OHIO'S COLD WATER STREAMS & HABITATS

                                    COLD WATER

                                             IN

                                           OHIO

                                                      

                                                                   

                      NO, this is not in Ohio. Unfortunately we do not have the limestone that they have been blessed with to the east.  But it is not that far.  And it begins very close to home.            In the town of  Hinckley,Ohio you will notice the transition from flat rolling farm lands, to a more dynamic, hilly and picturesque area.  From their east, the hills begin to gain steam and grow larger with the rock in the ground you see between roads changes as well.  [if your that bored and observant on a drive]  In Hinckley, this is the start of the Allegheny Plateau. this is the direct result of glaciers carving their way down, and leaving what was left behind. A thick layer of limestone, pebble and Sharon conglomerate.  The plateau shows most of her beauty in Ohio around the Hinckley metroparks.  But it is most noticed in Kirtland at Gildersleeve Mountain .  It's elevation is over 1,300 feet.                               

I guess a map was not really needed, but a face with the name sometimes helps.

  Sharon conglomerate settles in 3 distinct places in Ohio. And all 3 places have limestone, sand and conglomerate. This layer is 10-50 feet thick and is compressed causing water to rise , thus spring fed. The sandy bottoms and stream banks you notice along these streams is caused from deterioration of the limestone. Giving it a quick clearing even after a heavy rain. The 3 areas for this are Southwest Ohio, Northeast Ohio and Southeast Ohio. But as mentioned we are only on the fringe.                                                   

  So i give these points and information that I have gathered from studies and reading over a long period of time that have helped me figure out why we are not trout rich.  We do have cold streams, just not of any size .  Just the these few we will mention. I am only writing this to help others find what I  have found. If that makes any sense at all.  So i apologize if a lot of what I write is in laments terms.    

        HOW TO IDENTIFY A COLD WATER STREAM VISUALLY.............................

A typical cold stream , or spring creek will have a mossy substrate  made of several aquatic plant life. Also, look for  2-4 inch cobblestone in the riffles .  From their the stream bottom structure will be as mentioned of sand and very clear with a noticeable temperature change. The banks will be stable with sand as well or plants with a bigger root system.  We could go on, but most of us know what a C.W.H. is already. But when searching for your own recreation it's good to know what to look for if your interested. 

     WHAT A TROUT NEEDS OUT OF IT......     
        
               The P.H. levels are crucial. Aquatic insects are crucial. Stream banks/erosion are crucial. Which is a problem in Ohio with all the erratic rain and snow we receive. Are biggest problem here in the buckeye state is our silt ridden streams. Which is another strike on the reproduction of our Steelhead. If our precipitation stays at normal levels, and we have a colder than usual spring, we would have a good reproduction rate. Which was the case last late spring. Evidence of this is has been recognized by the Cleveland metroparks. And was written with visual pictures on Mike Dirkelac's ROCKY RIVER FISHING REPORT with the metroparks.  

  

- The SQM score to be excellent needs to be at least 22 points.   

-  37*-64* degrees is desired for spawning .

-  Water flowing at spawning gravel areas are (supposed) to be at velocities of  1/2-3 feet a second.

 -Aquatic biology in stream must be abundant.        

                 

   THE MAD RIVER   

     

The Mad River is Ohio's oldest state runned Trout fishery. It is picturesque, and cold until it reaches the northern suburbs of Dayton. The river it's self runs 66 miles. The headwaters of this river are cold as well and you can view them on a biology report from the EPA.  Almost all of these headwaters contain Browns and some do have Brooke as well. The ODNR stocks this river annually with 6-8 inch browns. The good people of Trout unlimited , the mad men  chapter do a fantastic job keeping this river up to par. And for any information you can contact Mad River Outfitters.

MAD MEN TROUT UNLIMITED          

MAD RIVER OUTFITTERS

        

                                                                                                                             

MAC-O-CHEE CREEK     

I will not go over much with this stream because I have never fished it. But what I can tell you is ODNR has put a lot of time and money in this stream. It was degraded and was falling apart and  was draining into the Mad River, causing problems to the Mad it's self. As of late, and pictured below the Mac has had a serious face lift and holds Browns pretty well. It too, is a spring creek from what I have been told and that makes sense.

