Your logbook can also make very interesting reading. Hartman expects 2017's yellow perch fishing to be good, particularly within the waters of the western basin. Below is a list of fishing hot spots during the spring months in the Central and Western Basin of Lake Erie. Productive lures include jigging spoons, blade baits and spoonbill jerkbaits; however tube jigs, soft plastics and live bait are angler favorites. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Shore anglers on the bay often do well fishing the piers of at the mouth of Marina Bay and the walls of the channel leading out from the bay into the main lake. It's true that Erie's bass dearly love crayfish and gobies, gobbling them up when available, but the lake's abundant supply of baitfish are a primary food source and also the easiest for anglers to locate. | Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. The Reef complex to the west of the islands near Camp Perry holds May bass. 0000001148 00000 n The waters of Lake Erie proper warm slowly. Though much of the best smallmouth bass structure is relatively close to shore, most of this cover is several miles from the nearest safe harbor. Springtime bass hotspots in the western basin include the Bass Islands complex and well as Kelleys Island. The sandy flats that extend to both the east and west of Marina Bay (a large bay within Presque Isle Bay) often hold bass, which wait along the edge of the emerging weeds to ambush baitfish. This provides access to numerous excellent smallmouth hotspots. Trolled crankbaits such as Reef Runners and Hot-n-Tots will excel at contacting fish suspended in the water column. Items that factor in include fish populations as well as recent harvest, both from sport anglers and commercial fisherman. By simply navigating with your chartplotter and Navionics Maps out from Crystal Beach, you can be fishing in world-class Smallmouth water within minutes. Vertical jigging is the ultimate fishing method when smallmouths are in water more than about 20 feet deep. Anglers targeting depths in the 25- to 35-foot range can contact these fish by long-line trolling deep-diving crankbaits like Rapala's Deep Taildancer. Lake Erie fishing. Most bass caught are between 2 and 4 pounds, but . Fly anglers do very well drifting or swinging woolly buggers and minnow patterns, especially emerald shiner patterns. Lake Erie - Detroit River Bass Fishing Reports . 0000372912 00000 n Expect the fish to be in 30 to 50 feet of water, and attracting plenty of attention from fishermen when they are schooled and biting. As Lake Erie waters warm, post-spawn smallmouths move to deeper water zones where they will hold during the summer months (late June through August). Lake Erie November Fishing Charters Many northern anglers and travelers are winterizing their equipment and boats for the upcoming winter months. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. Areas such as Myers Reef, Evans Bar and Van Buren Reef have traditionally been among the top destinations for summer bass anglers. Consistently productive colors are those that imitate the basss natural prey items, colors like smoke/charcoal with flecks and greens (baitfish) or browns (crayfish, round goby). Tube baits from 3 1/2 to 5 inches long are great for drifting and will perfectly mimic shallow-water prey like crayfish and gobies, drawing strikes from bass that are feeding or guarding nests. Top lures include tube jigs, twister tails or deep diving stickbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. All maps are printed on tear resistant waterproof paper. Walleye production was especially strong in 2015, which was the strongest spawn since the record hatch of 2003. A tightly grouped mass of bait usually indicates minimal bass feeding activity, while bait schools under attack will appear horizontally elongated or broken up as bass and other predators rip through them. The drop shot rig has become very popular among Erie bass anglers as an effective way to fish bait just off the bottom. As far as western basin largemouths go, the areas around Marblehead and Catawba have been especially productive. Lake Erie fishing is one of the most significant angling options in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, summoning folks from far distances seeking its bountiful rewards. Main lake waters off Catawba and Marblehead are good bass areas, as is Sandusky Bay. The Cleveland metro area provides some good near-shore smallmouth bass opportunities. However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. From trophy-sized fish to eating-sized ones, along with various lengths in between, 2017 should be the start of consecutive banner years for Lake Erie walleye anglers. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Bass fishing is also good in harbor and canal areas in May and early June. Lake Erie - Detroit River Bass Fishing Reports Hot Spots: Best Lake Erie Fishing in Central Basin Fewer bass are being pulled off nests, perhaps lowering the level of nest predation. