Lake Erie - Central Basin

[Fishing Report]

Walleye fishing in the central basin has been good. Fish have been caught three miles offshore from Vermilion to Lorain, five miles north of Cleveland in 42 to 48 feet of water, six miles north of the Wildwood State Park in 60 to 64 feet of water, two to four miles northeast of Fairport Harbor in 45 to 65 feet of water, and two to four miles northwest of Geneva in 50 to 65 feet of water. Fish have been caught on worm harnesses or bloody nose, watermelon, killer bee and copper back spoons trolled with dipsy or jet divers. Fish are suspended and anglers are fishing down 20 to 40 feet.

Yellow perch fishing has been excellent less than one mile out of Lorain, two miles north of Willowick in 38 feet of water, two miles north of Bratenal in 32 to 35 feet, two miles northeast of Ashtabula in 24 to 36 feet of water, two miles north of Conneaut in 36 to 42 feet of water. Fish have ranged from seven to 11 inches. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish. Shore anglers are catching yellow perch at Mentor Headlands pier and Fairport Harbor pier. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners.

Smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent from Fairport Harbor to Perry in 10 to 24 feet of water. Fish have been caught on tube jigs, jigs tipped with minnows or leeches, or by trolling crankbaits.

White bass fishing has been good 1/2 mile north of Eastlake CEI power plant. Anglers are using agitators with white jigs.

Shore anglers are catching white bass at the Eastlake CEI pier using agitators with white/yellow twistertails and small spoons