    

 

CLEAR CREEK  

Another spring creek in Ohio, and very scenic. Almost all of this water is hemlock lined with with faster water and cool at that. It perhaps is more scenic then my favorite stream in Ohio , the Clear Fork. This stream has that eastern woods feel to it, without the pressure from other anglers. It is also ODNR's newest Trout stream and hopefully it will sustain. This stream is in Lancaster , Ohio proximity and a lot of private land encompasses the stream.  But if you download the stream map for this, you will find their is a park with a good amount  stream on the property. It is in the Clear Creek Metro Park and is a sight to visit. I will add that casting can get tough at times with lots of woody cover and overhang as well. Which to me is a great challenge

www.metroparks.net/ParksClearCreek.aspx 

 

THE CLEAR FORK

This river, the Clear Fork happens to be my favorite stream of anywhere I have fished for trout. Although a borderline C.W.H. , it is to me the most scenic stream in Ohio and pressure is usually very low.  The water is very clean, and almost sterile. In fact it was until the 1950's when fertilizers became a farming alternative. The little runoff it receives actually has helped give this stream a little boost of insect activity. Most of this stream has significant aquatic plants growing to stabilize the banks and trees as well for shade. It can be a dangerous stream if not watching your step, as pools quickly drop very deep. The water is usually a light green color and it's tribs are clear as glass. Their are good browns in this river. But in select places. I have caught most of my Browns in the section near the town of Belville. But the park area has been good as well usually until early June. If anyone needs any information on this river, their are multiple websites and ample information by the ODNR on theirs as well. And once again, you can contact Mad River Outfitters or

MOHICAN FLY FISHERS         

GEAUGA COUNTY AND

THE CHAGRIN RIVER

VICINITY       

As mentioned in the beginning of the post, Their are 3 places with sharon congl./limestone that has settled in Ohio. This, is one of them. The landscape of the Chagrin River valley is that of a New England setting. The water is as well, with streams twisting and rumbling through the Hemlock forests, and animals abound. The Chagrin River has many tribs. Almost all run very cold, and have been preserved with attention. Brooke Trout run in almost all these streams as I have observed, and the aquatic insect hatches are abundant. If you wish to visit the area, which I highly suggest the Geauga County Park District has done a tremendous job with the area. 

The Aurora Branch of this river[chagrin] is a Cold Water Habitat and hopefully the ODNR will start utilizing this branch and stocking it with resident rainbows in the near future. It could very well be an added fishery in the trout department, and raise a lot more money towards Ohio license sales, considering it is in the east suburbs of Cleveland.

We are very fortunate to have the Great Lakes. It has gave us a distinct image and a proud identity.

SMALL STREAM STRATEGY

                       SMALL WATER,WITH BIG RESULTS    

             When water is high and turbid, fish can choose to stay on the edges of a stream or seek refuge from the volume of water by heading up a tributary.  In most cases, it seems that's the case.  On many occasions after reading the flow gages this is my first instinct as well.  And the smaller water doesn't bother me one bit.  In fact it's a sigh of relief knowing that I can cover all the water and theirs no pressure from other anglers.  I have came across lots of good water with an opptomistic approach and it  has paid off almost every time.

                    Finding good tributaries is another adventure in itself.  And it can be as fun as you want it to be.  The beauty of the internet has paid off dearly for me and plenty other anglers as well. Google zoom, Map Quest and city maps just to name the obvious. And of course the old fashioned,"Get out and do something" works as well. Driving down lake erie's coast and observing an inlet is priceless and exactly what im talking about.  Several times I've found what looked to be a creek,documented the closest streets then drove to the location and finding exactly what I was looking for.  Of course, feeder tributaries being your best bet.  But this is a close second.

        Countless times I've seen fish rolling in from the mouth of a feeder creek with spawning colors working thier way through the trib.  And every time I have seen this happen it has been when thiers high and turbid water.  And if you were to come back two days later,chances are the fish will be gone unless of course it has laid it's genetic imprint from a previous spawn.