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The best smallmouth bass fishing of the entire year is in the spring on Lake Eries nearshore reefs, harbors and tributary streams. Reel in the slack line so you can directly feel the weight on the bottom and any strike on your bait. Some of the largest bass are caught in spring; anglers have a better chance of catching a 6 pound plus trophy bass in spring than any other time during the year. endstream endobj 42 0 obj <>/Size 13/Type/XRef>>stream Embayment fisheries like of Sandusky Bay remain strong. Fishing Hot Spots in Lake Erie Shores & Islands Smallmouth numbers remain stable and provide the opportunity for not only high numbers of fish, but big ones as well. One good spot is off the clay bluffs near Vermillion. Smallmouth bass are the most frequently caught fish species in Lake Erie and fishing trips for smallmouths make up about 25% of all Lake Erie fishing trips for the entire year. Soft plastics such as grubs, worms, baitfish imitations and other creature baits work best when combined with a drop-shot rig. Most smallmouth experts agree that Lake Erie's island area is the best of the best. Various shades of brown have been productive lately, perhaps because of the shift in the smallmouths' diet to gobies, or perhaps because it resembles crayfish. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. Hartman said some of the 2014 fish were legal by the fall of last year, many of them in the 16- to 18-inch range, thanks to fast growth rates. In windy conditions, a drift sock will help to slow your drift. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Other popular starting points for smallmouth anglers are at Ashtabula and Conneaut. If you get a day such as that, don't overlook this spot. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots Buffalo to Angola Legend Campground Break Walls/Piers Public Boat Launch City/Village Major Road I 90 Exits Waterbody Municipal Park State Park County Recreational Land 0 2 4 Miles Map not for navigational use. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Often, excellent spawning structure may be found around the mouths of the many creeks and rivers that feed the lake. Cast the rig or simply let it drop over the side of the boat. The bass bite is usually best between 20 and 40 feet of water, however bass can be found deeper. The length of line between hook and weight can vary from 1 to 5 feet. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. The key to successful summer smallmouth bass fishing is to locate bottom structure. And though most folks head off-shore to the deeper zones of these trenches, they should take note that there's often a near-shore bite that happens in June, likely comprised of resident fish. 0000372613 00000 n 10 Tips For Taking Lake Erie Smallmouths - Game & Fish Good near-shore bass fishing exists near Lorain, again zeroing in along the rocky ledges that offer bass ambush points to pick off prey. Males will make beds against these large rocks, requiring them to stand guard over just three sides of the nest. The bass weighed 9.33 pounds and was 24.50 inches long. Surprisingly excellent fishery within a large, urban area. These areas are also good places to retreat to and still catch fish when conditions get rough on the open lake. These areas are also good places to retreat to and still catch fish when conditions get rough on the open lake. The "Dumping Ground" is found a relative short distance to the northeast of Presque Isle Bay and is popular with anglers launching from this area. The 16 Best Small-Boat Fishing Spots on the Great Lakes 5 Tips to Catch Late Season Smallmouth Bass - Wired2Fish Every model of LCD is different, so get familiar with the functions of your particular unit. Boat ramps are available in the Vermillion River. More specifically, between the Ohio line and the mouth of Walnut Creek. Give a Gift Anglers can also fish inshore with kayaks, waders, or other small floating vessels. PENNSYLVANIA Walnut Creek Access, a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission facility, is the primary boat access between the Ohio border and Erie. Whether you are fishing Erie's main-lake shoreline or one of the large, protected bays, springtime smallmouth movements revolve around the spawn. All Rights Reserved. Check your current regulations book for the exact dates this season. More importantly though, an underwater camera can help you to interpret what you see on your LCD. Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Erie - NYS Dept. of Environmental Lake Erie's Western Basin - Bass Fishing Resource Guide One of the easiest to find is Marina Lake in Presque Isle State Park. From the 1st Saturday in May to the regular season opener of statewide black bass season on 3rd Saturday in June, anglers may take one bass at a minimum of 20 inches per day in Lake Erie and its tributaries. The western basin of Lake Erie plays host to the largest numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass in the lake. The Bassmaster Elite Series also periodically makes tournament stops at our top smallmouth bass fishery and tournament catches are usually spectacular. Given decent fishing conditions, by June western basin anglers should fare well drifting/trolling basin areas out away from the island complexes. Lake Erie PA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Fish over 5 pounds are common and mules over 7 pounds are never out of reach. These active schools of bait can attract dozens of bass and should never be overlooked. