Black River is a large, shale-bottom tributary to Lake Erie that receives a spring run of Little Manistee steelhead and a small fall run (in September) of King Salmon.
Black River runs through Black River Reservation, a Lorain County Metro Park. Access points inside the Black River Reservation Metro Park include Days Dam, Burr Oak, and High Meadows. Black River Reservation is accessible via 31st street, East River Road, and Ford Creek.
There are a number of important feeder streams to Black River including French Creek, East and West Branches and Cascade Creek.
Black River Steelhead Trout Fishing Map
Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Black River Flow Chart
The USGS Black River flow gauge in Elyria, OH provides real-time stream flow data. The chart above shows the stream flow (in cfs) for the past seven days.
Ideal Flow (cfs)
150-350
Average Run-Off Time
2-3 days
Best Flies for Black River
Salmon and steelhead that run up Black River are no too selective when if comes to flies. Simple egg, nymph and streamer patterns will do the trick.
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.