Conneaut Creek
Conneaut Creek steelhead fishing runs from Lake Erie at Conneaut, Ohio up into northwest Pennsylvania.
- 89 miRiver length
- 1Game fish
- 42Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout Conneaut Creek
Conneaut Creek is a Lake Erie tributary that runs about 89 miles through northwest Pennsylvania and northeast Ohio. It enters the lake at Conneaut, Ohio. It is one of the best known steelhead streams in the Great Lakes region and part of the area locals call Steelhead Alley.
Steelhead are the main fish. They run up from Lake Erie in fall, and the fishery runs through spring. The creek fishes best at moderate flows and gets muddy fast after heavy rain.
Pennsylvania offers more bridge access and fewer anglers. Ohio has several public access points including the Conneaut Harbor, the State Road Covered Bridge area and Friends of Conneaut Creek Metro Park, but much of the creek crosses private land. Nearby creeks include Elk Creek and the Ashtabula River.
Most anglers swing wet flies and streamers or fish egg patterns and nymphs. Cold water means layers and warm gloves. Check the current Ohio and Pennsylvania regulations since the creek crosses the state line.
Conneaut Creek at Conneaut, OH
Is Conneaut Creek fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Brandy Run near Girard, PA12.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 04213075
- Shenango River at Pymatuning Dam, PA25.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03101500
- Pymatuning Creek at Kinsman, OH29.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03102950
- Mosquito Creek near Greene Center, OH29.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03094704
- Little Shenango River at Greenville, PA30.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03102500
- West Branch French Creek near Lowville, PA35.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03021410
- Shenango River near Transfer, PA35.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03102850
- Grand River near Painesville, OH40.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 04212100
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
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Tips for fishing Conneaut Creek
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Know which state you are in
Ohio and Pennsylvania have different licenses and rules. Check which side you are fishing.
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Wait for clear water
The creek muddies fast after rain. Give it a day or two to clear.
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Use public bridge access
Many bridges give access, but much of the land is private. Stay on public ground.
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Dress for the cold
Fall and winter steelhead trips are cold. Layers and warm gloves matter.
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Use the app for flow
The FlyFishFinder app shows the live gage on Conneaut Creek and maps access points so you can check flow before you drive.
Every access point on Conneaut Creek, in your pocket.
- 42 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near Conneaut Creek
Conneaut Creek FAQ
When is the best time to fish Conneaut Creek?
Steelhead run from fall through spring. The fishery is mostly an October through May story.
Where can I fish Conneaut Creek?
Conneaut Harbor and several Ohio metro park and bridge access sites are public. Pennsylvania has many bridge crossings.
Can you wade Conneaut Creek?
Yes, but wade carefully. Moderate flows are best and high water is dangerous.
What flies work on Conneaut Creek?
Egg patterns, Woolly Buggers and swung wet flies are classic for steelhead. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is working today.
What fish are in Conneaut Creek?
Steelhead.
Are there special rules on Conneaut Creek?
The creek crosses the Ohio and Pennsylvania line. Check the current regulations for the state you are fishing.