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass By The Season I've caught plenty running a Tail Dancer back about 150 feet on thin, braided line. PDF Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots - New York State Department Another major smallmouth structure type is bedrock ledge. Fishing might take place in depths of less than 10 feet, where crankbaits or spinnerbaits can be very effective. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. If you love fishing from shore, this is your time. Bass are found along the entire New York shoreline, with hotspots along rocky structure and drop-offs in 15-35 feet of water. The bass bite is usually best between 20 and 40 feet of water, however bass can be found deeper. In this area of the lake, between Conneaut, Ohio and the Pennsylvania border, an enormous underwater shelf quickly drops from depths in the 25-foot range into 40 feet of water. The best smallmouth bass fishing of the entire year is in the spring on Lake Erie's nearshore reefs, harbors and tributary streams. 0000118104 00000 n Don't let Lake Erie's size or reputation keep you from catching the biggest smallmouth bass of your career. Some especially productive areas include Seneca Shoal, Woodlawn Bar, Myers Reef, Evans Bar and Van Buren Bay. Some of the best, particularly in the summertime, are found at the artificial reefs located in front of Lakewood. The spawn also drives the annual influx of brown bass into Presque Isle Bay. Cast to the fish repeatedly, keeping the lure in front of the fish longer to produce more bites. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 0000145464 00000 n From mid-April into early May, fish start to migrate from wintering areas, which are usually the first major dropoffs adjacent to spawning areas, and begin to stage on underwater points between 15 and 30 feet deep. Look for water that drops from 25 feet down to 35- to 40-foot depths. The daily creel limit is five bass, combined species, with a minimum size of 14 inches. Start with areas that are farthest from the boat ramp and fish your way back, not spending any more that 30 minutes in any one spot. If you use a spinnerbait, start with a single, silver Colorado blade. The best smallmouth bass fishing of the entire year is in the spring on Lake Erie's nearshore reefs, harbors and tributary streams. It's very refreshing to relive past fishing experiences and formulate new game plans, especially when Old Man Winter takes hold and cabin fever sets in. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. When water temperatures reach between 55 and 60 degrees, female bass filter onto the flats and begin to spawn. The key to successful summer smallmouth bass fishing is to locate bottom structure. Contact the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau, 109 Madison Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452; or call (800) 441-1271. This spring bass bite starts in April and lasts through the regular season opener in late June. Pennsylvania's walleye season on Lake Erie begins in early May. There are many baits shops in the Erie area, both on the drive out onto the peninsula, and west and east of the city. St. Clair, sometimes referred to as the "Sixth Great Lake," abuts Metropolitan Detroit and extends into Ontario. "I love it when a plan comes together:" Thomas Allen may have missed a day-starting coffee and chill time, but his planning before a recent turkey hunt in Minnesota had him ready when gobblers showed up earlier than expected, and just before an April winter storm blew in. Many thousands of local and international trophy-seeking anglers ply these waters. Whether you are fishing Erie's main-lake shoreline or one of the large, protected bays, springtime smallmouth movements revolve around the spawn. 0000374113 00000 n However, smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are very widely distributed and are also available to anglers fishing inshore zones with waders, kayaks and other small vessels. Perch populations in central basin waters may be down somewhat. Catching Lake Erie's smallmouth bass can be very challenging, but by doing a little research, keeping good records and incorporating these tips into your fishing, you will soon understand why the waters of Erie are referred to as the best smallmouth bass fishing in North America. Catching Lake Erie's Lunker Smallmouths - Game & Fish Lake Erie, Tributaries & Harbors. The walleye harvest is over 5 million fis To provide a better shopping experience, our website uses cookies. Most smallmouth anglers head west from here to Elk Creek and on to the Ohio border. Depending on wind conditions, Smallie anglers have the availability of fishing both the north and south side of the lake. Smallmouth bass will run up many tributaries along the Lake Erie shoreline, but the most popular (due to number of fish and amount of public access) are Cattaraugus Creek, Eighteen Mile Creek, Canadaway Creek and Chautauqua Creek. Yellow perch and walleye populations are also fine, with several year classes present. Depending on depth, combine a to ounce leadhead jig (3/8 oz. Lake Erie is a smallmouth bass angler's dream come true. