Anglers need to take a vertical approach to fishing for summer smallies. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Western Whiskerfish: Trophy Flatheads, Channels, Even Blues, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. 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. Males will make beds against these large rocks, requiring them to stand guard over just three sides of the nest. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. Perch fishing is done directly under the boat, typically with enough weight to get down to the bottom, and a small shiner on a hook (or hooks with a spreader rig). Deep points. If you get a day such as that, don't overlook this spot. Unique places like Erie, Pennsylvania, have days when the weather permits Lake Erie November fishing. The fish will rise to a lure, but rarely dive for one. Subscriber Services. The best areas, again, tend to be the ones to the west of the city. Information about boat launches and local services can be obtained from the Erie County Visitors Bureau, 4424 Milan Road, Suite A (U.S. Route 250), Sandusky, OH 44870, or call (800) 255-3743. Anglers can also fish inshore with kayaks, waders, or other small floating vessels. The drop shot rig has become very popular among Erie bass anglers as an effective way to fish bait just off the bottom. | Keep your lures close to bottom. All Rights Reserved. Walleyes will suspend, so it pays to cover different zones. Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally] or . There's more than one way to catch big Lake Erie smallmouths, but these 10 tips, . Lake Erie - Detroit River Bass Fishing Reports Springtime smallmouth action here usually gets started by mid-April, sometimes sooner. Use tubes. That's a shame because it'll produce super catches of smallies. Work tubes, grubs or drop-shot rigs tipped with shad or goby imitators with the wind. This is a popular tourist destination, with numerous facilities for anglers. Hartman expects 2017's yellow perch fishing to be good, particularly within the waters of the western basin. Try these proven hotspots off the Ohio and Pennsylvania shores for rod-bending action this month. When water temperatures reach between 55 and 60 degrees, female bass filter onto the flats and begin to spawn. Scuba divers tell about being surrounded by 4-pound bass by simply banging two rocks together, so adding noise to your favorite lures could improve your fishing. Lake Erie Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2023) - FishingBooker Blog Boat fishing isn't productive right now because the fish are swarming the shallows. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Folks trolling these areas, particularly at night, often score on walleyes, including some big ones. 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. It's possible perch are feeding more on aquatic insects due to the decline in the emerald shiner population. The walleye harvest is over 5 million fish annually! More specifically, between the Ohio line and the mouth of Walnut Creek. Presque Isle Bay gets crowded now. As such, walleye fishing within the western basin tends to wane as summer progresses, while the action in the central basin, from the Huron area eastward, picks up later in July and August. Soft plastics such as grubs, worms, baitfish imitations and other creature baits work best when combined with a drop-shot rig. 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. I hoped the picture on the sonar screen meant they were still here. If you love fishing from shore, this is your time. The Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. Often, excellent spawning structure may be found around the mouths of the many creeks and rivers that feed the lake. Detroit River MI Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots Map (710 KB pdf file). By simply navigating with your chartplotter and Navionics Maps out from Crystal Beach, you can be fishing in world-class Smallmouth water within minutes. But this doesn't mean anglers don't target perch. Productive lures used by spinning anglers include stickbaits, crankbaits and other lures that imitate minnows/shiners. One that's smoked first. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. Traditional offerings such as spinner/'crawler rigs bumped along the bottom will take their share of fish. One that's smoked first. Lake Erie is an unbelievable smallmouth bass fishery, arguably the best that North America has to offer. 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. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass - LandBigFish.com *Fishing license issued by Seneca Nation needed to fish on reservation. 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. The perch picture isn't as bright in central basin waters. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Live bait combined with a drop-shot rig is another popular method. %PDF-1.4 % 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. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass By The Season Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. This can be done by either trolling or drifting. Vermillion can be reached by taking Route 6 west from Cleveland. This can happen in May. In fact, studies have shown that the invasive gobies have become the major dietary item for Lake Erie smallmouths. 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. It's not uncommon to catch several fish in one area, so when you catch a fish, mark the area with a buoy and drift it several times. Supporting a diverse fishery comprised of both warmwater and coldwater species, Erie provides anglers great fishing for smallmouth bass, walleyes and yellow perch upon the arrival of spring. %%EOF Top lures include tube jigs, twister tails or deep diving stickbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Followers 1062 Catches 83 Spots 22. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. This spring bass bite starts in April and lasts through the regular season opener in late June. A "parking lot" of anchored boats is indicative of a school of biting perch. Cast the rig or simply let it drop over the side of the boat. Target species include smallmouth bass, white bass, sheepshead, and yellow perch. But from mid-April through mid-June, when spawning smallmouths are most vulnerable, anglers may keep one fish per day, and the minimum length is 20 inches. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. 