[Shoeman]

At the risk of being a pest, I sure would love some info on the Grand.

According to the USGS Flow Data, it seems that the Grand is one of the larger rivers with a decent run of steelhead.

Is this river accessible via boat? How about up-stream limits, like dams, obstructions and legal standpoints?
We normally fish in a driftboat and would be very interested in information concerning float times, motor restrictions and launch sites. I'm not looking for GPS numbers to your favorite hole, just the basics.

Feel free to PM or Email me.

Thanks, Ralf

 

[Lance]

Grand info

Ralf,
Upstream there is a dam at Harpersfield. Someone said there is a fish ladder there but I don't know how much it gets used. I didn't even know it was there next time I get up there I'll need to check it out. As far as size and floating, yes it is definetly floatable. I think you could drop in at Harpersfield and I know there is a launch near Vrooman rd. I'm not familier enough with the lower sections to know if there are launches further down river. How are you planning to float it? Despite its size it has a fair amount of shallower water and would recommend something that sits high in the water. If you are looking to to run a bigger boat I would fish near the mouth.

 

[Shoeman]

Lance,
I run a 16' Hyde
It draws about 3-4" floating and maybe 5-6" motoring. Ideally, I'm looking for an access where one can motor up-river and float back to the launch. This would eliminate the need for a second vehicle, although if the stretch has several shallow riffles, motoring wouldn't be an option.

 

[Lance]

motoring

I don't know the entire stretch from vrooman up to harpersfield but I don't think there are runs that are extremely shallow so much as there are some larger rocks to worry about. If you put someone in the bow to scout I would imagine you should be alright. The Hyde should do an more than ample at floating any stretch of the Grand though. I'll call my cousin tonight to double check it. He really knows the Grand.

 

[Lance]

More info, kind of

I spoke with my cousin tonight. He could guarantee it one way or the other. There's a lot of river there with out the easiest access points. Best advice is to float it once.

 

[Shoeman]

Thanks Lance
Next warm spell, I'll hit the road.
You've been a great help. Our rivers are starting to show a little life. KF2 hit the Joe near the ladder and went 2 for 3 in a matter of a couple of hours. All fresh fish. I guess the lake and river temp started to find some common ground.

Let's hook up sometime. Either my water or yours.

 

[Lance]

info and fishing

No problem on the info. If you get down here let me know I spend a lot of time bird hunting through the last weekend in Feb but might be able to scoot out for some fish. I probably won't come north till trout season in may/june. I'm planning on getting out Monday on the Chagrin for 2-3 hrs if the river doesn't freeze. I'll post how it goes.

 

[atrkyhntr]

Its been years but my experience is that when its high enough to boat safely you'll see muddy water and visability is minimal with poor fishing too but when you can see (rocks & such) its way too shallow to use a boat. If you can snag a canoe your in there. We use to do just that but then again we did drop off another vehicle SORRY I GUESS NO HELP FROM ME

 

[thousandcasts]

Shoeman,

I've heard some really good things about that river. Due to it being planted with little M strain fish, it gets a really good fall/winter run. From what I understand, the steel in this river really fall for the old jig/waxie under a bobber...

Some of their planting amounts are larger than most of our rivers!

Good Luck if you go!

 

[Lance]

Close

Jig and maggots along with spawn are very popular down here. All of the Ohio tribs are stocked with little M's at this point but our main runs don't really start strong till mid November and the best fishing is really late Feb through the end of April. Fishing can be good Dec-Feb but more often than not a lack of open water can be a real problem.