October 2019


O.C.B.S Speaker For October is Jeff Liskay

O.C.B.S. IS CELEBRATING OUR 35TH

ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR!

OCBS founding member, Jeff Liskay, has been a self-admitted steelhead junkie for nearly four decades. From his home base in northern Ohio, Liskay has fished across the entire Great Lakes and is now reaching into Alaska, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and beyond. He is well recognized for both his two-hand casting and fishing skills and is a regular on the Spey gathering circuit as both an observer and a presenter.

Liskay spends the warmer months prowling Great Lakes shoreline areas chasing warm-water species on the fly, but as the weather cools steelhead take over. He is considered one of the top guides on Ohio’s Lake Erie tributaries and is also in high demand as a Spey casting instructor.  He is an established speaker and presenter, giving numerous club and show programs each year.  Jeff is also a talented fly tier- his creations are generally simple, functional, fish catchers.

Liskay is a Patagonia Fly Fishing Ambassador and a Pro Staff member for a number of companies, including Scientific Anglers and Scott Fly Rods.  He has been featured in books and magazines, on television, and in podcasts for his angling skills.  Liskay owns and operates Silver Fury Guide Service and Schools, where he focuses on the use of two-hand rods and swung flies for migratory fish.

Jeff is a great speaker with over 40 years of steelhead fishing  knowledge that he wants to share with his fellow OCBS club members and friends. This is a meeting you do not want to miss. Hope you can attend.

Continue ReadingOctober 2019
Read more about the article September 2019
Kevin Kayle

September 2019


September OCBS Membership Meeting
Kevin Kayle, DOW Hatchery Manager
 Ohio Steelhead Program Update
Thursday September 26, 2019

 

Program: Kevin Kayle, Ohio Division of Wildlife Hatchery Program Manager is our featured speaker this month. Kevin will report on the current state of the Ohio steelhead program and answer any questions we may have. Kevin always has a great presentation with a lot of information to share with OCBS members. Our club members are very fortunate to be able to learn about the latest news regarding the Ohio Steelhead program directly from a DOW manager. This will be another excellent meeting you will not want to miss. I hope you can attend.                                                                      Rod Raffle: St Croix 10′ 6″ Float Rod, Model AVS106MLF2, $270 Retail

Location: Firehouse Grille and Pub
2768 Stark Drive Willoughby Hills, OH 44094


O.C.B.S. IS CELBERATING OUR 35TH

ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR!

 The Board of Directors are working to assemble a excellent group of speakers this season as well as a few surprises! We hope you all can attend our meetings and help us celebrate our 35th anniversary year!


Our 26th Annual Steelhead EXPO will be held at Rocky River Nature Center on Saturday September 21st, 2019

9:00 am-5:00 pm
(Doors Open At 8:30 a.m.)
 Presented By
The Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and
The Cleveland Metroparks and
at
Rocky River Nature Center
Rocky River Reservation
24000 Valley Parkway
North Olmsted, OH 44070
 
From I480, Exit at Clague Road Exit
South on Clague Road to Mastic Road
Turn right on Mastick Road
Follow the Metropark Signs!
Phone: Nature Center 440-734-6660
 
                                     The Expo will cover fly and spey fishing, fly tying,                           spin fishing and center pin float fishing. 

                                 Conservation organizations will be on hand to                          educate about protecting our rivers.

Local tackle shops will have displays with advice on the right gear.

 

         EXPO SPEAKER SCHEDULE

                                          9:00 AM  Tom Blotzer, President
                                                         The Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders
                                                         Welcome and Opening Notes

                                          9:15 AM Chagrin River Watershed Partners                                                                                     Conservation
                                                          Video and Project Update
                                                          Alicia Beattie, CRWP Associate Director
                                                          Learn about CRWP Conservation Efforts

                                          10:00 AM Fly Fishing for Steelhead
                                                          John Brochue – Fishing Manager,
                                                          Orvis Woodmere, OH Store
                                                          Learn about fly fishing with a single handed                                                                              fly rod

