Go to rocky river, I usually get my spawn sacks at fin feather fur in middleburg or at dicks at Parmatown if I have to... There's going to be more fish in rocky or chagrin than in the hoga, that's the closest river to me also, so I understand the convenience, but you'd probably have a better chance somewhere else.

 

You don't need spawn sacks to catch steelhead. You can catch them with about anything from smelly catfish bait to worms to cigarette butts:
http://therockyriver.com/brian-westovers-cigarette-butt-fly/
I'd just go to Dicks(or Wmart) and get some plain old 1/8 oz red jigheads-no feathers, no hair(no bobbers!), then to a baitshop and buy some maggots. Go to a likely spot on the Chagrin or Rocky(not THE Cuyahoga!), put a bunch of maggots on the jig, toss it out and reel it back slowly or bounce it down a run in fast water. The last person I got started fishing this way got FOUR at the Chagrin his first outing!(all c&r) That's how I started and still use the technique occasionally. Once you start to develop some confidence that you CAN catch them, you can expand your programs by researching techniques on the Internet-ie, centerpinning, flyrodding, spinners, spoons, sacks, etc.

 

That's good to know! I'm thinking of going out Sunday, hopefully I'll have some luck. I'll be sure to post the outcome.

Thanks!

 

Another easy way is to get them is buy some trout/red worms rig them wacky style, put a split shot a foot or two above. Just let it bounce through the rocks with a slow retrieve. This seems to work pretty well, especially when the water is a little dirty.


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WHat does everyone think about the Cuyahoga vs CHagrin? I live 3 minutes from the Cuyahoga in the Valley View area. Is it worth the drive to the Chagrin?

Definitely worth the drive but you might be a little closer to the Rocky River. Either Chagrin or Rocky would be your best chance to catch a steelhead. The Cuyahoga was never stocked to the best of my knowledge. There are a few strays caught in it every year, but they typically will return to the river they were stocked in as fingerlings. Better get to it also as they will be on the gravel going thru their breeding rituals soon and they are very difficult to lure into striking at that time-esp. with the "simplified" techniques posted on here. If you go out on a weekend, expect it to be crowded and be sure to find your own spot. Don't crowd into an area already taken by other anglers, nothing gets to the experienced guys like a newb(or anyone!) crowding their fishing holes. Walk the river a ways and try to find a less crowded area. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

The Fin is a good source as is the Rodmakers shop in Strongsville. Both will have all you need. Rodmakers is having a big sale March 16-17th. I'll be driving up looking for a few new flies and hitting the river. If you like online fishing you can also check out FishUSA

 

Just get to a spot early, first come first catch. Most guys know fish turn on when the temp get warmer 9am

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