    As pictured to the right,you will notice this fish has all of it's fins naturaly shaped and stout.  Nothing preventing this fish from growing naturaly , or ill shaping from an over populated fish hatchery. Nor clipped   fins. This fish fought wildly, and hard.  And a few others that cold morning were rising as well.  Thiers no doubt this fish was naturaly reproduced with the water always running cold even through summer months.Also gin clear,and insect hatches are abundant. And to me this is like finding gold.  Not knowing if the fish are going to be in these tiny tribs and the second you feel that tug on your fly rod is a moment I can't begin to explain.  And you know the drill, hard work pays off in this sport.  Some things can't be taught but a lot is instinct and teachings on your own.  And being a bit of a boy scout can really pay off.   

 

Both these smolts were caught on the same day. This isn't the first time this has happened at this location. When the seasonal weather shifts hit right, and flows are stable, this trib has had good reproduction rates from my own observations and small studies. If you read the "How much reproduction do we really have?" post,this is what the topic was. And this is one of many suprises from a small stream you can have. And if you know of an area which has sharon conglomerate sandstone throughout the area chances are you will have a cold water habitat thats suitable for reproduction.

         A stealthy approach is  for certain on these tribs as well. Casting on one knee if need be, or hiding around tree limbs is not out of the question. As casting  25-30 feet away is done on a regular basis also and it definately adds to the excitement and enjoyment. Leaders of 4 lbs., and nymphs in size 16 long shank is a staple to look natural as well. Big purple and pink flies is definately out of the question in my opinion.  Although you hear of people using them with regular results on these small tribs and thats great if that's your confidant "go to".
         This year has been espeacially good to us in the steeelhead alley.  Almost every trib has steelhead of some degree in them and with all our public space,they can be utilized.  These small tribs are used for steelhead that feel to much pressure as well.  If anglers are hitting the river hard,and the fish feel "threatened",they will seek new grounds.  Pods of fish move from one location to the next in search of prime hold over water to avoid predators and human pressure. Tailouts, back eddies, undercut banks and the topic- feeder streams.
       

                                

                     Among all this good smaller water, these streams can be hit and miss. It doesn't take long to cover this water and your results should be sudden if casting and approach is done equally well.  The steelhead gods have treated us well this year.  Hopefully the good times will keep rolling.........                                          

ADDING THE LAKE RUN BROWN

                            WE NEED ONE MORE.... 

As pictured above, this is the complimentary piece to a what could be even better trout fishery.  This picture is worth a million words and dollars.  The seafaring Brown Trout.  Or, the Lake Run Brown.  And the story behind how this was caught is another story in itself.
    

             Behind our little world of being lost in a stream is another door, Big business.  After all they say money talks.  And their right.  My good friend Adam Zakarowsky and his best friend Ray enjoy fly fishing in general like most of us do.  Probably more than usual.  So much they travel almost 6 hours to PA., and N.Y.- Those states including Michigain as well have something we don't.  And we have something they don't.  What they have is a pro-active division of natural resources who utilizes what they have, and don't.  If you ever have visited their websites, you would know exactly what I'm talking about.  It's all facts. They rake in astonishing revenue that hardley declines because of good management, awareness, and again their pro-active approach.  We benefit from it getting strays of their product.
                  PA Boat and Fish Commision stocks a sea run strain of Brown trout which I have mentioned already.  This is not the domestic strain of Browns you see in C.W.H.'s.  This is a similar fish that runs from September through early winter like the Chambers creek strain of Steelhead, or our former London strain.  It's a perfect  combination of Little Manistee spring run Steelhead to add. And it generates millions of Ohio dollars spent in another state. Litteralry, millions. As the  post began those two young men travel their because something has happened in lake erie.  Walleye numbers are dwindeling due to several reasons as we know.  Kids, and adults both are not saving their hard earned money anymore to purchase boats like they used to.  They are going to fly shops and buying waders, fly rods and terminal tackle.  Fly fishing is Ohio's fastest growing sport and the revenue from that alone is astonishing.  And why not add another peice to the puzzle.  Go with the numbers.  It's an easy read, and far cheaper than maintaining a boat.
              In 1996, PA's revenue from fishing was 1.34 billion dollars.  64% of that was stream fishing .(estimated).  An additional 690 million from contributed, related activity.
                Gas, sales tax, lodging, food consumption and of course tolls are a damn good reason to act on the issue and pursue.  I failed to mention jobs and total income taxed as well.  And this is exactly why we lag behind.  The lake is a gold mine, so why not utilize what we have and keep going with the trend.  It's working in other states,why not here as well.  That trip our good friends took to PA costed us loss of income and PA got the rewards.  Estimated trip spending was roughly 250 dollars without the hotel added.