                                          11:00 AM Center Pin Fishing for Steelhead
                                                         Mike Durkalec – Metroparks Aquatic Biologist
                                                         Learn the keys to success for center pin                                                                                        fishing

                                      Noon Lunch Enjoy a lunch provided by the Girl Scouts

                                         1:00 PM Great Lakes Steelhead ing
                                                       Roger Hinchliff, – Steelhead Manifesto and
                                                       Lamiglass Pro Staff
                                                       Advanced Float/Spin Steelheading: Learn new                                                         tips to improve your                                                                                                   success on the rivers. Fish On!

                                       2:30 PM Great Lakes Spey Fishing for Steelhead
                                                     Jeff Liskay – Silver Fury Guide Service,                                                                     Founding  OCBS member,  Scott Fly Rod Pro                                                             Staff and  Patagonia Fly Fishing Ambassador
                                                     Learn about fly fishing for steelhead with a two
                                                     handed spey rod from one of the best
                                                               

                                                             4:00 PM Raffle


 

OCBS Members Only On The River Seminar

The club is holding a Members Only “On The River” seminar on Sunday, October 20, 2019 on the Grand River from 8 AM to noon.

 

We will meet at the pavilion in the Helen Hazen Wyman Metropark located at 6101 Painesville Warren Road Concord Twp., OH 44077 at 8 AM. Members attending must be prepared to fish by bringing a rod, reel, fishing tackle and chest waders. All levels of experience are encouraged to attend. You must pre-register for this event by sending an email to OCBS@wowway.com, calling Les Ober at 216-347-2889 or  sign up at the Sepember or October membership meeting.

 

We are also looking for a few experienced OCBS members who would like to  pass on some of their steelheading knowledge to our membership and help as instructors. This is usually a fun morning of fishing for both the instructors and students that you do not want to miss.

 


OCBS 2019 Christmas Party

The Board Of Directors also has made changes to our Annual OCBS Christmas Party in light of celebrating our 35th Anniversary.

This year’s celebration will be December 12th, 2019, at the Winking Lizard Party Room on Miles road in Solon. the menu will be well upgraded from the previous menu over the last few years. Final arrangements are still being made and we will publish the menu and costs at a future date. we promise it will be a great time!

Note; the Winking Lizard Party Room is a private room located well back of the actual restaurant, details and directions to follow.


 2019-2020 Meeting Dates and Locations

September 26th, 2019 is at the Firehouse in Willoughby Hills  with Kevin Kayle

October 24th, 2019 is at BW3 in Strongsville with Jeff Liskay

November 21st, 2019 is at the Firehouse in Willoughby Hills Danny Coville 

December 12th, 2019, is the Christmas Party at the Winking Lizard Party Center in Solon

January 30th, 2020 is at the Firehouse in Willoughby Hills Roger Hinchcliff

February 27th, 2020 is at BW3 in Strongsville Steelhead Workshop

March 26 2020 is at the Firehouse in Willoughby Hills TBD

April 23rd, 2020 is at BW3 in Strongsville   Mike Verhoef


2019-2020 OCBS “Members Only”
David K. Esner Memorial
 Steelhead Fishing Tournament

3 November 2019    24 November 2019    15 December 2019

15 March 2020                  5 April 2020

CHECK IN STATIONS

                     EAST SIDE                                         WEST SIDE

              Harbor Bait & Tackle                           Erie Outfitters
              786 Richmond Street                           5404 E. Lake Road
                    Painesville, OH 44077                     Sheffield Lake, OH 44054

Continue ReadingSeptember 2019

April 2019

O.C.B.S April Speaker is Mike Veerhoef

Mike Verhoef,  the owner of Fly Fitters guide service since 2003, fishing the rivers of SW Ontario and specifically along Ontario’s West Coast. 

Mike was Introduced to a two hander in 2004 by a couple of fellow Gloomis pro staffer’s and quickly realized the benefit these long rods and line set ups would have to pursue steelhead on his home waters of the Maitland River! Mike was “hooked” and has been spey fishing ever since!

