The Northwest Ohio area has a dearth of public cold water, but we are surrounded by excellent opportunities – from the Holy Waters of the Au Sable to the north and steelhead in the Lake Erie tribs to the east, we are blessed with incredible fishing opportunities and getting active with the Fallen Timbers Chapter is one of the best ways to meet passionate anglers eager to share their knowledge on where to go, how to improve your skills and what to use to find success fishing the rivers and streams we work together to restore.
Please keep an eye on the list below. We will be updating it over the next few weeks and months with fishing opportunities within driving distance of Northwest Ohio.
Au Sable River, Grayling MI
The Au Sable River near Grayling, Michigan, is a renowned destination for trout fishing, offering diverse opportunities across its Mainstream, South Branch, and North Branch. The Mainstream, particularly the “Holy Waters” section from Burton’s Landing to Wakeley Bridge, is a fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release area celebrated for its prolific hatches and abundant brown trout. This stretch features clear, cold waters with a mix of gravel and sand bottoms, providing ideal conditions for dry fly fishing. Anglers can expect to encounter various insect hatches, including mayflies and caddisflies, which contribute to the river’s reputation as a premier trout fishery .
The South Branch flows through the scenic Mason Tract, a protected area offering excellent access and solitude. This branch is known for its healthy populations of brook and brown trout, thriving in its cool, clear waters. The river’s structure, with its mix of riffles, pools, and woody debris, creates diverse habitats that support a variety of aquatic insects, leading to productive fishing throughout the season .
The North Branch, originating near Lovells, is characterized by its cold, spring-fed waters and is primarily a brook trout stream. This branch offers anglers a more secluded experience, with easy wading and numerous access points. Efforts are ongoing to enhance fish habitat and address concerns about trout populations in this area, ensuring its continued viability as a quality fishery .
Overall, the Au Sable River system near Grayling provides a rich and varied trout fishing experience, catering to both novice and experienced anglers seeking the tranquility and challenge of fly fishing in a pristine natural setting.
Apple Creek, Wooster Ohio
Apple Creek in Wooster, Ohio, offers a unique and accessible trout fishing experience, particularly within Grosjean Park. This urban fishery, developed through a partnership between the City of Wooster and the Clear Fork River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, has transformed a section of the creek into a catch-and-release haven for fly anglers. Since its inception, the stream has been stocked annually with rainbow and brown trout averaging 12–15 inches in length .
Grosjean Park, located along Freedlander Road, is a hidden gem within the city limits. It features an accessible education trail, a recovering farm field, and the trout-stocked Apple Creek . The park’s design caters to both novice and experienced anglers, offering ample opportunities to practice fly fishing techniques in a serene environment. The collaboration with Trout Unlimited ensures ongoing conservation efforts, maintaining the creek’s health and the quality of the fishing experience .
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, Apple Creek’s trout fishery in Grosjean Park provides a convenient and rewarding angling opportunity. Its combination of urban accessibility and natural beauty makes it a standout destination for trout fishing enthusiasts in Ohio.
For more information see the Clear Fork TU page on fishing at Apple Creek – https://cfrtu.org/apple-creek-fishery/