  Our beloved Rocky River is a gem. I've talked with Aquatic Fish Biologets in the Cleveland Metroparks and the idea is one they definately want to act on. This is going to happen in the near future in their eyes .  And thank god we have a great management  team like them. To me, they solely are responsible for our beloved steelhead in this state with their pro-active approach. And their land purchasing is second to none like the park district itself. Cleveland Metroparks are the second largest urban area park district in the United States next to Seattle. And it shows. Everything they have touched like Oprah, has turned to gold.  And you should be thankful we have them. So if theirs any faith at all, I'd say we are in good hands with them. Most notably as you probably know, Mike Durkalec. Are trout stocking program has jumped from, ok returns of Coho to a legacey of runs from Steelhead. And you can thank Cleveland Metroparks for that,and other groups such as Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders.  Our Steelhead run has been written about in many books around the world including books from Kamchatkan Penninsula were these fish are native, to the west coast where the rivers of the Sandy, Olympic and the Skeena are famed for their Steelhead runs.
       To add to the theory of this, our once prolific walleye run has dwindled to a point that fisherman have caught notice around the Great Lakes. It's no coincidence our fishing license revenue has dropped to over 1.5million dollars.  And with the re-return of algea-bloom from our fertilized rivers in the western basin I expect this to get worse.  A 41% fish kill of walleye doesnt help as well.
      

          On the bright side of this, Lake Erie is a perfect suited lake for Browns to reside. They are like Bass and Northern Pike and like the not to deep waters . With hundreds of millions of baitfish, the Brown Trout would thrive. The Lake Erie return rates in PA are amazing year after year. These sea run monsters by the way can put a nice dent in your 7-8 wt. fly rod. As they can reach 30 plus lbs. and regulary reach steelhead size without question.  It would be one way to add a little spice and attract even more anglers to the area and keep that Ohio money here.                                                                       

Thanks for everybody's advice, and professional input.                                                                     

GETTING READY FOR EARLY SPRING FLIES

                                                                                                            

   

 

          Now that winter is more than half way through and finally started;And if your a little behind the eight ball in the fly department their is something you can really get into .  And it could pay off.  The idea is to find out what lives in your stream.  I cant tell you how many times I've picked up a stick or moved a rock with my wading boot and 5 seconds later their happens to be a swirl in the water 15-20 feet later.  Yes, I love to tie fluorescent pink woolly buggers.Or steelie blue stone's.  But in low water and small delicate streams(especially limestone) nothing beats natural tone's.  Eye appeal is everything to trout .  They are without a doubt creatures of habit.  They know their surroundings and the life cycle that has grown with them from day one as key for survival. 

          For a steelhead fry(before smolt) microinvertebrates are a staple in their lives from day one.  Being  the size of a fry,their really isn't many options in their world at this growing stage of their life. Zooplankton being another,but i doubt your tying that . 

          From their to smolt which happens after year 2 and around 6-10 inches(courtesy of steelhead life cycle) this still is the norm,with minnows and smaller fish as well now in the mix.  So now,u have 2 years of natural surroundings instilled in their atmosphere and diet.  To me, this is where the creature of habit comes from.  If that's all u know, that's all u have. 

        Going to the river or stream if u really want to get  into it and taking a seine net and simply turning over rocks and sticks you could find out a lot.  Take a jar, or Tupperware container with u because what u find might convince you of what I'm talking about.  From that point u can take pictures of your findings with your phone, log onto the Internet and quickly identify these 1/2 "to sometimes 4"inch microinvertebrates.  Another option would be to type the name of your stream, and add "microinvertebrate biology findings of the EPA" into the Internet.  You will really be surprised when you see what u find dwelling in the stream habitat.  

