Chagrin River, Cuyhoga County, Ohio, 12/27/2018

[3wt7X]

Time fished: 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

Weather: Nice conditions for northeast Ohio in late December. It was 38 degrees when I arrived and rose to the upper 40s later in the day. Cloudy conditions with a few glimpses of the sun after noon.

Water: I am not sure of the cfs, but it was a nice flow and falling throughout the day. The water the perfect steelhead green.

Tactics: Swinging buggers and indicator fishing stoneflies and worms.

Results: Great five hours of fishing. The day started quick with a fresh hen jumping me off after a take on the swing. I found a nice channel later in the day and got into some numbers for the first time on an Ohio trib. The hot pink worm took a lot of jacks in the 18-22 inch range. The mature fish liked a black stonefly for some reason. I ended the day with a fine hen. She took a black stone with hot blue estaz thorax, and she cleared the water no less than five times. It has been quite some time, since I have fought a steelhead that size. It made for a great ending to 2018. Happy New Years to all!!! I hope you all have a great 2019.

 

[Dave_W]

Well done - like that photo - the steelhead has a striking, almost violet color to it.

 

[raftman]

Solid report!
Curious what rod you were using?

 

[3wt7X]

Cabelas Lsi switch 11' 6" 7 wt.

 

[raftman]

Nice! What type of line are you using when nymphing? Regular fly line or Skagit/Scandi?

 

[3wt7X]

I started with switch line for 3 seasons. I have since switched to Intouch Rio Grand, which fishes a line weight heavier than the rating. I like the new line much more. Less drag, easier line control and plenty of cast ability for the tribs that I fish.

 

[wbranch]

Lovely steelhead. Looks longer than the typical PA mutt fish. Very nice.

 

[martin0206]

Nice report and great fish. My inlaws live in Chagrin Falls and I was there that week for the holidays. Love that area and all the park access to the Chagrin they have. Conditions looked perfect but unfortunately I caught a week long stomach bug and didn't feel up to fishing. Even worse than fishing I couldn't eat any Christmas cookies!