OHIO STEELHEAD RIVER ACCESS NOTICE BOARD

As more and more local and out of state fisherman are joining the ranks of steelheading, river access issues are growing concerns regarding private property and no trespassing signs. I'm not sure where this will lead us, but we have to start somewhere. Once property is posted, it's too late!.

Date	Location	Description
October 20, 2005	Conneaut Creek Horton Road Bridge	The property above, under and below the Horton Road Bridge is posted. You can only access and fish this area with the lands owners permission. The permission is annual and must be renewed the following year. The signs have information on them to contact the land owner for permission. Please do not fish this property without permission. If I were to seek permission , this is what I would do! Go to this web site http://www.friendsofconneautcreek.com/ and check it out and then click on Membership. Send and email to Board Member Mike Skufca the land owner and ask him for permission, he will sent you paperwork to fill out. While you are on this page click on Membership Application *and join Friends of Conneaut Creek,* they truly need your support. Get with the program NOW!**
May 6, 2005	Grand River	Betty Brown river access - permit is required to access property and private parking is available both at a modest fee. View Details Betty Brown 445 Fairport Nursery Rd Painesville, OH 44077-4432 Home Phone: (440) 942-8769 Toll Free:(800) 595-1313 Email: a-team@stratos.net
Nov 2005	Vermilion River	We coordinated a meeting with Lorain County Metroparks Operations Supervisor and informed her about OCBS and the steelhead fishery. During the conversation we informed her that Vermilion would likely get much of the pressure from Michigan steelheaders because of being the farthest river west. Attracting out of state anglers is good for both Ohio and local economies. One thing of interest that became of the meeting was that we found out that you need a special users’ permit to guide on all Lorain County Metropark property.
Nov 2005	Rocky River	On our first visit to Rocky River we distributed gift bags of coffee to the landowners upstream of Lewis Road on the West Branch (which is 100% private). We talked to the landowners as far upstream as the first bend and found most of the landowners did not have any problems with fishermen. We offered the coffee as a gesture of goodwill from fishermen, as there is heavy fishing pressure throughout that section of river property. On our second trip to Rocky River we formed three groups, one of which had an Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODNR) representative, in an effort to be most efficient. We talked to landowners on the east and west side of the west branch and found that most of the people were willing to talk to us and had no problem with fishermen. Here are some of the spots that we did find that fishermen may have problems fishing: West bank Sunset Memorial Cemetery: no fishing East bank Four areas that are posted about midway between Lewis Road and Water Street Park. “No Trespassing” signs are present.
Nov 2005	Chagrin River	We talked to landowners between Daniels Park dam and the Gates Mills dam (mostly adjacent to access points) as a proactive measure as a result of the January 2005 flood that collapsed Daniels Park dam. We felt it necessary to survey this section because of the increased pressure that will inevitably be coming to this area. Here were some of the findings: Many landowners were not home at the time this survey was conducted We had good feedback from landowners that we did talk to There is no fishing on the old Sherwin property (downstream of Eagle Road, east bank) Gates Mills police said fishing in town is not a problem – for now Upstream of Rte. 84 through Waite Hill is being enforced for trespassing on a regular basis
Nov 2005	Ashtabula River	We visited landowners upstream of State Road bridge Indian Park access. Most of the people were very receptive to fishermen and just wanted the anglers to ask permission before they fish. One thing that the members should be aware of is that during deer season this area is heavily hunted. We talked to one landowner at the end of Brant Road access and he said that there would be no parking or fishing at the Brant Road access.
Nov 2005	Grand River	We talked to one landowner at the end of Brant Road access and he said that there would be no parking or fishing at the Brant Road access.
Nov 2005	Conneaut Creek	On our first visit we formed four groups that worked the entire river from State Rte. 7 to the PA border. Our second visit we also distributed gift bags of coffee to the landowners that were adjacent to access spots (bridges and parks). Our findings on both visits were mostly positive but there are some areas that are posted and private such as: Most landowners we talked to did not mind respectful fishermen on their property Areas that are posted -- Starting 1-1/2 miles upstream of Creek Road to the Locust Point Campground; Upstream of South Ridge Road bridge (Kingsbury Road); Immediately upstream of State Road bridge; Upstream and downstream of Horton Road bridge (permission is being given on a seasonal basis, i.e. 9-15-05 through 4-15-06); Furnace Road upstream to PA line (permission is being granted). Furthermore, three OCBS representatives attended a public meeting to support the “Wild and Scenic” designation for Conneaut Creek, which was passed shortly thereafter.