Next up in the our mini-series on Steelhead Alley is Conneaut Creek where steelhead run some 75 miles from the mouth of the river along Lake Erie in Conneaut, Ohio to the the headwaters in Dickonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Conneaut Creek is a high-quality stream that runs very clear due it's Chagrin shale and gravel bottom that minimizes suspended sediment. The Conneaut is recognized nationally for its steelhead fishing due in-part because it is stocked from both Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Ohio State Wild and Scenic River
Conneaut Creek in Ashtabula County was officially designated a State Wild and Scenic River on October 6, 2005. The designation provides state protection to a 21-mile stretch of the creek from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border to the former Penn Central Railroad bridge in the City of Conneaut on the Lake Erie shore.
Conneaut Creek - A Tale of Two States
Conneaut Creek is similar to Pennsylvania's Elk Creek, but larger, and winds its way through urban areas, rural landscapes, valleys, and gorges in both Pennsylvania and Ohio. The "Conny" gets excellent returns of both fall-run Pennsylvania strain steelhead and spring-run Manistee strain steelhead as a result of stocking by both the Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission and Ohio's Department of Natural Resources.
Conneaut Creek Steelhead Trout Fishing Map
If you are planning a trip to Conneaut Creek but are not sure where to go, a good place to start is the Ohio DNR Conneaut Creek Steelhead Trout Fishing Map which shows public access points.
Where to Fish Conneaut Creek
Public access to Conneaut Creek in Ohio is limited to the Conneaut Harbor and the Lakeville Park Access off Center Road as most of the river flows through private farmlands and woodlands. Pennsylvania offers better public access, primarily at bridge crossings, and fewer anglers.
Conneaut Creek Steelhead Trout Fishing Map
Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
When to Fish Conneaut Creek
Conneaut Creek fishes best when the stream flow is between 150-350 cfs. The USGS Conneaut Creek flow gauge near Conneaut, OH provides real-time stream flow data and can be used to judge when to fish. The chart below shows the Conneaut Creek stream flow (in cfs) for the past seven days. Conneaut Creek usually takes about 3-4 days to clear and return to normal flows after a rainfall.
Ideal Flow (cfs)
150-350
Average Run-off Time
3-4 days
Anglers seeking big steelhead without big crowds may find Conneaut Creek made to order, especially late in the year (December) when fish have reached the remote upper portion of Pennsylvania's largest Lake Erie tributary.
Best Flies for Conneaut Creek
Effective flies for catching steelhead in Conneaut creek include basic egg, nymph and streamer patterns.
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 Steelhead Alley fishing guide for more information about steelhead fishing in Lake Erie tributaries.
Fun Fact: Conneaut's name comes from an Indian word for "place of many fish," or "place where snow lays in spring."
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