Gold, Silver, and Bronze: The Cleveland Slam is Upon Us.
Steelhead | Walleye | Smallmouth Bass
From mid-March to mid-May, anglers in the Cleveland area have the potential at the Great Lakes version of the Saltwater Slam. Springtime brings Walleye, Steelhead, and Smallmouth Bass from the depths of Lake Erie to the rivers and tributaries in search of prime real estate spawning areas. This combination of fish provides any person with a rod and reel to catch trophy quality fish of each species if you know what to use and where to go.
Watch The Water Levels
The most important condition for this feat is the flows of the rivers and tributaries that lead into Lake Erie. When water levels are low, the clarity is at its best. This makes it increasingly harder to fool these Fish Ohio sized catches. Using light lines, long casts or drifts, and as natural of a presentation you have to offer is the only way to make the most of these conditions. When the water levels are higher, and the turbidity makes the water slightly murkier, the ideal conditions are present. Anglers will be able to execute a variety of different tactics to trick these giant fish into biting. Heavier lines (though nothing over 10lb would be preferred), artificial lures that imitate smaller baitfish, and larger egg sacks will all be great ways to catch the fish of a lifetime. If the water levels are too high, or the water is chocolate milk in color, it is best to save the casting for another day. These conditions will allow the fish to travel further up the rivers and allow more opportunities to catch them as the water levels recede. If this is your only option, baits that make enough noise for the fish to locate them is your only hope. Check the flow charts for the area you plan to fish before heading out to ensure you are prepared for the conditions ahead.
Read the Water
Knowing where the fish locate within your body of water is critical to your success. Spawning fish will be looking for shallow flats along the edges of the river, almost always on the opposite side of the main channel swings. Presenting your bait slowly and naturally in these conditions will increase the chances of a bite. Actively feeding fish will use any structure (rocks, boulders, downed trees, et.) as an ambush point to lash out at their prey as it passes by. Make your cast up river (or up current) to the spot you suspect a fish will be waiting and hold on tight. If there is something lurking there, and they like what you have to offer, it’s game on!
Enter the Challenge
Springtime in Ohio is your best opportunity to land your best catch along the GreatLakes. In honor of this exciting time, Cleveland Fishing Co. has revived a fan favorite challenge from years past: the Gold, Silver, Bronze Challenge. The goal is to catch a Walleye, Steelhead,and Smallmouth Bass on the same day here in Ohio. To enter, take a photo of your catch with the identifier #GSBCLE and the date you caught it on something physical ( a piece of tape, your hand, etc.) and send them to Cleveland Fishing Co Instagram or Facebook. You will win a limited edition sticker only accessible through this challenge. Lets see if you’ve got the chops to complete The Cleveland Slam!
We’ll “C” you on the water!
- Mike Paoletta