Walleye
PeakWhere: lake mouths, harbor edges, deeper basin water, and low-light shoreline structure on Black River.
Move: crawler harnesses, crankbaits, jigs, and evening presentations near moving water.
Species guide →Black River
Fair
About Black River
The Black River in Lorain County drains nearly 400 square miles of Ohio farm country before crossing the gravel-floored lower reach at French Creek and emptying into Lake Erie. Steelhead push as far up as the lakeshore concrete weir, with the better water sitting between the Route 6 bridge and the Elywood Park crossings. The river runs colored more often than its OH neighbors and turns over slower after rain.
Best from late October through early April. Slower clearing than Rocky or Chagrin -- give it 36-48 hours after a rise. Spring tail-end runs into early May in cooler years. The steelhead model reference on Black River is 130–350 CFS. Basis: Per-river researched optimal range This is not a flood-stage or wading limit. The historical median flow is approximately 22 CFS, based on the available gauge history.
Current conditions (gauge observation Nov 3, 2026 11:15 PM EST): flow 9 CFS, clarity estimated from flow: clear. The Almanac Briefing rates the river FAIR as of this reading.
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Almanac Briefing
Chrome Clock
7-Day Chart
Forecast
Reports
STORM WATCHING
Expected: 12:00 PM EST
0.4" rain expected by 12 pm. Gauges still calm.
Flow Rate
9.3
CFS
Gauge Height
0.62
ft
Water Temp
-
°F
Air Temp
64.5
°F
Estimated clarity
Clear
Estimated from flow — visibility unverified
Wind
🌬 10 mph
S
Offshore wind — mouth clarity unverified
Current water temperature unavailable: a recent sensor reading with its own source and observation time is not established.
Gauge observation: 1 hour ago (Nov 3, 2026 11:15 PM EST)
Conditions today: Fair. Trending: rough. Storm watching.
Flow
Pressure
Air temp, scaled
Rain per hour
Storm pulse window
Hourly flow pending
Confidence: 0.44
No storm pulse was detected in the lookback, but the barometer dropped 0.16 inHg over the last 24 hours. Flow ranged from 6 to 10 CFS (mean 7 CFS) across the selected lookback. Water-temperature data is unavailable for the selected lookback. Pressure alone does not confirm fish activity. Heads up — 0.65 inch of rain is on the way over the next 24 hours. Storm lifecycle says WATCHING. 0.4" rain expected by 12 pm. Gauges still calm. This is a pre-storm read; conditions can change fast once rain reaches the gauge.
Lookback window Nov 1, 1 am to Nov 4, 12 am ET.
Data refresh every 15 min. This is a pattern read, not proof of causation; fish reserve the right to embarrass the spreadsheet.
Flow
Pressure
Air temp, scaled
Rain per hour
Storm pulse window
Hourly flow pending
No storm pulse was detected in the lookback, but the barometer dropped 0.16 inHg over the last 24 hours. Flow ranged from 6 to 13 CFS (mean 8 CFS) across the selected lookback. Water-temperature data is unavailable for the selected lookback. Pressure alone does not confirm fish activity. Heads up — 0.65 inch of rain is on the way over the next 24 hours. Storm lifecycle says WATCHING. 0.4" rain expected by 12 pm. Gauges still calm. This is a pre-storm read; conditions can change fast once rain reaches the gauge.
Lookback window Oct 28, 1 am to Nov 4, 12 am ET.
Data refresh every 15 min. This is a pattern read, not proof of causation; fish reserve the right to embarrass the spreadsheet.
Almanac Briefing
Guide-level river, weather and fishing intelligence
Based on gauge observation from Tue, Nov 3 at 11:15 PM EST (1 hour ago)
Evidence at a glance
- Last reported flow
- 9.3 CFS Configured USGS gauge for Black River.
- Flow observation time
- 1 hour ago · Within the current observation window
- Water temperature · separate sensor evidence
- UnavailableA recent sensor reading with its own source and observation time is not established.
- Assessment basis
- Clarity is estimated from flow. Ratings are model assessments.
- Issued forecast · separate from observations
- 10.1 CFS projected for Wed Nov 4, 12:00 PM EST.Issued Nov 3, 6:00 PM EST. This is a forecast, not an observed reading.
Conditions do not establish fish presence or safe wading. Before a trip, verify current gauge readings, official weather alerts, access and regulations. Sources and methodology
Low flow at 9 CFS. Estimated clarity is clear. Water assessment: fair.