He now spends anywhere from 60-80 days a year spey fishing and guiding clients with two handers!  From his home steelhead water in SW Ontario, to the Atlantic salmon rivers in New Brunswick and his cherished couple weeks a year in Skeena country of British Columbia! 

You can learn more about Mike and what he offers on his www.flyfitters.ca website, or google him on youtube to see a number of his TV appearances from over the years, and also be sure to check out his www.speyfishingontario.ca website. 

If you have an interest in learning about the steelhead fishing on the north shore of Lake Erie, Mike will be on hand to answer your questions.

Mike has a lot of good steelheading information to share with us. This should be another great meeting that you will not want to miss

Rod Raffle: G Loomis 9” 6” Classic Steelhead Spinning Rod GLX STR 1141S

Meeting               Buffalo Wild Wings

Location:             8465 Pearl Road

                              Strongsville, OH 44136

                              440-243-9464

Date and Time:  Thursday April 25, 2019 at 7:30 PM


   Spring Cleanups and Kids Day Programs

O.C.B.S. supports and volunteers for the following projects. It is always important to clean up the rivers we fish. It is also important to help develop future fisher-men and fisher-women by supporting and volunteering to help and teach at metroparks kids days programs.

May 4      Conneaut Creek Clean Up
May 4,5   Black River Clean Up
May 11    Lake Metroparks Arnie’s Anglers Kids Fishing Derby at Hidden Lake
May 18    Grand River Clean Up
May 18    Cleveland Metroparks Kids Fishing Derby at Wallace Lake
May 19    Cleveland Metroparks Kids Fishing Derby at Ohio and Erie Canal
Jun 1       Rocky River Clean Up
                                Summer Break  June to August


 2018 – 2019 OCBS Championship Series

Steelhead Tournament

Final Results

Congratulations to John Rhoades First Place winner of the 2018-2019 OCBS Championship Series Steelhead Tournament.  John’s Largest six fish total measured 161.5 inches.

Ken Harper captured second place with six fish totaling 158. inches in length.  Adam Hillman placed third with six fish measuring 157.25 inches in length.

Awards will be presented at the 7 April 2019 Membership meeting at BW3 in Strongsville followed by the Tournament Raffle. Mark your calendar and plan on attending the event.

John Beedlow Jr.

Tournament Director

Place

Name

Steelhead Checked In (Length)

1

2

3

4

5

6

Total

1

Rhoades John

24.00

24.50

25.00

27.00

28.50

32.50

161.50

2

Harper Ken

25.25

25.50

26.00

26.00

26.50

28.75

158.00

3

Hillman Adam

25.00

25.75

26.25

26.50

26.88

26.88

157.25

4

Cradock Dave

24.25

25.00

25.00

26.00

26.25

26.50

153.00

5

Lancaster Ray

24.25

25.00

25.00

26.50

27.75

 

128.50

6

Telep Justin

24.13

25.50

25.50

26.00

26.50

 

127.63

7

Bryda Chris

24.00

25.00

26.50

27.50

 

 

103.00

8

Gibson Joe

24.00

25.00

25.75

26.50

 

 

101.25

9

Warren Mark

24.25

24.75

25.50

26.00

 

 

100.50

10

Smoggie John

24.00

25.00

26.00

 

 

 

75.00

11

Hartman John

24.00

24.00

25.25

 

 

 

73.25

12

Krause Keith

24.00

24.00

25.00

 

 

 

73.00

13

Blotzer Tom

24.50

25.50

 

 

 

 

50.00

14

Vaughn Brad

24.00

25.00

 

 

 

 

49.00

15

Smith Casey

24.00

24.50

 

 

 

 

48.50

16

King Frank

29.25

 

 

 

 

 

29.25

17

Calkins Brian

24.00

 

 

 

 

 

24.00

18

Moravec Joe

24.000

 

 

 

 

 

24.000

19

Reynolds Rick

24.000

 

 

 

 

 

24.000

20

Whal Bill

24.000

 

 

 

 

 

24.000

21

15 Anglers tied at:

0.000

 

 

 

 

 

0.000


 OCBS Steelhead Tournament, 7 April 2019 Results

The 5th Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 7 April 2019.  A bright beautiful day with temperatures in the high sixties.   The Legacy streams were in decent shape and held good numbers of fresh and holdover fish.   Water temps were in the upper forties and the bite was rather slow.

