Best Rivers in Ohio for Fly Fishing: Steelhead, Trout, and Smallmouth

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Steelhead (Lake Erie tribs)	Late Oct – Apr	Rocky: 150-250 CFS; Grand: 250-400 CFS; Chagrin: 150-350 CFS
Mad River brown trout	Year-round (peak Oct – May)	50-150 CFS ideal; 10,000-15,000 browns stocked annually
Clear Fork trout	Oct – May (browns); Apr – May (rainbows)	75-175 CFS; artificials-only on upper section
Smallmouth bass (Little Miami)	May – Sep	100-300 CFS; 105 miles of fishable water
Guided steelhead trip	Book by September for fall	$400-550/day (1-2 anglers)
Fly shop	Mad River Outfitters	(614) 451-0363, 833 Bethel Rd, Columbus

Overview

Ohio is not the first state most people think of for fly fishing, and that works in your favor. The state holds three distinct fisheries that, taken together, offer year-round opportunities: Lake Erie steelhead tributaries in the northeast, spring-fed trout streams in the west-central part of the state, and some of the Midwest's best smallmouth bass rivers running through the southern half.

The steelhead program is the headline — the Ohio Division of Wildlife raises roughly 450,000 Little Manistee strain smolts annually at the Castalia hatchery, distributing them across six Lake Erie tributaries. Those fish spend two to four years in the lake, growing to 23-28 inches, before returning to tributaries from late October through May. The Mad River, a spring creek running 66 miles through Champaign and Clark Counties, supports a self-sustaining brown trout fishery fed by 10,000-15,000 stocked fingerlings each year — some growing to 16 inches and beyond. And rivers like the Little Miami, Kokosing, and Stillwater hold healthy smallmouth populations in clear, wadeable water.

Seasons and Runoff

Ohio's rivers don't follow a classic Western snowmelt pattern. Instead, they're driven by rainfall, agricultural runoff, and spring-fed baseflows. Here's what to expect:

Season	Timing	Conditions	Best Bet
Winter	Dec – Feb	Cold but fishable; steelhead in deep pools, trout on midges	Steelhead Alley tribs, Mad River
Early Spring	Mar – Apr	Spring steelhead runs peak; trout streams clearing	Steelhead (all tribs), Mad River
Late Spring	May – Jun	Caddis and mayfly hatches; smallmouth season opens strong	Mad River, Little Miami, Kokosing
Summer	Jul – Aug	Warm water limits trout fishing; smallmouth prime	Little Miami, Stillwater, Big Darby
Fall	Sep – Nov	Steelhead return; brown trout aggressive; best all-around	Everything fishable

Key timing notes:

• Steelhead peak in December and again mid-March through April
• Eastern Lake Erie tributaries (Grand, Conneaut, Ashtabula) fish well in both fall and spring; central tributaries (Rocky, Vermilion) are best in spring
• Smaller steelhead tributaries clear 2-3 days after rain; the Grand River can take a week or more
• The Mad River's spring-fed flows keep it fishable year-round, though spring agricultural runoff can push visibility down

Lake Erie Steelhead Tributaries

Ohio's steelhead fishery — known as "Steelhead Alley" — spans six stocked tributaries flowing into Lake Erie's southern shore. The fish are Little Manistee River strain rainbows, stocked as 8-inch smolts that grow to 4-10 pounds (and occasionally beyond 20 pounds) after two to four years in the lake.

Optimal Flows by River

River	Ideal CFS	Watershed	Clearing Time	Character
Vermilion	100-200	268 sq mi	3-5 days	Shale cliffs, scenic gorges
Rocky	150-250	175 sq mi	2-3 days	Urban, easy access near Cleveland
Chagrin	150-350	264 sq mi	2-3 days	Within 30 min of downtown Cleveland
Conneaut	200-350	190 sq mi	3-4 days	Wild and Scenic designation
Grand	250-400	705 sq mi	5-7+ days	Largest watershed; best float fishing
Ashtabula	—	137 sq mi	2-3 days	Clears first after storms

Track all of these on RiverReports Ohio to time your trips around clearing flows.

Rocky River

The Rocky sits inside Cleveland Metroparks, making it possibly the most accessible steelhead fishery in the country. Field and Stream named it one of "150 Best Places to Fish in America." The river is shallow, meandering, and easy to wade on a shale and silt bottom. Abandoned fords create ideal holding water.

Access: 13 DNR-designated fishing areas including Emerald Necklace Marina, Morley Ford, Cedar Point Road Bridge, and Horse Ford. All accessible via Cleveland Metroparks.