          Around the rocky river main branch unfortunately the water isn't to pristine.But surprisingly not that bad either.We in fact do have a mayfly hatch as a specimen is pictured along with a golden stonefly.  The stonefly is very intolerant to pollution,but we do have a few.

          However, are most abundant being the helgrammite, caddis, scud and the snipe fly.  As pictured below.

Matching colors spot on is ridiculous and nearly impossible.  Size being number 1, and material being a close second.

       Remember,most of these microinvertebrates are in the riffles, or faster pocket water.  And with sun these bugs will hatch more often. And how these eggs get their to hatch into larva is even more interesting.  And that would be  where the wet dry fly comes in.

     The wet dry fly is an adult fly ,female who flies into the stream , and lays her eggs. Its no accident that these eggs got their,and why a serious and observant fly tier does tie a wet dry fly at all.  And adding a visual  egg sack at the end of the flies tail might add a fish or two.  As these females due just that.   If you have ever seen a fly trapped in the surface film, chances are they dropping eggs at the stream bottom,and have been dislodged in that very film that exists on the stream surface. Thus, the rise of a fish.

      Keep in mind that these hatches are far more occurring in water temps of cooler temperatures.  Which is why spring is ideal for throwing flies. Do not discount autumn or early winter as well.  Yes chucking eggs will catch you more fish without a doubt.  But when eggs are over used and a take it or leave it option,flies can and have out fished the best egg presentations.  Their is a reason thousands of books have been written on hatches from all over the world.  And hatch stream charts are regularly used.

       So keep in mind the next time your bored or really feeling that itch when fishing is on the down side,that their is more you can do than sit around and day dream. Or watch ill re-runs of  cleveland sports tragedies..U might be suprised.

        



ARE THEY SPAWNING YET?
HOW MUCH REPRODUCTION DO WE REALLY  HAVE?



     I think by now most of us can agree that our steelhead are in a transitional period.  If the water is breaking 36 degrees on a warm day, I and many have witnessed these fish in pocket water or in the riffles.  To go through the motions of a spawn, timing is everything as we know.  Photo periods or light in a day being to me the number one factor.  I have personally witnessed and have read studies of  steelhead staging in the riffles beginning the process, but not going through the motions.  Another characteristic would be fish darting back and fourth from the head of a pool,to the riffle, and back to the pool.  Reasoning for the back and fourth of this is said to be because of the temperatures.Which I would agree with.  Or "testing the waters" i guess would be more appropriate.
    Warm weather is good.  But their is a biological clock in these fish like any other animal.  If its warm for 2 days, u don't pull out your summer gear and pack up winter sweaters and hoodies. These fish no just as well.  which is why we had a pro-longed spawn last year(2011).The fish were able to come in as late as June, spawn and be done with the process as early as 12 hrs. (courtesy  of nick amato publications)They have no 7 day weather planner as well.  The power of light in a day goes as far back as the Mayans.  The time don't lie and is always accurate.  And to add to that,it has been recorded that 84% of the fish will go back to the pre-existing spawning redds.

 The sad part is most of us know that already,but you still hear it.Why? 
It makes you wonder why so many people here are so negative......

1. THEIR ALREADY HEADING BACK THE OTHER WAY.
2. MOST OF THESE FISH ALREADY SPAWNED!   really.
3. ITS GOING TO BE JUST LIKE LAST YEAR.

The truth be told,although i don't want to agree is only 2%-4% of the rocky river steelhead actually survive the hatch and make it to be fry. I think that number can vary from year to year.Our biggest problem being silt.  If  the rains held off and would not blowout the river I truly think we would have a far greater hatch/survival rate.  The silt inbeds the  eggs,washes them away or  it just plainly gets to warm to quick.Incubation of these eggs needs to be at least 45-55 degrees for the right path.  Which would explain the fry survival we had last year. On the other hand, the west branch of the rocky river where i grew up fishing has had fry survival.  Not that I have electro-shocked the water,but catching steelhead 10-25 inches in July is definitely not normal.  Or maybe it is. About 15 miles south of Olmstead Falls lies Medina county.  The headwaters of the west branch of the rocky are  mostly cold.Really cold. And filter into this stream.  For the first 12 or so miles of this stream we call the west branch , its a whole different entity,and very clean. But we will save that story for another chapter.  At any rate,I don't agree with ODNR. I truly believe from people I have talked with and have read that their number can vary from weather scenarios year to year.  On the other hand,the chagrin river has a higher rate and with the demise of the dam,i would be think mortality rates would be a lot less.

