Fishing Season: Spring

Conneaut Creek - OH

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

34

Orvis Westlake's Tip of the Week

Lake run smallmouth are here! Target them around structure in deeper pools in the lower sectons of the river with clouser and zonker style flies!

Directions open in app

Map of Conneaut Creek

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/15/26

Flows are high after the midweek rain. More precipitation is expected this week.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/15/26

Swinging flies this time of year is a great way to target smallmouth and the remaining steelhead as they drop back to the lake.

Local Species Available Spring

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth / Steelhead

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
Bead Head Giant Stone Black 10,12,14
Conehead Bunny Muddler White or Black 6,8
Little Black Stonefly 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

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Item #0616

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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:

Early Morning/ Evening

Best Stretch:

Near rt 20 is a good bet right now.

Best Access:

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