Flows: Fish the drop — the prime window is when flows settle back toward 150-250 CFS after rain, with enough color to give fish confidence but enough clarity to see your indicator. Check Rocky River flows on RiverReports.

Gear: 9-foot 6-7 weight with floating line and 3X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Spey and switch rods (11-12 feet) work well for swinging. The Rocky's resident forage includes emerald shiners and gizzard shad — match those profiles with streamers.

Grand River

Ohio's largest Lake Erie tributary with over 50 miles of fishable water. The Grand gets excellent returns of both fall (Pennsylvania strain) and spring (Manistee strain) steelhead, and it's the best Steelhead Alley river for float fishing. Covered Bridge Outfitters Lodge, an Orvis-endorsed operation in Conneaut, runs guided drift boat trips.

The tradeoff: the Grand's large watershed means it takes the longest to clear after storms — plan on a week or more of recovery time. When it's in shape at 250-400 CFS, though, it's arguably the best steelhead water in the state.

Chagrin River

A consistent producer and arguably the most popular steelhead river among Northeast Ohio fly anglers. The Chagrin originates in Geauga County and drops at a moderate gradient through shale-bottomed runs and pools to Lake Erie — all within 30 minutes of downtown Cleveland. The main stem is Class I water, easily wadeable with felt or studded boots on the slick shale substrate. Water typically runs tea-stained after rain, clearing to a green-grey tint at fishable levels.

Access: Daniels Park and Todd Field provide the best public wading access through Lake County Metroparks. The East Branch (Class II, 4.7 miles from Mitchell Mills Road to Daniels Park) holds fish too and sees less pressure. Cleveland Metroparks (440-234-9597) and Lake County Metroparks (800-227-7275) maintain access maps.

Flows: Fish at 150-350 CFS. The Chagrin clears in 2-3 days after storms — faster than the Grand but slower than the Ashtabula. Mornings can be slow in winter; the best action typically runs 11am to 3pm when water temps nudge upward. Nymph under an indicator in the deeper pools, and swing streamers through the tail-outs on warmer days.

Chagrin River Outfitters in Chagrin Falls is the local authority — they offer guided trips ($400-550), steelhead-specific instruction ("Steelhead 101"), fly tying classes, and carry current intel on all the northeast Ohio tribs. They'll supply rods, waders, and boots with advance notice. Phone: (440) 247-7110.

Conneaut Creek

Sometimes called the "Steelhead Capital of the World," Conneaut Creek earned a State Wild and Scenic River designation across a 21-mile stretch in 2005. It holds steelhead, bass, northern pike, walleye, and 78 other documented species. Access via Lakeville Park and Conneaut Harbor.

Covered Bridge Outfitters offers private water access on Conneaut Creek plus luxury lodge accommodations on a 135-acre property. Phone: (440) 256-6556.

Vermilion River

Known locally as "the V," the Vermilion gets excellent spring-run steelhead returns. Orvis fishing reports call it "our best tributary in western Ohio." The lower river runs through spectacular shale gorges managed by Lorain County Metro Parks, with eight designated access points from the Municipal Boat Ramp upstream to Wakeman Dam.

Flows: Fish at 100-200 CFS. Clearing time is 3-5 days after rain.

Steelhead Fly Patterns

Season	Patterns	Sizes
Early fall (Oct-Nov)	Egg-Sucking Leeches, Woolly Buggers (black, olive), Clouser Minnows	6-10
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Glo Bugs, Sucker Spawn (cream/chartreuse), Pheasant Tails, stonefly nymphs	10-16
Spring (Mar-May)	White/Pink Sucker Spawn, Woolly Buggers (black, purple), egg patterns	8-12
Year-round	Gold Bead Hare's Ear, Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midges	12-18

Technique tip: In fall, fish respond to swung streamers and actively stripped flies. As water temperatures drop through the 40s and into the 30s, shift to dead-drifted eggs and nymphs under an indicator — it becomes the most effective method by December. Use 3X tippet in stained water; step down to 5X-6X fluorocarbon on 10-12 foot leaders in clear conditions.

Mad River: Ohio's Premier Trout Stream

The Mad River is probably Ohio's most famous fly fishing river and its only significant year-round trout stream. Spring-fed from headwaters near Zanesfield in Logan County, it flows 66 miles south through Champaign and Clark Counties before joining the Great Miami River near Dayton. The springs keep water temperatures cool enough for trout even in summer, when the flow becomes crystal-clear with a slight golden hue and every stone is visible on the bottom.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks 10,000-15,000 brown trout fingerlings (6-8 inches) annually, and fish commonly reach 14-16 inches with holdovers growing larger. The upper river near West Liberty also holds native brook trout in the headwaters — a rarity in Ohio. Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters literally wrote the "Fly Fisher's Guide to the Mad River" and has been guiding here since 1989.