A total of 16 fish 24 inches or greater in length were checked in for the Tournament Leg.

All in all a pleasant day to be out on Steelhead Alley.

Congratulations to John Rhoades who placed first with two fish measuring 32.50 and 28.50 inches.  Justin Telep and Ken Harper placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.

John Beedlow, Jr.

Tournament Director

Place Name Fish #1 Fish #2

TTL Length

1

Rhoades John

32.50

28.50

61.00

2

Telep Justin

26.50

26.00

52.50

3

Harper Ken

26.00

25.00

51.00

4

Gibson Joe

25.75

25.00

50.75

5

Blotzer Tom

25.50

24.50

50.00

6

Lancaster Ray

25.00

25.00

50.00

7

Warren Mark

25.50

0.00

25.50

8

Calkins Brian

24.00

0.00

24.00

9

Hartman John

24.00

0.00

24.00

10

Moravec Joe

24.00

0.00

24.00

11

25 Members tied at:

0.00

0.00

0.00

Continue ReadingApril 2019

February 2019

Notice: New 2019 Ohio Fishing Licenses are required by March 1st 2019!


This February is the OCBS Annual Steelhead Workshop

IMG_0168_1024IMG_0163 

 

 

 

 

Come and join us in an evening of education, camaraderie and fun. This meeting is one you do not what to miss, the meeting is focused around getting to know your follow members and education. No matter if you have been running up and down the rivers for twenty plus years or just getting started in the game, you will lean something new. We will have eleven learning stations set up around the room covering everything from 101 spin to near shore lake trolling, throw in some fly tying and anything to do with the fish that we love. See you all soon!

Location is Buffalo Wild Wings, Pearl Road, February 28, 2019 at 7:30pm.

Jeff Liskay


OCBS 2018-2019 STEELHEAD TOURNAMENT

Next Tournament dates are: 17 March 2019, 7 April 2019

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES STEELHEAD TOURNAMENT                                                                                          9 December 2018  3rd Leg

         
    FISH FISH TOTAL 
# Name #1 #2 LENGTH
1 Harper Ken 28.75 25.25 54.00
2 Bryda Chris 27.50 26.50 54.00
3 Hillman Adam 26.875 26.875 53.75
4 Cradock Dave 26.50 26.00 52.50
5 Telep Justin 26.00 25.50 51.50
6 Vaughn Brad 25.00 24.00 49.00
7 Rhoades John 24.50 24.00 48.50
8 Krause Keith 24.00 24.00 48.00
9 Smoggie John 25.00   25.00
10 Smith Casey 24.50   24.50
11 Reynolds Rick 24.00   24.00
12 Annandono Mike     0.00
13 Beedlow John III     0.00
14 Beedlow John Jr     0.00
15 Blotzer Tom     0.00
16 Calkins Brian     0.00
17 DiRuggiero  Shane     0.00
18 Dykes Jim     0.00
19 Fronck Jon     0.00
20 Furlong Chris     0.00
21 Gibson Joe     0.00
22 Grossnickle Scott     0.00
23 Hartman John     0.00
24 King Frank     0.00
25 Kress Kyle     0.00
26 Kress Paul     0.00
27 Lancaster Ray     0.00
28 Moravec Joe     0.00
29 Ober Les     0.00
30 Pavlick Bill     0.00
31 Pavlick Tony     0.00
32 Singleton Larry     0.00
33 Tancak Eric     0.00
34 Warren Mark     0.00
35 Whal Bill     0.00
         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 18 NOVEMBER 2018 LEG RESULTS                                                                                              The 2nd Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 19 November 2018.  An overcast day with intermittent rain showers/drizzle. Air temperatures were in the mid-thirties. Precipitation earlier in the week resulted in high flow rates and turbidity in the major streams.  The Chagrin and Ashtabula Rivers had favorable conditions and held good numbers of fish which were spread out in the systems.  Anglers reported catching multiple fish with the majority measuring under 24 inches.

