Experiment with water depth, drift speed and lure weight. In fact, studies have shown that the invasive gobies have become the major dietary item for Lake Erie smallmouths. They caught 65 smallmouth bass in two days with 4 fish over 5 pounds. These include two "Cleveland Stadium" reefs, as well as three other artificial reefs found just to the west. Lake Erie - Central Basin East. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. This area is rich in islands and reefs, many of which attract springtime smallies. 32 river miles mapped. The Southeast's Big Three Smallmouth Waters - Game & Fish On an LCD unit, these schools will appear as large, dark masses suspended in the water column, directly over the dropoff. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. Below is a list of fishing hot spots during the spring months in the Central and Western Basin of Lake Erie. In this article, we'll cover some top places to fish for all three species in both states. The reef tops out in five to 15 feet, dropping quickly into depths of 25 or so feet. Often, it's mid-June before main lake brown bass spawn. The best smallmouth bass fishing of the entire year is in the spring on Lake Erie's nearshore reefs, harbors and tributary streams. Record items such as weather conditions, wind direction, locations and depths of catches, GPS coordinates, bottom types and water temperatures. Smallmouth numbers remain stable and provide the opportunity for not only high numbers of fish, but big ones as well. Bedrock flats rarely hold more than a few scattered smallmouths. Embayment fisheries like of Sandusky Bay remain strong. The western basin, which stretches from the mouth of the Detroit River east to the Vermillion River region, is shallow and warms quickly. Spawning occurs at depths of 4 to 20 feet at water temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually in May. targeting humps and ridges that collect smallies. 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. He hooked the record fish on a green grub. 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. Most bass caught are between 2 and 4 pounds, but there is good opportunity to catch a hefty 5 or 6 pound bronzeback. | In fact, perch often make the day when the walleyes are tight lipped. 0 This can happen in May. 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. 2017's regulations can be found on the Ohio Division of Wildlife's webpage at www.wildlife.ohiodnr.gov. However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. Though not as successful as the prior year, 2015's was above average. PDF Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots - New York State Department Concentrate efforts around rocky structure in 15-20 feet of water. In general, basins to the east of the island/reef complexes and river systems (Detroit and Maumee) gather many of the spawning walleyes and are prime spots from late April through May. 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. "So, when you have some years with below-average spawns, you feel it. Both Presque Isle Bay and the main lake can provide perch action. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass - LandBigFish.com 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. With the bluffs of Lake Erie's central basin shoreline a mere 2 miles distant, my boat's sonar unit displayed an abundance of arches in the 20- to 30-foot depths. Smallmouth hotspots off the central basin shoreline are too numerous to mention them all. The rapidly developing largemouth bass fishery in the western basin's near-shore areas adds another component to the bass picture. Don't crowd other boats, but don't be shy either. And this kind of action takes place all along the southern shore of the lake, from the western basin east through Pennsylvania. Perch don't migrate nearly to the extent that walleye do. Fish deep points. Since main lake fish are in a state of transition during the spring, it's important to fish a variety of depths. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. By the end of June most smallmouth will have returned to the big lake, though the bay has a good resident largemouth population. Prior to summer, when fish are still relating to shoreline shallows and incoming flows, check out the possibilities provided by the Rocky, Chagrin and Cuyahoga rivers. Minnows and crayfish are top live bait offerings, but nightcrawlers and leeches will also work. At times like this, look for structure in the 30- to 40-foot depths. 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. Add weight 18 inches in front of the lure to get them down. Subscriber Services. 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. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Smallmouth Bass fishing tips Lake Erie Subscriber Services. 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. To the east, there are dropoffs toward and past the New York border. If you opt for a crankbait, start with a fire tiger pattern. The finest smallmouth bass fishing in New York State and arguably the entire United States can be found in the waters of Lake Erie. Lake Erie Trifecta: Catch More Smallies, Walleyes, Perch 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. Until mid-June, only one smallmouth or largemouth bass may taken, and it must be over 20 inches. The daily limit is set each spring by mid-April, so watch for news releases for this year's creel limit. Deep points. %PDF-1.4 % But there are resident populations of walleyes, plus early migrants, which increases the chances of catching walleyes in Pennsylvania during May. The best method is casting and retrieving of lures. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. As with areas to the west, breakwalls at access sites are worth investigating, particularly on days when the lake is too rough to fish. endstream endobj 42 0 obj <>/Size 13/Type/XRef>>stream Lake Erie is renowned for its rich waters and the bite that keeps on giving. Bass fishing is also good in harbor and canal areas in May and early June. 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. Check your current regulations book for the exact dates this season. 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. Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. The Cleveland metro area provides some good near-shore smallmouth bass opportunities. "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. xb```b``9 00D860a4 qk1b~!1^l` P+s,f;`2k4C =H3E\'~CD Rk" For example, turn west from the harbor about a mile to find an area of rocky humps. 5 Tips to Catch Late Season Smallmouth Bass - Wired2Fish To "hover," point the nose of your boat into the wind and use the trolling motor to hold the boat steady off the edge of the drop. It can be reached by taking exits 6 or 7 from the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), or Route 2, which follows the lakeshore. In central basin waters, Geneva, Ashtabula and Conneaut are all popular ports when the perch are biting. Jigging spoons, vibrating blades and various lead-head jigs can be productive. Smallmouth bass luring Lake Erie anglers: NE Ohio fishing report for Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. A tube jig, hair jig, or soft swimbait, worked down the side of this edge, is often productive. One that's smoked first. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Follow the signs to the park from Interstate Route 90 or Route 5. Lake Erie fishing is one of the most significant angling options in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, summoning folks from far distances seeking its bountiful rewards. Regarding migratory walleyes, it's often the smaller walleyes that show up first in Pennsylvania waters. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Various shades of brown have been productive lately, perhaps because of the shift in the smallmouths' diet to gobies, or perhaps because it resembles crayfish. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing Hotspots Map (710 KB pdf file) Spring. Fly anglers do very well drifting or swinging woolly buggers and minnow patterns, especially emerald shiner patterns. Males will make beds against these large rocks, requiring them to stand guard over just three sides of the nest. Surprisingly excellent fishery within a large, urban area. Consistently productive colors are those that imitate the bass's natural prey items, colors like smoke/charcoal with flecks and greens (baitfish) or browns (crayfish, round goby). Before and after the spawn, smallmouths won't be found far from an easy meal. After spawning, the bass move to the deeper water surrounding their spawning areas to feed and rest before migrating to the deep offshore humps and shoals they call home during the summer and early fall months. Soft plastics such as grubs, worms, baitfish imitations and other creature baits work best when combined with a drop-shot rig. All of the Lake Erie tributaries are in good fishing shape to start the weekend. Underwater cameras are great tools for smallmouth fishermen. To give your bait action, slowly lift and drop your rod tip in a jigging motion. Hartman said this area of Erie, from Huron east to Conneaut, has been in a down cycle, with less consistent recruitment. 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. The previous record, a 9.25-pound smallmouth, was caught on Long Lake. Shore anglers casting large minnowbaits out into the main lake also catch fish. 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. Often, excellent spawning structure may be found around the mouths of the many creeks and rivers that feed the lake. 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. The water will probably be clearer in this area than in the central or western basins. 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. 23 Top Lake Erie Fish Species (Fishable & Non) Lake Erie & Western New York Fishing Hotline - NYS Dept. of Whether you are fishing Erie's main-lake shoreline or one of the large, protected bays, springtime smallmouth movements revolve around the spawn. Tube baits from 3 1/2 to 5 inches long are great for drifting and will perfectly mimic shallow-water prey like crayfish and gobies, drawing strikes from bass that are feeding or guarding nests. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. 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. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Where and How to Fish for Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass: OH Hn=Ua[,?.Z jEs@MZEKIEv8K#rw^q=W~/'/xxj=|77_^o^w?_O./? Lake Erie is an unbelievable smallmouth bass fishery, arguably the best that North America has to offer. Top lures include tube jigs, twister tails or deep diving stickbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Please review the Great Lakes and Tributaries Special Fishing Regulations. Minnow-shaped lures like Rapalas, Storm Thundersticks and Smithwick Rogues produce. Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass By The Season During autumn, smallmouth are found in the same locations and are caught by the same methods as described above for the summer period. 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. The same areas that produce walleyes in the western basin tend to do so for yellow perch as well. Given decent fishing conditions, by June western basin anglers should fare well drifting/trolling basin areas out away from the island complexes. Spawning bass prefer shallow flats close to the shoreline, particularly areas with an erratic bottom consisting of sand, chunk rock and gravel. Unlike walleyes, perch from the record 2003 hatch are now gone.". 