Sections

• Upper Mad River (Zanesfield to Tremont City): The best trout water. Shallow, brawling stream with pools and riffles, 30-40 feet wide. Dense tree canopy along high banks. Access via Pimtown Road Bridge, Route 29, and numerous bridge crossings.
• Middle Mad River (Tremont City to Enon): Transitioning water with trout, smallmouth, rock bass. Canoe traffic in summer. Class I rapids with large exposed rocks.
• Lower Mad River (Enon to Great Miami): Primarily warm-water species. Smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass. Good float fishing.

Mad River Hatch Chart

Insect	Size	Timing	Recommended Patterns
Midges	20-24	Year-round	Zebra Midge, Griffin's Gnat
Little Black Stoneflies	12-18	Late Feb – Mar	Black Stonefly Nymph
BWO / Blue Winged Olives	18-22	Mar – Sep, Nov – Dec	Pheasant Tail Klinkhammer, Polar Crippled Olive
Green Sedge / Caddis	14-18	Feb – Apr	Apple Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis
Sulphurs	14-16	May – Jun	Sulphur Dun
Light Cahill	12-14	May – Jun	Light Cahill
Brown Drakes	10-12	May – Jun	Brown Drake emerger
March Browns	10-14	May	March Brown
Tricos	22-26	Jul – Oct	Trico Spinner
Terrestrials	10-16	Jun – Oct	Ant, beetle, hopper patterns

As one local angler put it: "The Mad is full of caddisflies — so many that I seldom use anything else." When in doubt, tie on a caddis pattern.

Mad River Gear

• Rod: 8-9.5 foot, 4-5 weight
• Tippet: 5X-6X (trout section); 3X-4X (warm-water section)
• Leaders: 9-12 feet for clear water dry fly presentations
• Approach: The clear water demands stealth. Wade slowly, use long leaders, and get your drag-free drift right on the first cast.

Guided Trips

Mad River Outfitters runs walk-and-wade trips on the Mad River for $425 (1-2 anglers) and float trips for $525. Their guide staff includes specialists in brown trout streamers, smallmouth bass, and Lake Erie steelhead.

Clear Fork of the Mohican River

The Clear Fork is actually two fisheries in one:

Upper Clear Fork (above Pleasant Hill Reservoir): Fingerling and yearling brown trout stocked each fall. Less fishing pressure than most Ohio trout waters. Special regulation water near Bellville-Butler requires artificial flies and lures only, with a one-trout, 10-inch minimum creel limit. Some browns grow past 20 inches. Best access at bridge crossings near Butler and Bellville — private land limits some bank access.

Lower Clear Fork (Pleasant Hill Dam through Mohican State Park): Catchable rainbow trout stocked in spring, plus smallmouth, panfish, and saugeye. Excellent access through the state park. The covered bridge at the Class B Campground is a scenic and productive starting point.

The Mohican Fly Fishers of Ohio consider the Clear Fork the cleanest river in the state. Ideal flows are 75-175 CFS. Hatches include Light Cahills from late May through July and midges year-round. Nymphing is the most productive approach outside of active hatches.

Check Clear Fork flows on RiverReports before making the drive.

Smallmouth Bass Rivers

Ohio is a "sleeper state" for smallmouth fly fishing, as Mad River Outfitters puts it. Catch rates on streams often exceed reservoirs because fish concentrate in specific pools, riffles, and current seams. The season runs May through October, with peak action from June through September when water temps push smallmouth into aggressive feeding.

Smallmouth Fly Patterns

Water Condition	Patterns	Sizes	When
Clear/low water	Clouser Minnows, crayfish patterns, Deer Hair Divers	2-6	Morning and evening
Moderate flows	Woolly Buggers (olive, black), bass poppers, foam hoppers	4-8	All day in summer
Higher/stained water	Zonkers, large streamers, dark Woolly Buggers	2-6	Midday
Topwater (best Jun-Sep)	Poppers, Dahlberg Divers, gurgler patterns	4-8	Dawn and dusk

Use a 5-6 weight rod with 2X-3X tippet. Floating line for poppers and shallow runs; sink-tip for deeper pools and undercut banks. Target current seams, laydown logs, larger rocks, and shaded banks. Early morning and late evening produce the best topwater action.