Season & Run Context
Lake Erie · Lake Above Fall Temperature Band
The lake-temperature model remains above its fall band. River temperatures may already be favorable, and fish may already be in tributaries. Check local river temperatures, flow and fresh fishing reports; watch lake cooling as separate seasonal context.
Model snapshot 2026-11-03 · lake surface temperature 60°F
Fishing Evidence
Quiet on the report front: no shared angler reports for these rivers in the last seven days.
Review regional steelhead signals in Pulse →Flow History & Response
Last 24 hours of stored flow history: 7.4–9.8 CFS across 100 readings. First-to-last change: +1.9 CFS.
Inspect the flow history →Prior Storms · Last 14 Days
Nov 3: November 3 Ohio Storm; ended Nov 3, 1:01 AM EST; archived basin rainfall maximum 0.000 in.
Oct 31: October 31 - November 1 Ohio Storm; ended Oct 31, 8:45 PM EDT; archived rainfall forecast 0.000 in; archived basin rainfall maximum 0.000 in.
Oct 29: October 29-30 New York (Lake Erie) & New York (Lake Ontario) & Ohio Storm; ended Oct 29, 9:00 PM EDT; archived rainfall forecast 0.000 in; archived basin rainfall maximum 0.320 in.
Issued River Flow Outlook
Black River · 10.1 CFS projected for Wed Nov 4, 12:00 PM EST (issued Nov 3, 6:00 PM EST)
Black River · 17.0 CFS projected for Thu Nov 5, 12:00 PM EST (issued Nov 3, 6:00 PM EST)
Black River · 13.7 CFS projected for Fri Nov 6, 12:00 PM EST (issued Nov 3, 6:00 PM EST)
Regional outlook: next available target per river. Individual briefings: up to three targets.
Forecast vs. Actual · Verification
Saved system-wide verification as of 2026-11-03T23:00:33+00:00: 12276 locked forecast cases, 8558 evaluated against later own-gauge readings. Pending, missing and excluded cases and errors by model, river and lead time are documented in the methodology. River results for model c5c4a91f: 60 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 17.8 CFS. Paired comparison (60 cases): model error 17.8 CFS versus 17.1 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. River results for model 395a5868: 60 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 80.1 CFS. Paired comparison (60 cases): model error 80.1 CFS versus 57.7 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. River results for model c2a5feaf: 6 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 42.3 CFS. Paired comparison (6 cases): model error 42.3 CFS versus 74.7 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. River results for model 467e92d7: 12 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 82.4 CFS. Paired comparison (12 cases): model error 82.4 CFS versus 77.9 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. River results for model ae671bd0: 90 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 66.3 CFS. Paired comparison (90 cases): model error 66.3 CFS versus 75.4 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. River results for model 48521c91: 87 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 2.3 CFS. Paired comparison (87 cases): model error 2.3 CFS versus 8.4 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. River results for model b3f961a9: 12 scored cases; mean absolute flow error 1.8 CFS. Paired comparison (12 cases): model error 1.8 CFS versus 1.0 CFS for holding the issuance flow unchanged. This verifies flow forecasts, not catches, clarity or the entire Alley Index.
Review forecast verification →Sources & Methodology
Water ratings summarize flow, temperature and weather. Run context comes from the lake-temperature model; fishing totals come from shared angler reports. Clarity is estimated from flow, and temperature may come from a secondary gauge. Gauge timestamps and coverage describe the available history. Forecast verification measures river-flow error.
Read the methodology →Black River
Today's Weather: Fair
3% rain
S 13mph
Coming up: Light Rain
Flow Rate
9.3
CFS
·
0.62
ft
Historical percentile 19 · Low
24h trend
↗
+27.5%
Steelhead window
130–350 CFS
Per-river researched optimal range
Distance
121 CFS below optimal · 0.62ft
Low water — projection flat
Weather: Clear
· 65°F
· S 10mph
30.00" →
Guide says:
Low flow at 9 CFS. Estimated clarity is clear. Water assessment: fair.
Gauge observation: Nov 3, 2026 11:15 PM EST
"The Creek Is Calling and My Waders Are Wet"
Flow is below the river-specific reference range (130–350 CFS).
Flow phase: low.
Estimated clarity: clear.
Scoring reference: 130–350 CFS (manual). This is a model reference, not a flood-stage or wading assessment.
Water temperature is unavailable; this assessment has no temperature evidence.
Operational Outlook
Assessment
Fair water conditions.
Window
Put the next flow change alongside the basin weather and recent history. That’s where the useful planning picture comes together.
