Elyria native wins Federal Duck Stamp for third time: NE Ohio fishing report

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Waterfowl artists have flourished in Ohio over the years, but none have matched the talent and success of Elyria native Adam Grimm, 46. He won an unprecedented third Federal Duck Stamp Contest this week, topping 239 entries in the 2024 edition of the prestigious event.

All waterfowl hunters in the U.S. are required to purchase the Federal stamp, which debuts in 2025. Ohio hunters must also buy an Ohio Wetland Stamp, a stamp art contest Grimm won in 2005, 2014 and 2021.

Grimm, who lives in Wallace, South Dakota, with his wife Janet and four children, returns to the Cleveland area to visit friends, family and fellow waterfowl hunters and attend the Ohio Decoy Carvers and Collectors Show in the Cleveland area each March, which he still calls his “hometown art show.” Restored Northwest Ohio wetlands honoring him include the Adam Grimm Marsh on the Sandusky Bay shoreline and the Adam Grimm Prairie wetlands at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the shores of Lake Erie.

Duck hunting begins

The regular waterfowl hunting seasons begin in Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone. The North and South waterfowl hunting zones begin Saturday, Oct. 19. For details visit wildohio.gov.

Anglers wary of weekend weather

Meteorologist Ross Ellet in Toledo doesn’t have good news a fun weekend of fishing is coming up on Lake Erie. After looking at the path of Hurricane Helene, which was expected to hit the Big Bend area of the Florida Coast last night, Ellet forecast strong Helene winds will make it to Ohio, pushing Lake Erie winds and waves from Buffalo to Toledo. Gusts could be near 50 miles per hour over open water, boosting waters levels and creating waves near 10 feet in the Western Basin.

Steelhead trout anglers optimistic

The rain, no matter how slight, and the cooler weather along the Lake Erie shoreline has given the steelhead trout fishing a boost. Anglers casting heavy spoons around Cleveland Harbor have reported excellent catches with Little Cleo and KO Wobbler spoons, or with in-line spinners like the Rooster Tail and Vibrax.

Trout are also moving into the harbor areas along the Lake Erie shoreline, and rising waters and cool rains should give them an urge to head into the lower stretches of the Rocky, Chagrin and Grand rivers.

The 30th Steelhead Expo is Saturday

The sponsoring Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and the Cleveland Metroparks are proud of the longevity of the popular free Steelhead Expo, which returns to the Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted. The fishing show is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fishing vendors at the show include: Cast Crew Outdoors, Chagrin River Outfitters, Cleveland Fishing Company, Dunkin’ Down Floats, FishUSA, Furball Baits, Lake Erie Kayak Fishing with Chuck Earls, Lamiglas Fishing Rods, Orvis Crocker Park, River Roe, Steelhead Manifesto, Steelhead Stuff and VooDoo Custom Tackle.

They will be joined by a variety of conservation groups and fishing clubs. Be sure to buy Ohio Central Basin Steelheads raffle tickets, which help support Cleveland Metroparks fishing events. The drawing will be held after the show closes. There will be eight steelhead trout seminars during the show, from advanced jig fishing to spey fishing, float fishing and fly tying.

Fish the Cleveland Metroparks

The public lakes around the Cleveland Metroparks are giving up some game fish right now, including catfish, largemouth bass and bluegills at Wallace, Ledge and Shadow lakes and Beyer’s Pond.

The Ohio & Erie Canal reservation ponds will be stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish in a couple of weeks to get ready for the Family Fishing Fest on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A limited number of loaner fishing rods will be available, and there will be prizes for big fish caught by kids 15 and under.