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. 10 Tips For Taking Lake Erie Smallmouths - Game & Fish The Southeast's Big Three Smallmouth Waters - Game & Fish 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. Another major smallmouth structure type is bedrock ledge. Contact the Erie County Visitors Bureau for local information. Subscriber Services. Anglers have year round bass fishing opportunities on Lake Erie. Most bass caught are between 2 and 4 pounds, but there is good opportunity to catch a hefty 5 or 6 pound bronzeback. Naturally, the island areas of the western basin the Bass Islands in particular provide a wealth of rocky, shallow-water habitat. Continuing use of the site implies consent. May is the best month for Lake Erie smallmouth fishing because the bass will be in relatively shallow water, and they tend to be aggressive during this pre-spawn period. If you use a spinnerbait, start with a single, silver Colorado blade. Experiment with water depth, drift speed and lure weight. xb```b``9 00D860a4 qk1b~!1^l` P+s,f;`2k4C =H3E\'~CD Rk" This provides access to numerous excellent smallmouth hotspots. 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. DetailsThe Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. 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. Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania Rocky rubble, rubble piles, humps, holes, drop-offs and ledges are all areas that will hold bass. As with areas to the west, breakwalls at access sites are worth investigating, particularly on days when the lake is too rough to fish. The basic progression of fish concentrations is tributaries (April-May), harbors and canals (May), open lake reefs and shoals (May-June). Where and How to Fish for Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass: OH When using this technique, mark the edge of the drop with a buoy. From late May through late June, fishing is great near shallow reef areas. It wasn't long ago that a discussion of Lake Erie's bass numbers was specifically aimed at smallmouth. Key areas within Presque Isle Bay include the edge of the shipping channel that runs from the bay's mouth (located at its eastern end) to the Port of Erie. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. From a fish population standpoint, all three premier species appear to be in good shape. Smallmouth hotspots off the central basin shoreline are too numerous to mention them all. Every model of LCD is different, so get familiar with the functions of your particular unit. Reel in the slack line so you can directly feel the weight on the bottom and any strike on your bait. 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. Smallmouths invade the shallow water to feed heavily on shiners, smelts, shad, crayfish and, more recently, round gobies. The quickest way to get here from east or west is via Interstate 90, exiting at Painesville. Male fish cruise the spawning flats in search of prime bedding locations, which are usually found in depths between 10 and 20 feet, while the larger females feed heavily in the deeper water surrounding the flats. Do It CNC Pro Series Soft Plastic Lure Molds, Live Bait Traps/Storage, Minnow Buckets, Aerators, Do-It Pro Series CNC Soft Plastic Lure Molds, Do-It Essential Series Soft Plastic Molds, FISHING HOT SPOTS MAP-LAKE ERIE BASS ISLANDS AREA. Lake Erie, Tributaries & Harbors. You'd never guess it's the shallowest of the Great Lakes! Bass fishing is also good in harbor and canal areas in May and early June. However, many smaller rocky areas along Lake Erie's coast also hold bass. Central basin shorelines from Cleveland east to the state line all offer areas of rocky near-shore ledges and humps that hold summertime bass. Whether you're fishing out of your own boat or participating in a charter trip, fishing opportunities abound on Lake Erie. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. The water will probably be clearer in this area than in the central or western basins. Give a Gift When you are traveling to Lake Erie, plan out two days of incredible smallmouth bass fishing. Even though lake-wide walleye action is driven, in general, by the summer's west-to-east fish movement, central basin waters have local fish, and account for some of the early summer action. The best method is casting and retrieving of lures. Top lures include tube jigs, twister tails or deep diving stickbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. 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. 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 St. Clair is a tremendous smallmouth fishery and is no secret to locals, but on a regional or national level, it gets overshadowed by Lake Erie. Lake Erie PA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Western basin walleyes can be scattered, so a "cover-the-water" approach is best. Because of Lake Erie's ever changing water clarity and food supply, tactics to catch bass vary as well. He hooked the record fish on a green grub. OHIO The bottom of the western basin is mostly vast expanses of silt and sand. To give your bait action, slowly lift and drop your rod tip in a jigging motion. The walleye harvest is over 5 million fish annually! Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots Map (PDF). One that's smoked first. Unlike young walleye and yellow perch which inhabit off-shore areas accessible to the agency's open water trawl efforts young smallmouth bass frequent near-shore shallows. Jigs tossed up on the flat, as well as suspending jerkbaits, often excel when targeting the adjacent shallow flat. Unlike walleyes, perch from the record 2003 hatch are now gone.". Subscriber Services. 43 0 obj <>stream In fact, perch often make the day when the walleyes are tight lipped. "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. 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. xref Items that factor in include fish populations as well as recent harvest, both from sport anglers and commercial fisherman. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Until mid-June, only one smallmouth or largemouth bass may taken, and it must be over 20 inches. The Bassmaster Elite Series also periodically makes tournament stops at our top smallmouth bass fishery and tournament catches are usually spectacular. Depending on depth, combine a to ounce leadhead jig (3/8 oz. 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). Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. The fish move into more identifiable locations, schooling up in what has become traditional spots close to ports. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Rocky rubble, rubble piles, humps, holes, drop-offs and ledges are all areas that will hold bass. Those from the 2015 hatch ranged from 11 to 13 inches. Main-lake anglers should be prepared to work depths from 30 feet to 5 feet. As far as western basin largemouths go, the areas around Marblehead and Catawba have been especially productive. The waters of Lake Erie proper warm slowly. Lake Erie Bass Island Fishing Map - Jann's Netcraft This is especially true during summers that lack above average water temperatures. The Reef complex to the west of the islands near Camp Perry holds May bass. Port Clinton is a good starting point for exploring the Bass Islands area and the complex of reefs to the northwest. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. One major exception to lure choices occurs in some of the bays or harbors where springtime smallmouth action starts first. The truth is, this fishery is all that and so much more. The previous record, a 9.25-pound smallmouth, was caught on Long Lake. Bass can be targeted, but none can be kept. 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. Since you'll likely need to stop by to pick up a bucket of minnows, ask about where the perch are biting. But the largemouth fishery has been in expansion for several years, so much so that now that it's common to catch western basin largemouths within main-lake areas, ones that previously displayed a smallmouths-only sign. A depth of 15-35 feet is usually ideal. All Rights Reserved. 0000067841 00000 n Most smallmouth experts agree that Lake Erie's island area is the best of the best. Popular areas include Ruggles Reef, offshore and nearshore areas out from Vermillion, Fairport, Ashtabula and Conneaut. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The bite is often close to shore within a mile or so. That experience happened three years after the record walleye hatch of 2003, the start of several years of exceptional walleye fishing on Erie. 0000000916 00000 n These folks often have the latest word on the perch bite. Yellow perch and walleye populations are also fine, with several year classes present. Yellow perch gang up in schools, and tend to attract plenty of angler attention. Some of the better areas are inside the harbor entrance near the mouth of Misery Bay, outside Marina Bay, and several rocky areas on the Erie side of the bay west from Dobbins Landing. Rocky rubble, a jumble of rocks of various sizes and shapes, is the best bottom type. 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. Bedrock flats rarely hold more than a few scattered smallmouths. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. All of the Lake Erie tributaries are in good fishing shape to start the weekend. These active schools of bait can attract dozens of bass and should never be overlooked. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Anglers must understand basic navigation, carry good charts, and comply with all applicable Coast Guard regulations. The use of natural baits is permitted during Lake Eries early bass season. Straddling the border between the US and Canada, this impressive body of water is over 240 miles long and is a dream come true for just about everyone. Perch populations in central basin waters may be down somewhat. Typically, once the walleye spawn is complete the fish will scatter out from the shallows and feed heavily in the nearby deeper basins that run 20 to 25 feet deep. In windy conditions, a drift sock will help to slow your drift. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Whether you launch from the shores of Pennsylvania or Ohio, you'll have some great places to fish for smallmouth bass, walleyes and yellow perch. Normally less than 6ft of water, drifting, approximately 10ft from shore. Concentrate efforts around rocky structure in 15-20 feet of water. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Anglers travel from across the country to fish for Lake Erie bronzebacks. Try spoons. 0000045201 00000 n Perch are on the increase, and smallies are caught in the 5-to 6-pound range. Consistent perch production of late, combined with the fast growth rates of Lake Erie, should combine to provide western basin anglers with good numbers as well as size structure of yellow perch. All maps are printed on tear resistant waterproof paper. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots Map (710 KB pdf file) Spring. Central basin smallies, living in a deeper, colder environment, often don't finish spawning until later in June. However, many smaller rocky areas along Lake Eries coast also hold bass. 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. Some especially productive areas include Seneca Shoal, Woodlawn Bar, Myers Reef, Evans Bar and Van Buren Bay. The finest smallmouth bass fishing in New York State and arguably the entire United States can be found in the waters of Lake Erie. Whether you are fishing Erie's main-lake shoreline or one of the large, protected bays, springtime smallmouth movements revolve around the spawn. 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. 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. 0000001682 00000 n The fishing in the central basin is quite like that of Pennsylvania waters, i.e. Lake Erie's Western Basin - Bass Fishing Resource Guide Given the high numbers of western basin perch, it should be a good summer. However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. As noted, younger walleyes, such as those from the 2014 and 2015 hatches, tend to stay tighter to shore. But main-lake areas are also holding green bass, particularly ones that feature cover that includes submergent vegetation with rocky structure. 1. On both Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, from mid-April until mid-June, only one smallmouth bass of at least 20 inches can be creeled. Zoom in. The drop shot rig has become very popular among Erie bass anglers as an effective way to fish bait just off the bottom. 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. Public fishing rights maps for these streams are available for printing. 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.
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