Storm Context
STORM WATCHING
0.4" rain expected by 12 pm. Gauges still calm.
Rain is forecast within the next 11.635055555556 hours. The modeled weather window begins around 12:00 PM EST.
- - Assess the existing window before forecast rainfall.
- - Track basin rainfall and radar coverage.
- - Verify the latest gauge observation before scheduling.
Weather Forecast & River Response
Weather forecast retrieved Nov 3, 10:01 PM EST.
Tonight: Partly Cloudy, 61°F, wind S 8 to 13 mph, precipitation chance 3%.
Wednesday: Light Rain, 69°F, wind S 13 to 20 mph, precipitation chance 84%.
Wednesday Night: Light Rain Likely, 53°F, wind SW 8 to 18 mph, precipitation chance 66%.
Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 65°F, wind SW 8 to 15 mph, precipitation chance 4%.
Thursday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 47°F, wind SW 3 to 9 mph, precipitation chance 9%.
Low flow means less water to work with. The next rain could provide a useful pulse; watch the rainfall amounts and how this basin responds.
Conditions
Stored air temperature: 64.5°F.
Stored weather: Clear.
Stored wind: 10.4 mph S.
Rigs to consider right now
Match the current report to a setup
Centerpin Sucker Spawn Rig
Presents small egg patterns naturally through clear, pressured water where drift quality matters.
Advanced
Indicator Nymphing Rig
Suspends nymphs at a repeatable depth while giving you a visible take signal.
Intermediate
River Float Rig
Keeps a natural offering drifting at the same pace as the current instead of dragging behind your line.
Beginner
Spey & Swing Rig
Covers water efficiently when fish are willing to move for a broadside fly.
Intermediate
Fall river plan
Black River other seasonal fishing targets
Use the current flow, clarity, water temperature, and sky conditions to choose among the in-season targets. Structure and low-light timing can help narrow your plan.
Northern Pike
PeakWhere: cooler weed edges, connected backwaters, tributary mouths, and ambush lanes on Black River.
Move: spinnerbaits, spoons, jerkbaits, and quick releases when water warms.
Species guide →Current read
Flow-estimated clarity is clear; visibility is unverified. Overall rating: Fair for steelhead. Use the graph below to time falling or stabilizing flows before committing a trip.
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7-Day Flow & Temperature
Flow distribution
1095-day history · n=2,213 · 85% confidence
Now vs history
121 CFS below optimal
Optimal window
130–350 CFS
Per-river researched optimal range
Typical range
10–45 CFS
25th–75th percentile
Seasonal context:
Current flow is above typical for November.
November median on this river: 7 CFS
(n=57 hourly samples).
Historical flow-based clarity estimates
Clear
flow estimate
10–41 CFS typical
Stained
432–470 CFS typical
Low:
Below the historical 25th percentile.
Sample quantiles
|
Theoretical line
Good fit (85%)
Points on the dashed line mean the river's flow distribution is log-normal. Bows at the tails suggest multiple flow regimes (snowmelt vs rain events) or sensor artifacts. The math for this river uses log-space statistics, so a poor fit here is a reason to squint at the optimal zone.
Recent Angler Reports
Join to PostBeen on the Black River? Share your report.
Log catches, track your season, and help other anglers dial in current conditions. Your public angler profile lives at steelheadalmanac.com/u/you.
- Always free
- All 31 Alley rivers
- 30 seconds to join
Sign in to see reports shared with members. Anglers choose who can read each report.
No reports are available to you for Black River.
Near Black River
Local Fly Shops & Guides
Featured
Chagrin River Outfitters
Chagrin Falls, OH · 37 mi
Chagrin River Outfitters combines fly-fishing and fly-tying equipment with instruction and guided trips. Founded by Dan Pribanic in 2006, the Chagrin Falls shop helps beginners and experienced anglers with equipment choices, casting and local fishing preparation. Its website features steelhead outings, smallmouth and pike trips, classes and destination travel.
Cuyahoga River Outfitters
Peninsula, OH · 30 mi
Cuyahoga River Outfitters presents a fly-fishing community built around water conservation, preservation and sustainability. Its website invites people interested in fly fishing to connect and receive Northeast Ohio fishing and merchandise news.
Backpackers Shop
Sheffield Village, OH · 6 mi
The Backpackers Shop in Sheffield Village, Ohio combines fly-fishing and conventional-fishing departments with outdoor clothing, camping equipment and paddlesports. Its fishing selection includes rods, reels, fly lines, fly-tying supplies, waders, boots, centerpin reels and terminal tackle. The family business has operated from its original location since 1966.