6. Your logbook can also make very interesting reading. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. A huge school of walleyes had been relating to it in recent weeks. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? When September comes around, you'll find Eck plying the rocky shallows of Erie. Shallow zones will also hold bass, particularly flats that extend out from incoming streams. This spring bass bite starts in April and lasts through the regular season opener in late June. "We've had four good hatches in a row. All Rights Reserved. Both are west of the City of Erie. And fish from those below-average spawns will be present and help fuel the walleye fishing, accounting for many of the fish in the low to mid 20-inch range. The quickest way to get here from east or west is via Interstate 90, exiting at Painesville. Smallmouths invade the shallow water to feed heavily on shiners, smelts, shad, crayfish and, more recently, round gobies. It's also significant to note that young walleyes, such as those two- and three-year-olds that will be common this summer, tend to stay closer to the shore. There are several ways to catch active bass near dropoffs, but none are as effective and deadly as the "hovering" technique. After ice-out, smallmouth bass begin to seek out areas where water warms up faster than the open lake. This is also true of the north wall of the channel. By simply navigating with your chartplotter and Navionics Maps out from Crystal Beach, you can be fishing in world-class Smallmouth water within minutes. Ohio waters have a catch-and-release season on Lake Erie that runs through late June. Normally less than 6ft of water, drifting, approximately 10ft from shore. Fishing Lake Erie. On calm days, you can see the bottom in 35 feet of water. endstream endobj 14 0 obj <> endobj 15 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]>>/Type/Page>> endobj 16 0 obj <>stream "Last year's hatch, though below average, will also contribute in the years ahead," the biologist added. The Bassmaster Elite Series also periodically makes tournament stops at our top smallmouth bass fishery and tournament catches are usually spectacular. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. 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. Browsing your owner's manual is fine, but the real learning will come through on-the-water experience. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. This great Smallmouth Hotspot is a deep water area along a major breakline in Lake Erie. Smallmouth bass start moving into tributary streams in mid to late April and will stay through May. However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. 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. Live bait combined with a drop-shot rig is another popular method. The bass weighed 9.33 pounds and was 24.50 inches long. 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). Good near-shore bass fishing exists near Lorain, again zeroing in along the rocky ledges that offer bass ambush points to pick off prey. 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. Bass concentrations are highest in the mid to lower areas of the streams. It's not uncommon for there to be separate harvest regulations for western and central basins. Steve and I make a trip to Lake Erie to catch smallmouth bass. 0000374356 00000 n Don't let Lake Erie's size or reputation keep you from catching the biggest smallmouth bass of your career. One major exception to lure choices occurs in some of the bays or harbors where springtime smallmouth action starts first. Bass nests can be in 10 or more feet of water due to the clarity. 0000145464 00000 n The Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. The shallow flats near Lake Erie tributaries west of the city, namely Elk Creek and Walnut Creek, traditionally gather up local walleyes in May. Perch are on the increase, and smallies are caught in the 5-to 6-pound range. If you get a day such as that, don't overlook this spot. Structure includes the basic make-up and configuration of the bottom. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. Try these proven hotspots off the Ohio and Pennsylvania shores for rod-bending action this month. Anglers can also fish inshore with kayaks, waders, or other small floating vessels. These areas are also good places to retreat to and still catch fish when conditions get rough on the open lake. This page is available in other languages, Great Lakes/Niagara River/St. Live bait combined with a drop-shot rig is another popular method. 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. In the central basin walleyes tend to be taken over deeper water, often 50 to 65 feet, out from the Geneva-Ashtabula-Conneaut areas. However, many smaller rocky areas along Lake Erie's coast also hold bass. 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. (Photo by Ron Sinfelt). Smallmouth bass start moving into tributary streams in mid to late April and will stay through May. Zoom in. Naturally, the island areas of the western basin the Bass Islands in particular provide a wealth of rocky, shallow-water habitat. 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. 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. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Whether you're fishing out of your own boat or participating in a charter trip, fishing opportunities abound on Lake Erie. