Grand River is a large, shale-bottom tributary to Lake Erie with over 50 miles of fishable water from the lake to Harpersfield, Ohio. Grand River is stocked annually by the Ohio DNR with Little Manistee steelhead that return to the river each spring. The Grand River also receives a run of Pennsylvania strain steelhead each fall. The mix of steelhead returning to the Grand provide and an excellent steelhead fishery from October to May.
Fly fishing for Steelhead at Hogback Ridge Park along the Grand River in Ohio. The Lake Metroparks provide excellent access to the Grand River and other tributaries to Lake Erie in Steelhead Alley.
Grand River (Ohio) Steelhead Fishing Map
If you are planning a trip to the Grand River but are not sure where to go, a good place to start is the Ohio DNR Grand River Steelhead Trout Fishing Map which shows public access points.
Ohio DNR designated steelhead fishing areas on Grand River include Mentor Headland & Breakwall, Fairpot Harbor, Painesville City Park & Old Dam, Helen Hazen Wyman Park, Mason's Landing, Indian Point Park, Hidden Valley Park, Riverview Park, Hogsback Ridge Park and Harpers Field Dam.
To make life a little easier we upload all the Ohio DNR designated steelhead fishing access site to the DIY Fly Fishing Map.
Grand River Steelhead Trout Fishing Map
Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Time to Fish the Grand River
The Grand River is Ohio's largest Lake Erie tributary that receives runs of steelhead and typically takes the longest time to get into shape following rain events (usually a week or more). The Grand River fishes best when the stream flow is between 250-450 cfs.
Grand River Flow Chart
The USGS Grand River stream gauge near Painesville, Ohio provides real-time stream flow data and is useful in determining when to hit the river.
Ideal Flow (cfs)
250-450
Average Run-Off Time
1 week or more
Best Flies for the Grand River
Effective flies for catching steelhead in the Grand River include basic egg, nymph and streamer patterns. Don't fret too much over the particular pattern, just be prepared to switch up flies until you find one that works.
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.