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Fishing in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Lakes
2
Rivers
22
Access
9
Boat Ramps
8
Shops
0
Species
15

Cuyahoga Valley National Park sits along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, protecting a stretch of river corridor that spent decades recovering from severe industrial pollution.

That recovery is the context for everything here: the park now holds over 65 species of fish across its river, lakes, and ponds, and the management philosophy reflects that history.

The park does not stock fish for recreational fishing, preferring to maintain natural predator-prey relationships. Catch-and-release is strongly encouraged. The Cuyahoga River is the main draw.

Steelhead trout and bullhead are among the species anglers target in the river, with fall and spring the prime windows for steelhead.

Smallmouth bass, carp, and channel catfish also move through the river, and anglers who find the deeper holes tend to do better than those working the obvious access points. The river sees surprisingly light pressure for its size.

The park's still waters round out the fishing. Nine lakes and ponds are scattered through the valley, holding bluegill, bass, and crappie. Several are worth knowing by name.

Indigo Lake sits on Riverview Road about four miles from the river corridor and has produced panfish on dry flies in clear, clean water. Horseshoe Pond is off Major Road, south of State Route 303.

Armington Pond is on Quick Road between State Road and Akron Peninsula Road. Goosefeather Pond is on Scobie Road off Oak Hill Road. Coonrad Farm Pond sits on Riverview Road roughly a half-mile south of Snowville Road.

Brushwood Lake, on Townsend Road in Furnace Run Metro Park, is managed by Summit Metro Parks — check with them directly for rules there. A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

No separate park permit is needed, but NPS regulations apply on top of state rules: fishing is hook-and-line only with the rod closely attended, live bait fish and amphibians are prohibited in freshwaters, and chumming is not allowed.

The Ohio Department of Health maintains consumption advisories for certain species in the river — worth checking before you keep anything. The water here is cleaner than it has been in generations. Fishing it carries some weight.

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Cuyahoga Valley National Park and check the forecast before you go.

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Park alerts & road status

Closures and conditions Cuyahoga Valley National Park has posted, from the National Park Service.

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Hours & fees

When Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open and what it costs to get in, from the National Park Service.

Plan your visit on nps.gov

Hours

Open 24 hours

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open everyday, 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, and Kendall Hills close from dusk until morning opening.

Entrance fees

No entrance fee is listed for this park.

Parking & getting around

Where to leave the car in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Lots fill early on busy days, so plan where you will park before you head for the water.

  • Boston Mill Visitor Center Main Lot

    This is a large lot that provides access to Boston Mill Visitor Center. The lot is paved and visitors follow paved pathways to the visitor center. The lot has 106 spaces including 6 accessible, 1 carpool, 2 limited mobility, and 6 fuel efficient vehicle spaces. Six oversized vehicle spaces are located across the street from the main Boston Mill Visitor Center parking area. This lot also contains 9 additional vehicle spaces, 1 fuel efficient vehicle space, and 1 accessible vehicle space.

    Accessibility: Six ADA parking spaces are available in the main lot and one is available in the oversized vehicle lot across the street. From the main lot, the spaces provide access via paved pathways to the main visitor center and information plaza.

  • Brandywine Falls

    A midsized paved parking area that provides access to Brandywine Falls (via boardwalk) and the Summit Metroparks Hike and Bike trail.

    Accessibility: 4 ADA van-accessible parking spaces, ADA accessible restrooms, ADA accessible boardwalk to view waterfall.

  • Canal Exploration Center Lot

    Medium sized paved lot that provides access to the Canal Exploration Center, the Canal Exploration Center Station, and the Towpath Trail. The lot has a total of 92 spaces with 3 designated accessible spaces. Next to the lot is an accessible restroom with flushing toilets and a water fountain.

    Accessibility: An accessible flushing bathroom, water fountain, and access to a railroad station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

  • Hunt Farm Lot

    A medium paved lot with access to the Towpath Trail and Hunt Farm.

    Accessibility: The parking lot is close to accessible flushing restrooms and a water fountain.

  • Indigo Lake Lot

    A small gravel lot with access to Indigo Lake, the Towpath Trail, and Indigo Lake Station. The size and location of the lot means it is usually full.

  • Ira Trailhead Lot

    A medium sized paved lot with access to the Towpath Trail and Beaver Marsh.

    Accessibility: There are non-flushable accessible restrooms in the parking lot.

  • Kendall Lake Lot

    A large paved parking lot with access to Kendall Lake, the Loop Trail, Salt Run Trail, and Cross Country Trail. Access to wider Ledges Trail system from these trail systems is possible.

    Accessibility: The Kendall Lake lot provides access to flushing restrooms, a water fountain, and an accessible pier.

  • Ledges Trailhead Parking

    A large 223-space parking lot that provides 8 accessible spaces and access to the Ledges shelter, trail, and restrooms.

    Accessibility: A paved parking lot with 8 ADA accessible spaces provides access to a paved pathway, shelter, and restrooms. The trail to the Ledges is not ADA accessible.

  • Lock 29 Trailhead Main Lot

    This is a 43-space accessible parking lot that serves the Lock 29 Trailhead (Towpath access) and the Peninsula Boarding Station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

    Accessibility: A 43-space paved parking area provides access to the fully ADA accessible towpath trail, restrooms and a boarding station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

  • Octagon Lot

    A large paved lot, with tiered parking spaces. Octagon provides access to the Octagon Shelter, Ledges Trail system, and Forest Point Trail.

    Accessibility: Accessible flushing restrooms and a water fountain are available in the picnic shelter.

Getting around

The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron. Some local bus routes including RTA's 19A, 54, 77, and 90 routes stop near the park. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Cleveland.

Directions on nps.gov

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Gateway towns

Where to base yourself for fishing in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

  • PeninsulaOH

    Sits inside the park with trail access, the Scenic Railroad depot, bike rentals, lodging, and dining steps from the Towpath Trail.

  • Cuyahoga FallsOH

    Southern gateway city with hotels, restaurants, and walkable amenities close to the park's southern trails and entrances.

  • BrecksvilleOH

    Northern gateway with hotels near the park's northern trailheads and the Brecksville Reservation entrance.

  • HudsonOH

    Nearby town on the park's eastern edge offering lodging and dining for visitors exploring that side of the park.

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