Fishing Season: Summer

Conneaut Creek - OH

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

78

Orvis Westlake's Tip of the Week

You will find smallmouth close to cover this time of year. That means targeting deep water, log jams, and rock shelves with minnow type patterns. Utilizing a sink tip can be helpful for getting down deep in the larger pools.

Directions open in app

Map of Conneaut Creek

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/25/25

River levels are very low currently, however scattered thunderstorms throughout the week could make conditions variable. Low water makes for great sight fishing opportunities and with hotter temperatures here the top water smallmouth bite is improving especially in the evenings.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/25/25

Swing and strip streamers for smallmouth bass close to cover and in deep pools. Olive, White, and Chartreuse are great colors. Don’t forget about carp too, they are a blast to catch on a fly rod!

Local Species Available Summer

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth Bass

  • Fish Icon

    Carp

Orvis Westlake's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Zonker White, Olive 6, 8
Tunghead Stonefly Black 10,12,14
Conehead Bunny Muddler White or Black 6,8
May's Full Motion Crayfish Orange, Peach,Chartr 8
Princess Nymph Pink 10, 12, 14
Rubber legged Stonefly Black 8
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Orange, Pink, Chartreuse 8, 10, 12
Freshwater Clouser Chartreuse/White, White/Olive 6

Zonker

Image Not Found

Item #0616

Buy Now

Orvis Westlake's Recommended Gear

Description: About Conneaut Creek

Conneaut Creek is a larger version of Pennsylvania's Elk Creek which winds its way through urban areas, rural lanscapes, valleys, and gorges in both the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The " Conny" gets excellent returns of both Fall Pennsylvania strain steelhead and Spring run Manistee Strain Steelhead. Due to the managment efforts of both the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the Ohio Division of Wildlife Conneaut Creek has become a solid steelhead fishery, with great public access, and a solid steelhead fishery from October to May. Conneaut Creek is also classified as one of Ohio's Wild and Scenic Rivers. This creek fishes best with flows between 150 and 350 cfs

Nearest Airport:

Erie International and Cleveland Airport

Hatches:

This fishery is based on subsurface activity, and there are no key hatches of note. Baitfish and sculpin patterns are the primary forage to imitate on this river. Crayfish imitations always fish well. Stoneflies, woolly buggers, and egg patterns are great when nymphing.

Best Time to Fish:

anytime

Best Stretch:

Near rt 20 is a good bet right now.

Best Access:

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/9/pdf/conneaut.pdf