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Bed Fishing Trip! #CatchAndRelease - YouTube As Lake Erie waters warm, post-spawn smallmouths move to deeper water zones where they will hold during the summer months (late June through August). As such, it's wise to carry a supply of minnows along even on a walleye trip, and be willing to join the perch pack when things are slow. Perch don't migrate nearly to the extent that walleye do. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. Shale covers most of the near-shore bottom from Fairport eastward to Pennsylvania. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Good locations include Black Rock Canal, Buffalo Harbor and Dunkirk Harbor. The minimum size is 15 inches. Lake Erie is an unbelievable smallmouth bass fishery, arguably the best that North America has to offer. Other artificial lures spend too much time out of the fish-catching zone, but jigs get down fast and stay where the fish are. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. The fish move into more identifiable locations, schooling up in what has become traditional spots close to ports. Whether you're fishing out of your own boat or participating in a charter trip, fishing opportunities abound on Lake Erie. Vermillion can be reached by taking Route 6 west from Cleveland. The bass are seeking areas for spawning as well as to feed on schools of emerald shiners which also move into these warmer areas. Pennsylvania's share of Lake Erie provides two contrasting venues for springtime bass fishing: main-lake areas sandwiched in between Ohio and New York, and the 3,300 acres within Presque Isle Bay. Lake Erie Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2023) - FishingBooker Blog Pennsylvania's share of Lake Erie provides two contrasting venues for springtime bass fishing: main-lake areas sandwiched in between Ohio and New York, and the 3,300 acres within Presque Isle Bay. 32 river miles mapped. One that's smoked first. After ice-out, smallmouth bass begin to seek out areas where water warms up faster than the open lake. Perch anglers can score well by simply moving away from the pack, and watching their sonar for unmolested fish that are either part of that school, or ones pushed to the side due to fishing pressure. Lake St. Clair, Michigan. By May bass will be on the move, leaving the deeper main-lake sanctuaries in favor of shallower zones where they will eventually spawn. There are several launch ramps around the bay. Subscriber Services. Add weight 18 inches in front of the lure to get them down. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Bass concentrations are highest in the mid to lower areas of the streams. Give a Gift To "hover," point the nose of your boat into the wind and use the trolling motor to hold the boat steady off the edge of the drop. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. From late May through late June, fishing is great near shallow reef areas. However, smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are very widely distributed and are also available to anglers fishing inshore zones with waders, kayaks and other small vessels. Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. 0000374305 00000 n Nearly all perch anglers fish from an anchored position, lowering a perch rig (typically a sinker and minnow) to the bottom, and then bringing it back up a few inches. However, many smaller rocky areas along Lake Erie's coast also hold bass. Until mid-June, only one smallmouth or largemouth bass may taken, and it must be over 20 inches. The reef tops out in five to 15 feet, dropping quickly into depths of 25 or so feet. 0000145633 00000 n Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. This area is rich in islands and reefs, many of which attract springtime smallies. There's more than one way to catch big Lake Erie smallmouths, but these 10 tips, gleaned from more than a dozen years of Lake Erie tournament experience, will help you put bigger smallmouths in the boat from Ohio's western basin to Pennsylvania's Safe Harbor area or anywhere in between. They come armed to the gunnels with rods, reels, and tackle set to battle with 10- and 12-pound walleye or 5- and 6-pound smallmouth. Public fishing rights maps for these streams are available for printing. Bottom bouncer sinkers used in concert with 'crawler harnesses excel, especially for bottom-oriented walleyes. They do, but it can be a hit-or-miss affair. This technique is great when you know fish may be found in particular areas. Both are west of the City of Erie. Smallmouth bass are curious creatures and sound can be a major attractant. The shore fishing can be crowded, and the bite inconsistent, but the chance exists for a wallhanger. With the bluffs of Lake Erie's central basin shoreline a mere 2 miles distant, my boat's sonar unit displayed an abundance of arches in the 20- to 30-foot depths. East from Erie in the eastern basin, Northeast Marina is the main boat access off Route 5 about two miles from the New York border. And fish from those below-average spawns will be present and help fuel the walleye fishing, accounting for many of the fish in the low to mid 20-inch range.
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