Lake Erie Central Basin

[Fishing Report]

Walleye fishing in the central basin has been excellent. Fish have been caught on Ruggles Reef, 4 to 5 miles N of Lorain, 6 miles N of the Cleveland Crib in 58‘ of water, 8 miles N of Eastlake in 62’ of water, 8 to 10 miles N-NW of Fairport Harbor in 60 to 72’ of water, and 8 to 10 miles N-NW of Geneva in 60 to 72’ of water. Fish have been caught on worm harnesses or monkey puke, bloody nose, watermelon, killer bee and copper/back spoons trolled with dipsy divers or trolled with jet divers off planer boards. Some anglers are also drifting worm harnesses. Fish are suspended and anglers are fishing down 30 to 50'.

Yellow perch fishing has slowed down this past week and just fair catches have been reported. The best areas are less than 2 miles N of Ashtabula in 48-50’ of water, and less 2 miles N of Conneaut in 48-50’ of water. Fish have ranged from 7 to 11 inches. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent on Ruggles Reef between Huron and Vermilion, and along the shoreline from Fairport Harbor to Conneaut in 10 to 25’ 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 N of Eastlake CEI power plant. Anglers are using agitators with white, yellow and green twister tails.

Shore anglers are also reporting good catching of white bass at the Eastlake CEI, Wildwood State Park, Rocky River and Avon Lake piers, using agitators with white, yellow and green twister tails and small spoons.