Cuyahoga River

The Cuyahoga River flows through the northeast section of Ohio in the United States. The Cuyahoga River fire, caused by an oil slick catching fire in June of 1969, is decidedly the most famous of all events in the state. The fire spawned the 1960s environmental crusade. The Cuyahoga River was created by the advancement and retreat of massive sheets of ice during the most recent ice age roughly 11,000 years ago. Today it is the focus of all types of outdoor recreation, from Cuyahoga River fishing to white water rafting to hiking the trails around the banks. The Native American tribe called Iroquois, who lived along the river, named it Cuyahoga, which means crooked river.

The Cuyahoga River flows through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Akron, Ohio, and Cleveland, Ohio. The river makes a journey of about 100 miles, beginning at the watershed in Hambden and courses to the south to where the river’s east and west branch meet at Burton, Ohio, and the river begins. From there it flows to Cuyahoga Falls where it runs through the national park and onward past five Ohio cities until it finally ends at Lake Erie. There are forty tributaries along the river including Morgan Run, Breakneck Creek, Yellow River, and Bridge Creek. The stretch of river where east meets west is a popular place for Cuyahoga River cruises.

There are several Cuyahoga River cruises available for those wanting to explore the river and sights along the banks. A cruise is one of the popular things to do when visiting Cleveland. There are sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and party cruises available offering all ages some fun on the river. One of the largest ships cruising the river from Cleveland is the historic Goodtime III, a four-level shop that cruises both Lake Erie and the river and offers a fully narrated excursion. Sightseeing tours are possible between June and September along with other cruise themes like dances, special theme cruises, and a weekend Happy Hour trip. Tourists can find the ship docked alongside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at East Ninth Street Pier in Cleveland.

Aside from Cuyahoga River cruises, there are also cruises leaving the city of Cuyahoga Falls. Rich with history, these cruises happen aboard either a pontoon boat or larger cruise ship and last about an hour. The narrative offered on board covers the river’s history, offers information about riverside forests, and cruises under five historic and scenic bridges. Kayak and canoe trips are another great way to explore the river. Both cities are home to numerous outfitters offering tours for sightseeing as well as Cuyahoga River fishing trips.

If it’s fishing on the Cuyahoga River you’re after, you’ll be privy to a raw, natural landscape paired with excellent sport fishing. Along the upper part of the river, smallmouth bass and pike fishing is best. There are also many species ideal for baitcasting, fly fishing, and spinning such as rock bass, channel catfish, white and yellow perch, bluegill, sunfish and even a small quantity of largemouth bass. One of the best places for fishing the Cuyahoga River is the area around Kent, Ohio. One of the best Cuyahoga River fishing spots for smallmouth is the area between Pleasant Valley and upward north to Rockside where many anglers claim to have excellent luck.