          The fish that due spawn in early February likely around the 32-35 degree mark are the chambers creek strain of fish. They come in our rivers through mid fall and yes,some due spawn in late October as their are different classes of  every strain.  Another strain we due get would be the skamania strain which due come in late august,and spawn late September through early October like the brown trout.  If you have ever caught one of these,you would know it as these fish seem to be way more athletic in their fighting and leaping agility.  Also,their bodies tend to be almost char/salmon looking being bulky and a smaller face and mouth.  So if you are hearing the RUMORS of a spawn being almost over,keep in mind this is a little manistee strain fish.  They run from late November ,and spawn in warmer temperatures of 36-60 degrees.  And the great lake giants begin late december through february.  And if you really are unsure, u can contact http://www.schmidtoutfiters.com/   they know their stuff,and their fish.

BATTENKILL TROUTING

                                                 

                                                                  FROM THE  BEGINNING
                                                             
                                     
                  There are some places where legends are built. Stories that have stuck through time from trial and error.  Zane Grey and the steelhead,Joan and Lee Wulff with their dry fly attraction,George Griffith and the Au Sable,Charles Orvis.....and so on.  Some of these places haven't been tampered,and the water still runs pure like the day they where found.  One of these places I would like to share would be the Battenkill.

   Getting out of the car as I pull up to the river,instantly I felt the ora of history that these  grounds I walk on have.  Its a feeling of respect,and awe.  After all,this is the place the brown trout was first placed after a science fair was one in the late 1880's in Germany.  The prize,the brown trout.  The outcome,a legacy.  
 And just for the record,has not been stocked since the early 1970's.
     The river starts its journey up historic rt.7 in East Dorset, where much is private,but people up here view the beauty a bit differently.  Both times I had fished this section,I  simply  pulled over got out of the car and walked right into the stream .  (all spots being bridges)Every person that was outside doing the yard work routine simply looked and waived with a smile.  (ya,it really was that easy)  As if they had knew that i had a proper etiquette,and respect already instilled.But that's how they are,total class and they expect the same.
  This section of the stream as pictured above is swift at times with gin clear water.  Pools that look 2 feet deep are 4' to even 7'-8' feet in depth.  If you like brooke trout,this is your section down to northern Manchester.And  of course a few small browns as well.  I will also add that this section to me holds more fish.Cooler waters,and ample tribs in this section all of course are C.W.H. from limestone springs and mountain snow make the water at times almost invisible.  They say a dry fly here is key to match the hatch.I threw  mostly  stoneflies on a no.12 curved long nymph hook with no problems.  But if u like the sulphurs,come back in June.Wow!  The limestone makes this water so pristine it makes you wonder if  its so clean its sterile.
      After the Battenkill meanders through,and picks up water from the Roaring Branch,Lye and Mill brooke  it turns into a gentle picturesque stream where some of those "fabled stories and legends" come from.  As pictured up top, the famous covered bridge pool  is one these spots.  Norman Rockwell would agree.  But in this section,famous doesn't come easy.  A 3-4 brown trout day is considered exceptional.  And that's not because of pressure.  I have fished this section 3 times and 2 out of 3 times I've had ample space.  And the other not another angler present,no matter where i went.  If u choose to fish this section I would recommend streamers and buggers in natural tones to hit the holes where these lunkers DO sit.
Stoneflies in sizes 12-16 are not uncommon here either.
  And just to  add a bit more hollowed ground feeling,u can visit the American Museum of Fly Fishing and talk with Mrs.Murphy. She is 100% committed to the museum and the sport.

       I hope this is as good as my idea for making this site.....More to come

DONE

UP AND RUNNING!