Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
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A Steelhead Alley tributary in Cleveland Metroparks with fall through spring steelhead.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Rocky River for steelhead. The best months overall are Oct to Apr. In October, steelhead is in season, and Pat's Rubber Legs, Egg Pattern and Intruder are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (3 fly, 9 bait and tackle); the closest is Cabela's in Avon, 9 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Chagrin River is 26 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Oct to Apr
In October
Steelhead
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Rocky River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Indicator rig.
Shop This FlyIntruder 2 to 4 in
FlyStreamer · Swung on a spey rod.
Shop This FlyEgg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner
Shop This LureCured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
BaitNatural Bait · Where bait is legal.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Steelhead
Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Rocky River
Fly Reels
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line
Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Steelhead Fly Assortment
Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Rocky River
Bait & Tackle
Chagrin River Outfitters
Chagrin Falls, Ohio· 24 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chagrin Falls, OH.
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Rivers & Streams · Ohio · 26 mi
Chagrin River
A Lake Erie tributary with a steelhead run and summer smallmouth.
Steelhead · Smallmouth Bass
Lakes & Reservoirs · Ohio · 52 mi
Lake Erie
Western basin walleye water around Port Clinton, the self-styled Walleye Capital, with smallmouth around the islands and perch through fall.
Walleye · Smallmouth bass · Yellow perch
Lakes & Reservoirs · Ohio · 56 mi
Mosquito Creek Lake
A northeast Ohio reservoir with walleye and crappie.
Walleye · Crappie · Largemouth Bass