  A total of 15 fish 24 inches or greater were check in for the Tournament.

  Congratulations to Adam Hillman who placed first with two fish measuring 26.50 and 25.00 inches respectively.

    FISH FISH TOTAL
# Name #1 #2 LENGTH
1 Hillman Adam 26.50 25.00 51.50
2 Warren Mark 26.00 24.75 50.75
3 Harper Ken 25.50 25.00 50.50
4 King Frank 29.25   29.25
5 Lancaster Ray 27.75   27.75
6 Gibson Joe 26.50   26.50
7 Cradock Dave 26.25   26.25
8 Krause Keith 25.50   25.50
9 Telep Justin 25.50   25.50
10 Bryda Chris 25.00   25.00
11 Smith Casey 24.00   24.00
12 Whal Bill 24.00   24.00

 

4 NOVEMBER 2018 LEG RESULTS

The 1st Leg of the OCBS Members Only Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 4 November 2018.  A partly cloudy day with temperatures in the mid-fifties. Heavy rains earlier in the week had the major tributaries blown out. However, the smaller streams and high gradient tributaries were fishable with adequate flow and visibility. Record rain fall earlier in the week triggered good numbers of fresh fish into the river systems.

Anglers enjoyed steady action throughout the day, but the majority of fish were under 24 inches in length. A total of 10 fish over 24 inches long were check in for the tournament.

Congratulations to Ray Lancaster who placed first with two fish measuring 26.5 and 24.25 inches respectively.

4 November 2018 Leg Results

    FISH FISH TOTAL
# Name #1 #2 LENGTH
1 Lancaster Ray 26.50 24.25 50.75
2 Cradock Dave 25.00 25.00 50.00
3 Harper Ken 24.50 24.75 49.25
4 Hillman Adam 25.00 24.25 49.25
5 Rhoades John 24.00 25.00 49.00

 

“25 Anglers in Six Place”

The 2nd Tournament Leg will be held Sunday 18 November 2018. Be sure to mark your calendar and plan on fishing this Leg.

John Beedlow
Tournament Director

Continue ReadingFebruary 2019

January 2019

January 31st Speaker At the Firehouse

Noted Michigan fly fisherman, Kevin Feenstra, will be the featured speaker at the January 31 Ohio Central Basin Steelheader meeting at the Firehouse in Willoughby Hills, OH. Kevin’s passion is swinging flies for migratory fish, but he loves to fly fish for any predator that swims.   He now resides in Newaygo, Michigan, guiding around 200 days/year on the Muskegon River System (and fishing whenever he can).   His flies have been published in books, magazines, and online and he has written articles for international, national, and regional fly fishing magazines.

Kevin is featured in a handful of DVDs and has authored current DVDs for steelhead and smallmouth bass. His most recent title is “Striking Steel” a DVD about Midwestern steelhead fishing.   Other current titles are “Searching for Steelhead” and “Big Appetite, small mouth”.

All OCBS meetings are open to the public and free. You do not need to be a member to attend.

