Ashtabula River is a tributary to Lake Erie in a region known as Steelhead Alley. The Ashtabula is a medium-size, shale-bottom river that receives a spring run of Little Manistee steelhead.
The river is home to some of the largest steelhead trout in the state of New York. The river has a very diverse population of fish species including brown, rainbow, and brook trout. This makes it one of the prime destinations for fly fishing in Steelhead Alley.
Fly fishing on the Ashtabula River is a wonderful experience because it provides a challenge for advanced as well as beginner fly fishers.
Many people have come to this area not only to fish but also to enjoy day trips on kayaks and canoes or to take part in various other water sports.
Ashtabula River Steelhead Fishing Map
If you are planning a trip to the Ashtabula River but are not sure where to go, a good place to start is the Ohio DNR Ashtabula River Steelhead Trout Fishing Map which shows public access points.
To make this map more useful we have put together an interactive google map showing the Ohio DNR designated steelhead fishing areas, including Walnut Beach Breakwall, Cedarquist Park and Indian Trial Park.
Ashtabula River Steelhead Trout Fishing Map
Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Flies for Ashtabula River
Effective flies for Ashtabula include simple egg, nymph and streamer patterns. The fish tend not to be too picky, especially early in the season, so your go to favorites will work just fine.
Need flies?
If you like to swing flies, RiverBum offers a great selection of classic steelhead flies that will catch fish anywhere. Set includes 30 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and durable fly box.
Classic Steelhead Streamers
- Purple Peril
- Copper Top
- Comet
- Jock Scott
- Bomber Black
- Joe Gert
- Blue Charm
- Brite Pink
- Egg Sucking Leech
- Black Bear Green Butt
If you prefer to dead drift flies, BASSDASH offers a great selection of some of the most effective egg flies and attractor patterns. Set includes 57 flies (see list below) and high-grade double-sided fly box.
Deadly Egg Flies and Attractor Patterns
- Antron Egg
- Glo-Bug
- Crystal Egg Fly
- Dot Egg Fly
- Crystal Meth
- Milky Nuke Egg
- Ultra Maggots
- Egg Sucking Worms
- Flash Candy Fly
Need Gear?
Heading out to do some steelhead or salmon fishing and need an affordable fly rod, reel and line to get started?
Look no further than the Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit. An 8 Wt. setup that is perfect as a first big-game outfit or backup travel rod.
- 8-wt, 9-ft, 4pc Fly Rod
- Large Arbor Reel
- WF Floating Line
- Cordura Rod Tube
- 25-yr guarantee
Visit our DIY Steelhead Alley Fishing Guide for maps and information on other Lake Erie tributaries that steelhead like to visit.