Clear Fork River Fishery

The Clear Fork River supports one of north-central Ohio’s most distinctive trout fisheries. The river offers two different fishing experiences: the upper Clear Fork near Butler and Bellville, and the lower Clear Fork below Pleasant Hill Reservoir in Mohican State Park.

Upper Clear Fork River

The Ohio Division of Wildlife has stocked yearling brown trout in the upper Clear Fork River since 1992. Stocking generally takes place in the fall, with trout released at established access points throughout the Butler and Bellville area.
The upper river is well suited to brown trout because cold springs help moderate summer water temperatures. The stream also supports a strong aquatic insect population and includes the cover, depth, and structure trout need to survive and grow.
Most of the upper Clear Fork has retained its natural stream character. Wooded banks, fallen trees, boulders, rocky runs, and deeper pools create excellent habitat for trout, minnows, and aquatic insects. During the warmer months, terrestrial insects also become an important food source.
The brown trout stocked in the river are generally small yearlings when released, but fish that remain in the river can grow considerably larger. Trout over 20 inches are uncommon, but they are caught from the upper Clear Fork from time to time.
Many anglers practice catch and release to help sustain the fishery and give trout the opportunity to grow. Anglers who choose to harvest fish should always review current Ohio fishing regulations before visiting.

Lower Clear Fork River

The lower Clear Fork flows below Pleasant Hill Reservoir through Mohican State Park.
Historically, this section was also stocked with yearling brown trout. Fisheries studies found that brown trout survival was poor, largely because water released from Pleasant Hill Reservoir can become too warm to support trout through the summer.
In response, the Ohio Division of Wildlife changed its management approach. The lower river is now managed primarily as a seasonal, put-and-take fishery, with harvestable-sized rainbow trout stocked in the spring.
Because stocking schedules, harvest limits, and regulations may change, anglers should consult the Ohio Division of Wildlife for the most current information before fishing.

Access and Private Property

Much of the upper Clear Fork flows through or borders private property. Anglers should never assume that access to the river includes permission to cross, park on, or enter adjoining land.

Always:

  • Obey posted signs
  • Obtain landowner permission where required
  • Park only in legal and appropriate areas
  • Avoid blocking roads, gates, and driveways
  • Pack out all trash
  • Respect other anglers and nearby residents

Some public access is available where the river flows through Butler and Bellville and along other established access areas. Access conditions may change, so anglers should confirm that a location is open before entering.

Responsible behavior is essential to preserving fishing opportunities along the Clear Fork.

Fishing the Clear Fork

The river’s pools, runs, rocky structure, woody cover, and insect life support a variety of fly-fishing approaches.

Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may find success with:

  • Nymphs and emerger patterns
  • Dry flies during active hatches
  • Streamers and minnow imitations
  • Terrestrial patterns during summer
  • Small midge patterns during colder periods

Water clarity, flow, temperature, and insect activity can change quickly. Review current conditions before fishing and avoid targeting trout during periods of dangerously warm water.

Hatch Information

The Clear Fork supports a variety of aquatic insects that provide food for trout throughout the year.

The hatch chart below lists commonly observed insects, suggested hook-size ranges, and general seasonal timing. Hatch timing can vary with weather, water temperature, and yearly conditions, so anglers should use the chart as a general guide rather than a fixed schedule.

Insect   Hook Size   Dates for hatch
Blue-winged olive18-22March 31-Oct. 30
Black caddis16-18March 31- May 31
Tan Caddis14-18April 15- Sept. 30
Sulphur12-14May 15- June 15
Light Cahill14-16June 15-July 15
Midges20-24all year
Black stones12-14Feb. 20- May 15
Tricos20-24June 1- Sept. 30


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  • thumbnail of fly-map
  • View of Clear Fork River near Wade & Gatton nursery.
  • Brown trout can often be found in deep holes under the roots of big shoreline trees.
  • Greg Elefterin with 15-inch, Clear Fork brown.
  • Former College of Wooster student, Patrick Brouse, with a big hog brown from the Clear Fork.