A "parking lot" of anchored boats is indicative of a school of biting perch. Lake Erie, Tributaries & Harbors. He hooked the record fish on a green grub. However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. Detroit River MI Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots The latest Lake Erie fishing information is recorded weekly and is available by calling 1-888-HOOKFISH. Tournament News & Results Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Redfish and More, Fishing Tackle & Equipment Found In ODU Articles Best Pricing (NEW). trailer Public fishing rights maps for these streams are available for printing. Anglers travel from across the country to fish for Lake Erie bronzebacks. Bass concentrations are highest in the mid to lower areas of the streams. Take Dutch Road or Manchester Road off Route 5 to this area. 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. Fish over 5 pounds are common and mules over 7 pounds are never out of reach. This pattern is likely to be more pronounced this year than most, because there are a couple good year classes of younger fish. Below is a list of fishing hot spots during the spring months in the Central and Western Basin of Lake Erie. Popular areas include Ruggles Reef, offshore and nearshore areas out from Vermillion, Fairport, Ashtabula and Conneaut. | 32 river miles mapped. Underwater cameras are great tools for smallmouth fishermen. 0000368827 00000 n "I'm optimistic about this year's bass fishing on Erie," noted Hartman. Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch offer additional angling opportunities. DetailsThe Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. Unlike walleyes, perch from the record 2003 hatch are now gone.". Shale and rubble bottoms are scattered along the coast. 23 Top Lake Erie Fish Species (Fishable & Non) Consistently successful smallmouth fishermen fully understand their LCD fish-finder, which can be used to identify prime bass structure, baitfish or schools of bass. The smallmouth bass fishing has been heating up around the Lake Erie Islands this week, with tournament anglers last weekend weighing some trophy bass as the big females begin to move shallow to . 0000372307 00000 n All Rights Reserved. Where and How to Fish for Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass: OH | 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. 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. Jigs tossed up on the flat, as well as suspending jerkbaits, often excel when targeting the adjacent shallow flat. 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. %%EOF Spawning occurs at depths of 4 to 20 feet at water temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually in May. 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. Insert glass rattles into soft plastics and use snagless rattling sinkers to add sound to your drop-shot rigs. 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. Water in this bay generally has more color than the open lake water, so be prepared to fish in water less than 10 feet deep. The 2014 walleye hatch was the strongest since 2003. 0000374356 00000 n The fish will rise to a lure, but rarely dive for one. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Look for water that drops from 25 feet down to 35- to 40-foot depths. 0000372855 00000 n In Lake Erie, finding smallmouth bass is a matter of finding the right bottom structure. Anglers can enjoy an early bass season on Lake Erie to take advantage of the great fishing available for smallmouth bass during spring. Van Buren Reef/Bay C a u t u q a r e e k Dunkirk Fredonia Brocton Westfield If you opt for a crankbait, start with a fire tiger pattern. Erie walleyes tend to suspend off the bottom, particularly during periods of stable weather. 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. | Check your 2017 Rules and Regulations book for the exact dates. The use of natural baits is permitted during Lake Eries early bass season. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Bed Fishing Trip! #CatchAndRelease - YouTube Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally] or . Most smallmouth anglers head west from here to Elk Creek and on to the Ohio border. Contact the Erie County Visitors Bureau for local information. At times like this, look for structure in the 30- to 40-foot depths. The drop shot rig has become very popular among Erie bass anglers as an effective way to fish bait just off the bottom. When using this technique, mark the edge of the drop with a buoy. This area is rich in islands and reefs, many of which attract springtime smallies. Perch populations in central basin waters may be down somewhat. Try a variety of depths when fishing near the reefs to determine the depth the bass are using that day. 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. In this article, we'll cover some top places to fish for all three species in both states. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. The depth of their summering area depends on water clarity, available forage, and weather. The spawn also drives the annual influx of brown bass into Presque Isle Bay. 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. So, consider the perch pack as a huge marker buoy, and then begin looking for fish off to the side. Yellow perch fishing in the western basin is generally rolling by June, and continues throughout the summer. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. 