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. The perch picture isn't as bright in central basin waters. Ohio's liberal season also allows bass fishing year-round in Lake Erie. These bass can usually be found on the New York shores in rocky structures with drop-offs. Depending on wind conditions, Smallie anglers have the availability of fishing both the north and south side of the lake. Popular areas include Ruggles Reef, offshore and nearshore areas out from Vermillion, Fairport, Ashtabula and Conneaut. One that's smoked first. The artificial reefs near Cleveland are also good springtime brown bass spots. Central basin smallies, living in a deeper, colder environment, often don't finish spawning until later in June. Anglers must understand basic navigation, carry good charts, and comply with all applicable Coast Guard regulations. How quickly this migration takes place depends on the weather of the year essentially, how fast Erie's waters warm up. "Run and gun" is a term tournament fishermen use to describe the technique of running their boats to specific fish-holding structure, making several casts, and then moving on to another area. Vertical jigging is the ultimate fishing method when smallmouths are in water more than about 20 feet deep. Ruggles Reef is a popular smallmouth hotspot here. ", Best New Baitcasting Rods & Reels for 2022, Backyard Ready: Grilling the Perfect Steak, DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Western Whiskerfish: Trophy Flatheads, Channels, Even Blues, Sweet Streams: 5 Hot Rivers for Midwest Smallies, Spin to Win: Panfish Secrets for Catching Limits on Spinners, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. This pattern is likely to be more pronounced this year than most, because there are a couple good year classes of younger fish. A popular strategy is to be prepared to fish the bay, but venture out into the lake if the winds are light. Some will be legal this summer. Productive lures include jigging spoons, blade baits and spoonbill jerkbaits; however tube jigs, soft plastics and live bait are angler favorites. It might be easier to fish deeper, unless wave action roils the shallows. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. "Yellow perch populations in the western basin currently are as good as we've seen in years," Hartman said. Sometimes the weather of the day will dictate which. 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 fishermen are a gregarious sort, creating "parking lots" of flotillas over perch schools. 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. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The Keystone State has a special season designed to provide anglers with the opportunity to catch big smallmouths while at the same time protecting the resource. One of the easiest to find is Marina Lake in Presque Isle State Park. Boat fishing isn't productive right now because the fish are swarming the shallows. Last year the C&R ran from May 1 through June 24. Most bass caught are between 2 and 4 pounds, but there is good opportunity to catch a hefty 5 or 6 pound bronzeback. 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. The bass bite is usually best between 20 and 40 feet of water, however bass can be found deeper. Lake Erie Bass Island Fishing Map - Jann's Netcraft Cast to the fish repeatedly, keeping the lure in front of the fish longer to produce more bites. Be alert for this year's limits, which will be set by now. Presque Isle Bay gets crowded now. Tournament News & Results Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Redfish and More, Fishing Tackle & Equipment Found In ODU Articles Best Pricing (NEW). Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch offer additional angling opportunities. Information must be accurate and the more details that you can include, the easier it will be to piece the smallmouth puzzle together. Fewer bass are being pulled off nests, perhaps lowering the level of nest predation. From late May through late June, fishing is great near shallow reef areas. Insert glass rattles into soft plastics and use snagless rattling sinkers to add sound to your drop-shot rigs. 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. After spawning, adult smallmouth move to summer foraging areas at water temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, usually by July. 43 0 obj <>stream With all-metal jigs, spoons or vibrating blades, silver has traditionally been the best color. Contact the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau, 109 Madison Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452; or call (800) 441-1271. 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. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. 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. The bass spawn later as you move east, with western basin smallmouth spawning activity peaking in mid-May, the central basin spawn usually peaking in late May, and in the deep, clear waters of the eastern basin, bronzebacks will spawn between early and mid-June. Anglers travel from across the country to fish for Lake Erie bronzebacks. Shale covers most of the near-shore bottom from Fairport eastward to Pennsylvania. It's possible perch are feeding more on aquatic insects due to the decline in the emerald shiner population. Cast the rig or simply let it drop over the side of the boat. This is especially true during summers that lack above average water temperatures. Those from the 2015 hatch ranged from 11 to 13 inches. The length of line between hook and weight can vary from 1 to 5 feet. Go Big or Go Home to Hook Lunker Summer Bass, Make Crawfish Part of Perfect Summertime Meal, Tackle Test 2022: Top Bass Rods & Reels Reviewed, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Backyard Ready: Grilling the Perfect Steak, Click here for more G&F articles about Pennsylvania, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. 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.
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