Conneaut River

We were up in Erie/Conneaut exploring over the weekend. It was our first visit to the Conneaut harbor area because we wanted to scout it before using it... nice facility, sure looks like PA could take a lesson! Anyways... I digress... the question I have is regarding the river just East of there, as we were headed out of town on 20 we saw sign for another boat ramp and decided to take a look. We found an unimproved? ramp suitable for a small boat onto the river (I assumed it was the Conneaut River).
 We talked to a couple of guys there who had fished it many times but they could only advise they fished just for chrome and couldn't say anything else about the area, they weren't sure how deep it was and if there was a 'channel' into it and they also mentioned a railroad bridge down river that restricted access.
 We are interested in this area as an alternative to the big water when it gets too rough, is anyone familiar with the area and able to advise what the clearance is under the railroad bridge? I'm not even gonna mention fishing stuff, I'm willing to spend time poking around there to find out for myself, I love fishing smaller rivers... I was just wondering if it could be accessed from the harbor or only from that ramp area?
 Sorry about my question turning into a book!

While I'm on the subject of river access... I have the book 'Western Pa all outdoors and field guide' which we use for reference for ramp locations and such, anyone aware of one similar for the Eastern Ohio area? I prefer a book I can take with me as opposed to just internet searching some info... especially when internet searching isn't very easy on dial up.

The steelhead get most of the attention on the tribs. Conneaut Creek too, but it is different. It starts way down in Crawford county and is stocked by the PA commish down there. Around Albion there are several branches and a warm water fishery in some sections with all the ususal species including some fine musky fishing. There are some deep/slow and real brushy spots. Some spots are stocked by the Albion Sportsmens Club too. Not to forget too that the steelhead use most of this creek, in season. Anytime you could not use the boat, exploring this creek could keep you busy.

Fisherlady, I would probably stay away from this ramp altogether. If you have a boat with no windshield you can make it under the RR bridge coming from the harbor. There is actually good fishing in that stretch, but also a lot of vehicle break-ins. I personally would not park there unless I was shore fishing and could see my vehicle. The Conneaut Police Dept is aware of this situation and their advice to me was "stay away"! You can PM me for more details.

Yes--and very safe. Always lots of people and very nice restrooms and facilities. We have a cottage about 2 miles west of the breakwall. This will be my 30th summer in Conneaut.