Little Miami River

A 105-mile National Scenic River running through southwest Ohio — the state's most accessible and diverse warm-water fly fishery. The Little Miami holds smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass, rock bass, and channel catfish. The water runs over a gravel and cobble bottom with limestone ledges, typically 2-4 feet deep with pools reaching 6+ feet. In summer, you'll see crayfish and minnows darting under every rock — the forage base is excellent.

Flows: 100-300 CFS ideal for smallmouth. Below 75 CFS and you'll be scraping. The upper sections near Clifton Gorge (Class II-IV, access restricted) are scenic but not fishable by kayak. The best fishing-floating water starts below John Bryan State Park.

Float logistics: Six distinct paddling sections covering 86 total miles. Best for fishing: John Bryan State Park to Glenn Thompson Reserve (12 miles, full day) or Caesar Creek Access to Halls Creek (14 miles, full day). Multiple liveries simplify shuttle logistics:

• Morgan's Canoe: 3-mile (1-1.5 hrs) and 6-mile (2-3 hrs) trips
• Scenic River Canoe: 6-mile daily trips (2-3 hrs)
• Bellbrook Canoe Rental: 5.2-mile trips (2-3 hrs)

Stocked trout are available October through April in the upper sections — switch to egg patterns and San Juan Worms (#10-14) during the colder months.

Kokosing River

A 28-mile state scenic water trail with nine access points, all with parking and portable restrooms. The Kokosing is a pretty river — steep sandstone cliffs with scattered boulders, wooded banks, and clear water averaging 2-3 feet deep. Smallmouth are abundant throughout the main stem from Mount Vernon to the Walhonding confluence. Most fish run 10-12 inches, with occasional 18-inch fish holding in deeper pools behind large rocks and alongside downed timber.

Float logistics: The best fishing stretch runs from Gambier to Howard (7.4 miles, 3-4 hours). Kokosing Valley Campground and Canoe Livery handles shuttles ($15). The river floats best at 100-200 CFS — below 70 CFS, expect ankle-deep riffles and portaging. "The Factory Rapids" (remnants of a historic dam, Class II) is the only real whitewater and can be portaged on the left bank.

Best approach: Concentrate on deeper pools, larger rocks, and faster-moving water. Jig-style flies and Rebel Craw-colored Clousers work well. Poppers against shaded cliff faces at dawn and dusk can produce explosive takes.

Stillwater River

The Stillwater and Greenville Creek system is the only Ohio river designated as both a National Water Trail and a State Scenic River. The upper river holds wild brown trout — a genuine rarity in Ohio — while the lower sections host what's been called "one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the United States" with 59 documented fish species. The bottom is clean gravel and rock, and the water clarity is typically excellent.

Access: Englewood MetroParks off U.S. 40 provides the main put-in. A popular float runs 12 miles from Englewood to Sibenthaler Bridge (roughly 4 hours). The first section below Englewood Dam has four small drops that are fun in a kayak but can surprise beginners. Below that, it's calm and shallow Class I water through undeveloped corridor with minimal houses — a peaceful float.

Flows: Trout section: 40-120 CFS. Bass section: 100-250 CFS. Access through Five Rivers MetroParks near Dayton.

Big Darby Creek

Home to roughly 100 fish species and 44 freshwater mussel species, Big Darby is classified as "Exceptional Warmwater Habitat" — possibly the cleanest creek in the Midwest. The water is remarkably clear over a gravel bottom, and the biodiversity here is genuinely impressive.

Float logistics: A popular 5-mile float from Alkire Road to Osprey Lake runs through Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park west of Columbus. Free access, no fees, free parking. A longer option: SR 736 to Prairie Oaks Metro Park (7 miles, about 2.5 hours). Best from Memorial Day through mid-July when water levels support paddling — this is a free-flowing creek that gets too low by late summer. Target largemouth, smallmouth, and rock bass in the deeper bends and along undercut banks.

Cuyahoga River

Worth mentioning for its unique setting: the Cuyahoga flows through Cuyahoga Valley National Park for 26 miles, offering fly fishing within a national park. The lower river receives steelhead runs from Lake Erie, and the park sections (Class I, Ira Road to Route 303) hold smallmouth, rock bass, and other warm-water species in a surprisingly scenic forested corridor.

Access: Seven NPS access points from Northampton Point (mile 36.7) to Lock 39 Trailhead (mile 13.2). The river fishes best for steelhead at 250-350 CFS, but takes a week or more to clear after rain. A valid Ohio fishing license is required; only human-powered boats allowed.

Note: Post-rain water quality can be poor due to combined sewer overflows — the park posts daily bacteria advisories May through October. Fish here on dry-weather windows.

