LAKE ERIE - Western Basin

[Fishing Report]

Fishing effort directed towards walleye has greatly decreased as western basin anglers are switching to perch fishing. As the lake recovers from dirty waters, walleye fishing should improve. Some success has been reported N of B and C cans and N of Rattlesnake Island. Drifters are using mayfly rigs or weight forward spinners, while most trollers are using worm harnesses or spoons with jet or dipsy divers.

Yellow perch fishing is improving in the Western Basin and should improve as we head into fall. Over the past week the Toledo water intake, B and C cans, Niagra Reef, Green Island, Rattlesnake Island, the Bass Islands, and Kelley's Island have all produced some limit catches. High winds and turbid waters could affect catches. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish. Yellow perch are averaging 8" long.

Smallmouth bass should start moving shallower as water temperatures drop heading into fall. Fish rocky drop-offs and reefs around the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island, along with nearshore areas from Catawba Island to Sandusky Bay, to find active fish. Tube jigs and drop shot rigs with goby imitations are the most popular set-ups for smallmouth.