Orvis Cleveland
Woodmere, OH · 33 mi
Orvis Cleveland is the Orvis retail store at 28839 Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere. Its current store page offers Fly Fishing 101 classes covering casting, rigging and fly selection, with equipment supplied for the class. The store also publishes local classes and events for anglers of different skill levels.
Great Lakes Fly Fishing
Avon Lake, OH · 9 mi
Great Lakes Fly Fishing is Captain Jeff Liskay’s guiding and instruction business, based in Avon Lake, Ohio. Its website offers guided fly and gear fishing, casting lessons and courses, including Great Lakes steelhead, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and walleye on the fly. Steelhead trips emphasize nymphing or swinging, learning and adapting to conditions.
Frank's Tackle
Cleveland, OH · 19 mi
Frank’s Tackle sells fishing tackle and live bait from its shop at 10802 Madison Avenue in Cleveland. Its business page also lists ice, snacks and beverages, with posts showing tackle and seasonal bait offerings.
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30-Day Statistics
Min Flow
5 CFS
Max Flow
181 CFS
Avg Flow
35 CFS
Min Temp
-
Max Temp
-
Avg Temp
-
7-Day Fishing Outlook
Highest weather-only score: Friday. Check current water conditions separately; this is not a best-river or fishing-success forecast.
Forecast rain amounts increase after Today. Check updated basin weather and gauges; this does not establish a feeding window.
Daily Fishing Forecast
Weather-based daily ratings — independent of current river flow. A "good" forecast day can still mean a blown-out river. Cross-reference with the Almanac Briefing above for a complete picture.
Today — Angler's Report
fair fishing- No rain amount is forecast in these periods. Releases, upstream rainfall and other factors can still change river flow.
NWS Forecast Detail
Tonight:
Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Wednesday — Angler's Report
poor fishing- At least 0.3 inches of rain is forecast. River response and visibility remain uncertain; follow local observations.
- Warmer air is forecast. Check an actual local water temperature before choosing a fishing window.
- Breezy conditions (20 mph S) — adjust casting angles and expect some difficulty with line control.
NWS Forecast Detail
Wednesday:
A chance of rain between 8am and 10am, then rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. South wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night:
Rain likely before 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- A smaller rain amount is forecast. Check current flow and local visibility; weather alone does not confirm fish activity.
- Warmer air is forecast. Check an actual local water temperature before choosing a fishing window.
- Breezy conditions (15 mph SW) — adjust casting angles and expect some difficulty with line control.
NWS Forecast Detail
Thursday:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 8 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday Night:
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southwest wind 3 to 9 mph.
Friday — Angler's Report
good fishing- Warmer air is forecast. Check an actual local water temperature before choosing a fishing window.
NWS Forecast Detail
Friday:
A chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night:
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday — Angler's Report
good fishingNWS Forecast Detail
Saturday:
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night:
A chance of rain before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday — Angler's Report
good fishingNWS Forecast Detail
Sunday:
Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday Night:
A slight chance of rain after 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Monday — Angler's Report
good fishing- Warmer air is forecast. Check an actual local water temperature before choosing a fishing window.
NWS Forecast Detail
Monday:
A chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday Night:
A slight chance of rain before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Tuesday — Angler's Report
good fishing- No rain amount is forecast in these periods. Releases, upstream rainfall and other factors can still change river flow.
- Warmer air is forecast. Check an actual local water temperature before choosing a fishing window.
NWS Forecast Detail
Tuesday:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Forecast via NWS, updated 2 hours ago (Nov 3, 2026 10:01 PM EST). Fishing ratings are estimates based on weather — always check current river conditions.
Recommended Gear
Clear water + low water — finesse tippet and natural patterns first.
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Fly Fishing Flies for Trout, Steelhead & Smallmouth Bass - 60pcs Nymph Assortment with Epoxy Midge, Scud & Hare's Ear - Includes Waterproof Fly Box
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Creative Angler Saddle Hackle Fly Tying Materials - Natural Feathers for Wet Flies, Rooster Feathers, Hair Feathers for Crafts, Fly Tying Kit - Small Feathers Combo Pack of Steelhead Colored Feathers
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More on Black River
Recent Storm Events
- November 3 Ohio Storm — Nov 3, 2026
- October 31 - November 1 Ohio Storm — Oct 31, 2026
- October 29-30 New York (Lake Erie) & New York (Lake Ontario) & Ohio Storm — Oct 29, 2026
Species Profiles
- Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu
