Erie Steel - 10/8-9

10/8 fished the Connie and the Ash. In the Connie we saw fish about a mile from the lake, but 8 guys were standing in the spot we wanted to fish. Fished up & down from it but no luck. Saw no fish further from the lake. Fished the ford on the Ash and saw one fish caught. Didn't go further down because warnings I saw on local boards about the private land there. We did fish another spot and caught 2 SM, but saw no Steel. We did run into a great Beaver dam that crossed the entire stream.

10/9 fished the Grand and Chagrin. Again we started as close to the lake as we could find wading water. No Steel in either river. Finished the day in Helen Hazen, caught one SM. Saw 2 Steel caught in a very deep slackwater spot.

Except on the Connie, all fish we saw were caught on spawn, minnows, or maggots.

I think the fish we did see are in and outers, waiting for the water to get higher and colder. This warmer weather coming up should keep things the same.

Commentary - The 8 guys fishing the Connie were standing there like they were in a waiting room for pallbearers. What, a little friendly conversation would have killed them? I know part of Fishing is getting away to the quiet, but gimme a break. Just thought it was goofy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raw69

Fished the ford on the Ash and saw one fish caught. Didn't go further down because warnings I saw on local boards about the private land there.

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I used to fish downstream of the ford, but I haven't been there in a couple of seasons. I thought the "private signs" were only for the south side of the stream in front of the house. I always hiked in on the north side until I got to the first turn past the house. I always get confused, are fishermen allowed to wade below the high water mark through that area?

As far as I know, the guy by the ford owns BOTH sides of the river. The law in OH is that the land that is owned includes the RIVER BOTTOM. Therefore, if you are wading, you are trespassing. You can float down in a boat, but you cannot step out of the boat.

If the land is private on one side and public on the other, then you can wade down the public side.

I seem to remember some big "flotation shoes" from the late 50'2 allowing you to "walk on water". Maybe I could find a pair of those -

http://www.gizmag.com/go/6409/

Flotation shoes!!! I checking ebay right now! I can pull my water skiing squirrel with those.!!

Janus - The squirrel comment was perfect.

But wouldn't it be cool to go float/walking past that guys house and just wave. On the other hand, it would be tough to dodge buckshot in those things.

LOL You guys are too much