Other Waters Worth Knowing

Clear Creek: The closest trout fishing to Columbus (40 minutes southeast). Catchable rainbow trout stocked in fall. Two-fish limit, 12-inch minimum. Access via Clear Creek MetroPark. A put-and-take fishery, but holdovers to 18 inches aren't uncommon.

Macochee Creek: A small, intimate Mad River tributary near West Liberty. Several hundred yearling brown trout stocked annually, with fish reaching 12-16 inches. Bring a 7-foot, 4-weight rod — this is tight-quarters fishing with brush and tall grass on both banks. Access at the designated site on T-47 east of West Liberty.

Apple Creek: A freestone stream through Grosjean Park in Wooster stocked with rainbow and brown trout twice annually by the Chagrin Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Catch-and-release encouraged. Good for small dry flies — Adams (#14-16), Hare's Ear nymphs, Pheasant Tails, and Rainbow Warriors all produce. The creek stays cool year-round thanks to spring inputs.

Cold Creek (Castalia): Spring-fed tributary near the Castalia State Fish Hatchery. Stocked with thousands of rainbow trout annually. The catch: all adjacent land is private. A half-mile section is available May through November via an annual March lottery. Cold Creek Trout Camp also offers public access for a fee.

Ohio Fishing Regulations

Ohio has no designated trout season — trout fishing is open year-round on streams with established populations. Key regulations:

• General trout limit: Five trout and salmon daily (aggregate) statewide
• Steelhead: No daily or size limit on Lake Erie tributaries; two-fish kill limit encouraged
• Clear Fork Upper (Bellville-Butler section): Artificials only, one trout, 10-inch minimum
• Clear Creek: Two fish daily, 12-inch minimum
• License: Required for anglers 16 and older. Non-residents can purchase 1-day, 3-day, or annual licenses through Ohio DNR

Always check current Ohio Division of Wildlife regulations before your trip — regulations change annually.

Fly Shops and Guide Services

Shop	Location	Phone	Specialty
Mad River Outfitters	Columbus	(614) 451-0363	Trout, steelhead, smallmouth; guides statewide
Chagrin River Outfitters	Chagrin Falls	(440) 247-7110	Steelhead, NE Ohio tribs, fly tying classes
Covered Bridge Outfitters	Conneaut	(440) 256-6556	Orvis-endorsed; steelhead lodge, float trips
The Steelhead Guide	Cleveland area	(440) 773-8064	30+ years steelhead guiding

Orvis Fly Fishing School: Rockwell Springs Trout Club near Clyde offers 1-day ($339) and 2-day ($589) schools on 125 acres of spring-fed streams with rainbow, brook, brown, and tiger trout. A 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio.

Local clubs: Miami Valley Fly Fishers (Dayton area), Buckeye United Fly Fishers (Cincinnati), Central Ohio Fly Fishers (Columbus), and the Chagrin Falls TU Chapter all hold regular meetings and maintain access information.

Safety and Hazards

Ohio fly fishing is relatively low-risk compared to Western mountain rivers, but a few things to watch:

• Lake Erie tributaries rise fast after rain. A river at 200 CFS before a storm can spike past 1,000 CFS within hours. Never wade in rising water.
• Shale and slate bottoms are slippery when wet. Studded wading boots help significantly on Steelhead Alley rivers.
• Winter steelhead fishing means cold water in the 30s. Dress for immersion — neoprene waders, layered insulation, and spare dry clothes in the truck.
• Post-rain water quality can be poor, especially on urban rivers like the Cuyahoga and lower Rocky. Combined sewer overflows can introduce bacteria. Avoid full-body immersion after heavy rains.
• Private land borders much of Ohio's trout water. Respect posted property — access through bridge crossings and designated public areas only.

Using RiverReports

Track real-time flows for all Ohio rivers on RiverReports. Here's how to use it for Ohio fly fishing:

• Steelhead timing: Watch the Rocky, Chagrin, Grand, and Vermilion gauges after rain events. When flows drop back into the ideal ranges above and the river starts clearing, that's your window — often 2-5 days after the rain stops.
• Mad River consistency: The spring-fed Mad stays fishable even when other rivers are blown out. Compare it against the Stillwater and Clear Fork to pick the clearest water on any given day.
• Smallmouth season: Use flow data on the Little Miami and Kokosing to pick float-friendly levels in summer. Below 100 CFS, you'll be dragging your kayak.
• Historical comparison: Compare current flows against the historical average to know if the river is running high, normal, or low for the time of year.

For more background on steelhead fishing across the region, see our Great Lakes Steelhead Fishing guide.