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Fly Fishing in Ohio

25 featured rivers, lakes and streams in Ohio, each with target species, a hatch chart and a map of nearby access.

Alum Creek Spillway (Striped Bass, Saugeye, Muskellunge)
A high-energy tailwater that attracts Striped Bass hybrids and Saugeye in the turbulent white water.
Apple Creek (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A small, stocked trout stream in Wooster that offers intimate wading and sight-fishing opportunities.
Arcola Creek Estuary (Steelhead, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass)
One of the last remaining marsh-fed estuaries on Lake Erie, offering unique fly fishing for Steelhead and Northern Pike in a coastal setting.
Big Darby Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Longear Sunfish)
One of the most biologically diverse streams in the Midwest, offering pristine fly fishing for Smallmouth.
Chagrin River (Daniels Park) (Steelhead, Rainbow Trout)
Classic pocket water and deep runs make this a technical fly fisher's dream for migratory rainbows.
Clear Fork of the Mohican River (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Ohio's premier year-round tailwater fishery for Brown Trout, featuring technical nymphing and seasonal dry fly action.
Conneaut Creek (Coastal Surf) (Steelhead, King Salmon, Brown Trout)
The sandy beaches and pier heads here allow for surf casting to aggressive 'Lake Run' species entering the creek system.
Cuyahoga River (Vaughn Rd) (Smallmouth Bass, Steelhead)
A recovering urban fishery that now hosts excellent numbers of Smallmouth and seasonal Steelhead.
Deer Creek Tailwater (Saugeye, White Bass, Striped Bass)
High oxygen levels and constant flow make this a hotspot for aggressive Saugeye and hybrid Striped Bass on streamers.
East Fork Lake Inshore (Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass)
The rocky points and flooded timber offer a coastal-style experience for hard-hitting hybrid Striped Bass.
Grand River (Lower Inshore) (Steelhead, Bluefish, Walleye)
The deep, wide mouth of the Grand River functions as an inshore inlet for Lake Erie's most powerful migratory fish.
Hocking River (Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish)
A winding river through the foothills of the Appalachians with deep pools and aggressive Smallmouth Bass.
Kokosing River (Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass)
A designated State Scenic River with crystal clear water and high-quality Smallmouth Bass habitat through rocky riffles.
Little Miami River (Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass)
A National Scenic River with diverse structure, perfect for drifting large poppers for Smallmouth Bass.
Mad River (Brown Trout)
Ohio's largest coldwater spring-fed stream, supporting a wild population of wary Brown Trout.
Maumee River Rapids (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Freshwater Drum)
Massive river system with rocky runs; famous for the spring run but underrated for Summer Smallmouth.
Old Woman Creek (Largemouth Bass, Bowfin, Steelhead)
A protected National Estuarine Research Reserve offering a glimpse into Ohio's coastal fly fishing heritage.
Paint Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Common Carp)
A limestone-influenced stream providing cool water and excellent insect hatches for Smallmouth and Carp.
Put-in-Bay Harbor (White Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)
This deep water bay offers 'False Albacore' style blitzes when White Bass and Walleye push baitfish to the surface.
Pymatuning Creek (Northern Pike, Muskellunge)
A wild and scenic marsh-style creek perfect for chasing Muskellunge and Northern Pike on heavy fly gear.
Rocky River Lagoon (Common Carp, Largemouth Bass)
A unique backwater area that fishes like a coastal bay for Carp and Largemouth Bass.
Salt Fork Lake Inlets (Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass)
The muddy inlets and heavy timber are ideal for stalking large Muskellunge on 10-weight fly rods.
Sandusky Bay Flats (Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Freshwater Drum)
Large, shallow vegetation flats that mimic coastal flats fishing for large freshwater predators and aggressive panfish.
Toussaint River Marsh (Common Carp, Northern Pike)
Extensive coastal wetlands providing shallow water sight-casting for 'freshwater bonefish' (Carp) and Pike.
Vermilion River Shale Cliffs (Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass)
Dramatic shale cliffs provide a backdrop for some of the best winter Steelhead swinging in the region.

Fly Fishing in Ohio

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