. This is the time when a shore angler has the opportunity to catch a Lake Erie trophy.
Steelhead can be caught by a variety of techniques. A spawn sack drifting under a small bobber with a spinning outfit is very productive. A fly rod with any number of steelhead flies can also be great fun and highly effective. Fishing techniques may change from season to season and with changing water conditions. There are many tackle shops and outfitting stores that can provide excellent information on water quality and recommended gear. There are also a number of very good fishing clubs in northeastern Ohio that provide excellent information and referrals. For information on basic fishing techniques and public access areas in northeastern Ohio contact: 