5 Tips to Catch Late Season Smallmouth Bass - Wired2Fish Normally less than 6ft of water, drifting, approximately 10ft from shore. Most smallmouth experts agree that Lake Erie's island area is the best of the best. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. The rapidly developing largemouth bass fishery in the western basin's near-shore areas adds another component to the bass picture. 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. 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. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. In fact, sometimes the fall smallmouth fishing quality exceeds the summertime experience. If you love fishing from shore, this is your time. Often, it's mid-June before main lake brown bass spawn. Main-lake anglers should be prepared to work depths from 30 feet to 5 feet. Browsing your owner's manual is fine, but the real learning will come through on-the-water experience. The water in this section of the lake warms quicker, so the bass should be further along in the spawn by June, perhaps even in the post-spawn period. Here's a look at the current picture for these three premier Lake Erie species, as well as how and where to catch them this summer. On Lake Erie, rocky points between 30 and 45 foot consistently hold smallmouth bass from mid October into November. 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). Jigging spoons, vibrating blades and various lead-head jigs can be productive. Walleye production was especially strong in 2015, which was the strongest spawn since the record hatch of 2003. The drop shot rig has become very popular among Erie bass anglers as an effective way to fish bait just off the bottom. Normal Topic; Hot Topic (More than 15 replies) Very Hot Topic (More than 25 replies) Locked Topic; Sticky Topic; As noted, younger walleyes, such as those from the 2014 and 2015 hatches, tend to stay tighter to shore. 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. Structure includes the basic make-up and configuration of the bottom. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Silt covers most of the bottom of the central basin, which extends from the islands area eastward into Pennsylvania. This turns out to be a bed fishing trip and one of the best trips on the big pond of my life.. 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). These bass can usually be found on the New York shores in rocky structures with drop-offs. As explained in the Lake page, much of the fishing for smallmouth bass is in Lake Erie. Drift fishing also works well. The fish move into more identifiable locations, schooling up in what has become traditional spots close to ports. Follow the signs to the park from Interstate Route 90 or Route 5. Please review the Great Lakes and Tributaries Special Fishing Regulations. Anglers need to take a vertical approach to fishing for summer smallies. More importantly though, an underwater camera can help you to interpret what you see on your LCD. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. 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. When the fish are spread over large areas, drifting allows you to cover water rapidly as you search for cruising or bedded bass. Depending on depth, combine a to ounce leadhead jig (3/8 oz. Boat ramps are available in the Vermillion River. ", "Yellow perch are shorter lived than walleyes," Hartman explained. Western basin walleyes can be scattered, so a "cover-the-water" approach is best. The drop shot rig can be used to fish with live bait, soft plastics and even tube jigs (hooked through the nose of tube). Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. targeting humps and ridges that collect smallies. The success of walleye hatches varies greatly on Lake Erie, the reasons for which remain somewhat of a mystery. Smallmouth Bass (Shutterstock image) PENNSYLVANIA SMALLMOUTH HOTSPOTS. 0 The Southeast's Big Three Smallmouth Waters - Game & Fish Rocky rubble, rubble piles, humps, holes, drop-offs and ledges are all areas that will hold bass. Often, excellent spawning structure may be found around the mouths of the many creeks and rivers that feed the lake. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. Don't let Lake Erie's size or reputation keep you from catching the biggest smallmouth bass of your career. These areas are also good places to retreat to and still catch fish when conditions get rough on the open lake. Live bait combined with a drop-shot rig is another popular method. These units also allow anglers to easily distinguish between several types of hard and soft bottoms, which is important because smallmouth bass spend more than 90 percent of their time over some type of hard bottom. 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. As far as western basin largemouths go, the areas around Marblehead and Catawba have been especially productive. But main-lake areas are also holding green bass, particularly ones that feature cover that includes submergent vegetation with rocky structure. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. 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). However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. All Rights Reserved. "We've had four good hatches in a row. These areas are also good places to retreat to and still catch fish when conditions get rough on the open lake. 0000372466 00000 n Minnows and crayfish are top live bait offerings, but nightcrawlers and leeches will also work. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Good locations include Black Rock Canal, Buffalo Harbor and Dunkirk Harbor.