Burning River, Cold Steel

Despite the long cold spell in northeast Ohio, there are still some fishing opportunities around. The Cuyahoga River can provide welcome relief for winter-weary anglers. Yes, this is the same River that caught fire many years ago. Although it is not stocked, stray steelhead do move into the Cuyahoga. Spend some time exploring and you may hook a fish or two, but don't expect many. A good portion of the river flows through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, so there is plenty of public access.

Here dog friend John Rhoades shows a hefty hen that he caught during the recent sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Still Winter Here

We are still in the full grip of winter in northeast Ohio with no end in sight. Temperatures have not been super cold, but cold enough and enough snow to keep most of the water locked up and unfishable. Time to do the warm dance and start to get things moving again.

Who?

I have had my named spelled a lot of different ways over the years, but this is a new one. Here is the program schedule from a recent fly fishing show I was at. Wonder if they were trying to tell me something.

Castapalooza and Riverfest!

I'm happy to announce a great fly fishing event coming to northeast Ohio! On April 24, 2010, the first Castapalooza and Riverfest will be held at Lake Metroparks Hidden Valley Reservation. This will be in conjunction with the annual Grand River Canoe and Kayak Race from Harpersfield to Hidden Valley. The event is free and open to the public! There will be fly casting demos, fly tying demos, equipment displays, and just a whole lot of fun. C'mon out and have a look around!

Please Sign the Petition and Spread the Word!

In December, 2009, testing found that Asian carp had found their way up the Illinois River and within a few miles of Lake Michigan. Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox, filed suit against the State of illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks that control this waterway and prevent entrance of Asian carp into Lake Michigan. Other states bordering the Great Lakes, plus the Province of Ontario have joined the suit. So far, the Obama administration and the State of Illinois have refused to close the locks to protect Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes system.

Haven't we had enough of invasive species threatening the most valuable resource of the area- the Great Lakes? Please, go to www.StopAsianCarp.com and sign the e-petition. It will be presented to President Obama.

Trout Classes Scheduled

Even though it is dreary and cold out, it's time to think ahead to warmer weather. I have several teaching programs that have just been finalized with Mad River Outfitters. On April 10 and 11 I will host an overnight "Trout School" at Rockwell Springs Trout Club in Castalia, OH. On May 1, I will host a one day "Trout Class", again at the Rockwell Club.

Rockwell is one of the oldest, continuous fishing clubs in the United States. It's main spring pumps out around 4500 gallons of 48 degree water every minute. It's crystal-clear waters are the home to both stream bred and stocked rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger trout. For complete details on both the school and class go to http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/t-classes.aspx.