Cleveland Fishing Guide 2nd Edition

Excerpt from

South Chagrin Reservation

Shadow Lake and Chagrin River

Hawthorne Pkwy., Solon

Recreational | Intermediate | Challenging

Water Type: River, pond Acreage: 3.3 acres

Access: Shoreline

What's Biting: Bluegill, smallmouth bass, rock bass, carp, catfish, suckers, sunfish, trout

Season: Year-round Hours: 6 a.m.–11 p.m.

Fee: Free Permission: Not required

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic area, food nearby, hiking trails, ranger, guides

Administered by: Cleveland Metroparks

Directions: I-271 to Exit 23 (Forbes Rd.); east on Forbes; left (north) on Richmond Rd.; right (east) on Hawthorne Pkwy.; Shadow Lake on right.

Located among the hemlock, white oak, red oak, and shagbark hickory trees of the South Chagrin Reservation, Shadow Lake is a 3.3-acre pond that was created in 1968. This easily accessible pond continues to offer productive fishing to this day.

Fishermen can do well here thanks to the Cleveland Metroparks fish management program that includes habitat improvement and occasional stocking. Anglers can catch the usual array of pond fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.

Fishing regulations within the Metro parks follow those established by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Also located in the South Chagrin Reservation is a section of the West Branch of the Chagrin River, a stream fishery that is surprisingly undisturbed. Considering its close proximity to Cleveland and the effect that urbanization has on most waterways, this spot is truly an angling jewel worth visiting. Bridle trails and access trails along the west side of the stream provide excellent access for anglers. In the summer, it is a pleasure to wade this section of the stream in shorts and an old pair of sneakers, with the bare essentials in terms of tackle, probing its deeper holes for smallmouth, rock bass, and other river denizens. Be sure to take a few moments, especially if you are with a youngster, to catch some crayfish. Lift up a few rocks and observe the hellgrammites, stonefly nymphs, and other fascinating creatures that rely on the stream's clean water for life.

Light tippets are the order for fly fishermen; light line, such as 4- to 6-pound test, will help spin fishermen hook into some fish. Anything resembling those foods normally found in the river (minnows, crayfish, and hellgrammites) will catch fish, although live versions of these will prove even more delectable to smallmouth and rock bass. Worms and maggots can also prove effective, especially for panfish.

Anglers are asked to please stay within the park boundaries when fishing the West Branch of the Chagrin River, and to avoid trespassing on neighboring properties.