Your logbook can also make very interesting reading. To give your bait action, slowly lift and drop your rod tip in a jigging motion. This focuses on a section of the Detroit River before it flows into Lake Erie. Consistently productive colors are those that imitate the bass's natural prey items, colors like smoke/charcoal with flecks and greens (baitfish) or browns (crayfish, round goby). Lake Erie's Western Basin - Bass Fishing Resource Guide The rig consists of a hook tied directly to the line with a Palomar knot with hook point facing up and a weight/sinker ( to oz) tied to the end of the line below the hook. When the fish are spread over large areas, drifting allows you to cover water rapidly as you search for cruising or bedded bass. Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. 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. These areas are also good places to retreat to and still catch fish when conditions get rough on the open lake. Central basin perch fishing often gets better as the summer progresses. All of the Lake Erie tributaries are in good fishing shape to start the weekend. The rapidly developing largemouth bass fishery in the western basin's near-shore areas adds another component to the bass picture. The eastern side of the islands area, including Kelleys Island and the nearby shoals, is north from the entrance to Sandusky Bay. This can happen in May. These include Huron, Vermillion, Lorain, Cleveland, Fairport, Geneva, Ashtabula and Conneaut. In this article, we'll cover some top places to fish for all three species in both states. If you opt for a crankbait, start with a fire tiger pattern. Water in these places often has more color. Search the dropoffs surrounding spawning areas for schools of emerald shiners, shad or yellow perch. So, consider the perch pack as a huge marker buoy, and then begin looking for fish off to the side. Bass can be targeted, but none can be kept. PDF Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots - New York State Department It is common for the largest, most dominant fish in an area to feed first, so this technique allows you to catch the best fish t. hat each hotspot has to offer, and can produce several trophy fish in a single day. "The fish will move into really . 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. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. "Last year's hatch, though below average, will also contribute in the years ahead," the biologist added. Items that factor in include fish populations as well as recent harvest, both from sport anglers and commercial fisherman. 32 river miles mapped. Deep points. The spawn also drives the annual influx of brown bass into Presque Isle Bay. Many thousands of local and international trophy-seeking anglers ply these waters. 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. That noted, he said fisheries personnel have been seeing more and more young smallmouth bass, a trend that's been happening for some years. In fact, studies have shown that the invasive gobies have become the major dietary item for Lake Erie smallmouths. Top lures include tube jigs, twister tails or deep diving stickbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. That's a shame because it'll produce super catches of smallies. So, in general, fisheries personnel feel smallmouth numbers are on the increase, though it's difficult to say exactly why, if indeed there is one specific reason. Fishing Lake Erie. If you get a day such as that, don't overlook this spot. This is the place to catch 5-pound smallmouths until your arms get sore, and maybe top the day with a 6- or 7-pound fish. Exits off I-90 to both areas are clearly marked. 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. 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. 0000372855 00000 n Surprisingly excellent fishery within a large, urban area. 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. 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. The artificial reefs near Cleveland are also good springtime brown bass spots. Lake St. Clair, Michigan. For information about area services, contact the Lake County Visitors Bureau, 1610 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, OH 44077, or call (800) 368-LAKE. 5 Tips to Catch Late Season Smallmouth Bass - Wired2Fish Carry a logbook on every fishing trip and jot down any detail of the day that seems relevant. You might also find smallmouths along the harbor breakwaters. The shallow flats near Lake Erie tributaries west of the city, namely Elk Creek and Walnut Creek, traditionally gather up local walleyes in May. Drift fishing also works well. One major exception to lure choices occurs in some of the bays or harbors where springtime smallmouth action starts first. 0000001314 00000 n Light jigs dressed with a small soft-plastic grub are another good choice, and more closely duplicate insect nymphs that perch commonly feed on. Perch don't migrate nearly to the extent that walleye do. Most bass caught are between 2 and 4 pounds, but there is good opportunity to catch a hefty 5 or 6 pound bronzeback. And this kind of action takes place all along the southern shore of the lake, from the western basin east through Pennsylvania. On an LCD unit, these schools will appear as large, dark masses suspended in the water column, directly over the dropoff. Ruggles Reef is a popular smallmouth hotspot here. Fish over 5 pounds are common and mules over 7 pounds are never out of reach. The fisheries manager feels the outlook is excellent for walleyes, and good for yellow perch and black bass as well. Popular areas include Ruggles Reef, offshore and nearshore areas out from Vermillion, Fairport, Ashtabula and Conneaut. He hooked the record fish on a green grub. How quickly this migration takes place depends on the weather of the year essentially, how fast Erie's waters warm up. The best wind direction includes the word "south" in it, and is light. When you are traveling to Lake Erie, plan out two days of incredible smallmouth bass fishing. Pennsylvania's walleye season on Lake Erie begins in early May. Lake Erie fishing in Ohio waters should provide great action this season for bass, walleyes and perch. DetailsThe Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. xbbbe`b``a Tube jigs, drop-shot rigs with soft plastic bodies (ones that mimic round gobies excel), jigging spoons and blade baits can all work when working these deeper ledges. Follow the signs to the park from Interstate Route 90 or Route 5. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. | This provides access to numerous excellent smallmouth hotspots. Fishing Hotspots But main-lake areas are also holding green bass, particularly ones that feature cover that includes submergent vegetation with rocky structure. More importantly though, an underwater camera can help you to interpret what you see on your LCD. The fish move into more identifiable locations, schooling up in what has become traditional spots close to ports. Jigs are generally the top lures for springtime smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, where 'shallow' water might be deeper than the 'deep' water in smaller lakes. Fly anglers do very well drifting or swinging woolly buggers and minnow patterns, especially emerald shiner patterns. Red-brown metal primer paint is excellent for doctoring metal jigs. On calm days, you can see the bottom in 35 feet of water. The bass bite is usually best between 20 and 40 feet of water, however bass can be found deeper. Jigging spoons, vibrating blades and various lead-head jigs can be productive. Bass nests can be in 10 or more feet of water due to the clarity. Smallmouth bass start moving into tributary streams in mid to late April and will stay through May. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. The shore fishing can be crowded, and the bite inconsistent, but the chance exists for a wallhanger. Van Buren Reef/Bay C a u t u q a r e e k Dunkirk Fredonia Brocton Westfield In this situation, casting jigs is usually more effective. Bass fishing is also good in harbor and canal areas in May and early June. One that's smoked first. Target species include smallmouth bass, white bass, sheepshead, and yellow perch. Western basin walleyes can be scattered, so a "cover-the-water" approach is best. Whether you're fishing out of your own boat or participating in a charter trip, fishing opportunities abound on Lake Erie. The bite is often close to shore within a mile or so. Expand All Sections. Rattles work so well that I modify all of my tube jig molds to incorporate a rattle chamber into the heads. Also, be aware of shoreline features such as beaches, riprap walls or gravel banks, which give an indication of what may be below the water's surface. Since these fish are in relatively shallow water around 30 feet it's often possible to catch them without employing devices needed out the 50- to 60-foot depths. Smallmouths invade the shallow water to feed heavily on shiners, smelts, shad, crayfish and, more recently, round gobies. More specifically, between the Ohio line and the mouth of Walnut Creek. ", Best New Baitcasting Rods & Reels for 2022, Backyard Ready: Grilling the Perfect Steak, DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Western Whiskerfish: Trophy Flatheads, Channels, Even Blues, Sweet Streams: 5 Hot Rivers for Midwest Smallies, Spin to Win: Panfish Secrets for Catching Limits on Spinners, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. 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. But this doesn't mean anglers don't target perch. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Good access areas are found at Geneva, Ashtabula and Conneaut. Another major smallmouth structure type is bedrock ledge. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Smallmouth Bass fishing tips Lake Erie Those from the 2015 hatch ranged from 11 to 13 inches. Paul Sacks (248/819-3192) is a well-known local bass angler. Rocky rubble, rubble piles, humps, holes, drop-offs and ledges are all areas that will hold bass. One of the popular launching sites east of Cleveland is at Fairport Harbor. Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. When bass are scattered over spawning flats, drifting is usually the best producer. Oh, sure, there were largemouth populations within embayment areas such as Sandusky Bay. The Keystone State has a special season designed to provide anglers with the opportunity to catch big smallmouths while at the same time protecting the resource. "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. Springtime smallmouth action here usually gets started by mid-April, sometimes sooner. 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. Simply long-lining deep diving crankbaits like the Rapala Deep Tail Dancer, or a Reef Runner, will often get the bait deep enough to catch walleyes. Walleye production was especially strong in 2015, which was the strongest spawn since the record hatch of 2003. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. During most of the year, anglers may keep four bass per day, and the minimum length is 15 inches. 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). Normally less than 6ft of water, drifting, approximately 10ft from shore. May anglers often get into yellow perch just outside the bay, off the lighthouse, in depths ranging from 40 to 50 feet. The Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. Both Presque Isle Bay and the main lake can provide perch action. All maps are printed on tear resistant waterproof paper. 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. Spawning occurs at depths of 4 to 20 feet at water temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually in May. Many anglers, in this part of the lake, switch over to yellow perch as the walleye fishing slows down. The last five New York State record smallmouths have come from Lake Erie, with the current record standing at an impressive 8 pounds, 4 ounces. "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.