Date: January 31, 2019
Time: Meeting starts at 7:30 PM
Place: Firehouse Grille & Pub 2768 Stark Drive Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
 


OCBS 2018-2019 STEELHEAD TOURNAMENT

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES STEELHEAD TOURNAMENT                                                                                          9 December 2018  3rd Leg

         
    FISH FISH TOTAL 
# Name #1 #2 LENGTH
1 Harper Ken 28.75 25.25 54.00
2 Bryda Chris 27.50 26.50 54.00
3 Hillman Adam 26.875 26.875 53.75
4 Cradock Dave 26.50 26.00 52.50
5 Telep Justin 26.00 25.50 51.50
6 Vaughn Brad 25.00 24.00 49.00
7 Rhoades John 24.50 24.00 48.50
8 Krause Keith 24.00 24.00 48.00
9 Smoggie John 25.00   25.00
10 Smith Casey 24.50   24.50
11 Reynolds Rick 24.00   24.00
12 Annandono Mike     0.00
13 Beedlow John III     0.00
14 Beedlow John Jr     0.00
15 Blotzer Tom     0.00
16 Calkins Brian     0.00
17 DiRuggiero  Shane     0.00
18 Dykes Jim     0.00
19 Fronck Jon     0.00
20 Furlong Chris     0.00
21 Gibson Joe     0.00
22 Grossnickle Scott     0.00
23 Hartman John     0.00
24 King Frank     0.00
25 Kress Kyle     0.00
26 Kress Paul     0.00
27 Lancaster Ray     0.00
28 Moravec Joe     0.00
29 Ober Les     0.00
30 Pavlick Bill     0.00
31 Pavlick Tony     0.00
32 Singleton Larry     0.00
33 Tancak Eric     0.00
34 Warren Mark     0.00
35 Whal Bill     0.00
         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                 18 NOVEMBER 2018 LEG RESULTS                                                                                              The 2nd Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 19 November 2018.  An overcast day with intermittent rain showers/drizzle. Air temperatures were in the mid-thirties. Precipitation earlier in the week resulted in high flow rates and turbidity in the major streams.  The Chagrin and Ashtabula Rivers had favorable conditions and held good numbers of fish which were spread out in the systems.  Anglers reported catching multiple fish with the majority measuring under 24 inches.

  A total of 15 fish 24 inches or greater were check in for the Tournament.

  Congratulations to Adam Hillman who placed first with two fish measuring 26.50 and 25.00 inches respectively.

    FISH FISH TOTAL
# Name #1 #2 LENGTH
1 Hillman Adam 26.50 25.00 51.50
2 Warren Mark 26.00 24.75 50.75
3 Harper Ken 25.50 25.00 50.50
4 King Frank 29.25   29.25
5 Lancaster Ray 27.75   27.75
6 Gibson Joe 26.50   26.50
7 Cradock Dave 26.25   26.25
8 Krause Keith 25.50   25.50
9 Telep Justin 25.50   25.50
10 Bryda Chris 25.00   25.00
11 Smith Casey 24.00   24.00
12 Whal Bill 24.00   24.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 23 Anglers in Thirteenth Place                                                                                                    John Beedlow Jr                                                                                                                 Tournament Director


4 NOVEMBER 2018 LEG RESULTS

The 1st Leg of the OCBS Members Only Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 4 November 2018.  A partly cloudy day with temperatures in the mid-fifties. Heavy rains earlier in the week had the major tributaries blown out. However, the smaller streams and high gradient tributaries were fishable with adequate flow and visibility.   Record rain fall earlier in the week triggered good numbers of fresh fish into the river systems.

Anglers enjoyed steady action throughout the day, but the majority of fish were under 24 inches in length.   A total of 10 fish over 24 inches long were check in for the tournament.

Congratulations to Ray Lancaster who placed first with two fish measuring 26.5 and 24.25 inches respectively.

4 November 2018 Leg Results

    FISH FISH TOTAL
# Name #1 #2 LENGTH
1 Lancaster Ray 26.50 24.25 50.75
2 Cradock Dave 25.00 25.00 50.00
3 Harper Ken 24.50 24.75 49.25
4 Hillman Adam 25.00 24.25 49.25
5 Rhoades John 24.00 25.00 49.00

 

                                                    “ 25 Anglers in Six Place”

The 2nd Tournament Leg will be held Sunday 18 November 2018.  Be sure to mark your calendar and plan on fishing this Leg.   

Tournament Director
John Beedlow Jr

Continue ReadingJanuary 2019