Fishing Erie Fishing Reports

Staff Reporter

Though rough lake conditions curtailed Lake Erie fishing in the latter part of this week, there has been a definite improvement in fishing.

Walleye have been hitting well. Starting near the Ohio border and continuing to near Walnut Creek, walleye have been hitting in depths of about 75 feet in the Second Trench. Start fishing about 50 feet down. Walleye off that same stretch of shoreline also have been hitting from 48 feet to 65 feet, but these have mostly been smaller walleye. Walleye have been hitting well around the Point from 60 feet to 70 feet. From Shades Beach to North East, troll depths of 45 feet to 63 feet. Also try the outside of the mountain at 70 feet to 90 feet along this same stretch. Off North East, troll 10 colors of leadcore line plus 2 ounces of lead from 85 feet to 90 feet. Some walleye also have been caught using Dipsy Divers 175 feet back, and downriggers. The object is to put lures just above the thermocline. Walleye have moved a little closer to shore in the Dunkirk area, in depths of 50 feet to 70 feet.

Some perch have been caught from the Elk Creek area to Walnut Creek at 50 feet to 55 feet. Most of that has been before 9:30 a.m. Some of the better recent perch fishing has been just west from the buoy a couple miles off the Lighthouse, at a depth of 63 feet. A good portion of these perch are 10 inches to 11 inches. Try fishing at 59 feet off the white tower near Shades Beach. Perch fishing has been very spotty east of this area.

Steelhead have been caught by walleye trollers in the deeper water. Try 70 feet to 72 feet down over a 95-foot bottom off North East. Some creek mouths are open even though stream flows are low. But the water is too warm for steelhead. Be patient.

Many more than usual channel catfish have been caught inside the Mountain. Some have been large.

Some anglers have been hitting smallmouth bass quite well around 35 feet in the North East area.

Fishing has been slow in Presque Isle Bay. Some sunfish and largemouth bass have been caught. Try night fishing for crappie from the West Pier or the East Pier. Do not expect a lot of action.

Water is very warm at inland lakes. Fishing should pick up very soon when we get cool nights and daytime high temperatures in the low 70s and 60s.

Pymatuning Lake has been enjoying a good summer of muskie fishing. Some crappie have been caught at night along the Causeway. Channel catfish are hitting very well.

Sunfish have been the only fish reported by anglers at Lake Wilhelm. The water temperature has cooled a few degrees, which is a very good sign.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Lake Erie Bait and Tackle, 317 Peninsula Drive, 790-5728

Elk Creek Sports Store, 10543 Old Lake Road, Lake City, 774-8755

Poor Richards Bait & Tackle, 6821 West Lake Road, 474-5623

Perch Pirate, foot of State Street, East Slip, 746-5809

Edward John Perch Fishing, East Canal Basin, State Street, 881-7611

East End Angler, 4702 East Lake Road, 898-3474

FishUSA.com, 6960 West Ridge Road, Fairview PA 16415, 800-922-1219

Edinboro Outdoors, 211 Mill Street, Edinboro, PA 16412; 814-734-4727

Poffs Place, Route 285 and Perry Drive, Espyville, PA 16424; 724-927-2462

Richters, 2936 Williams Field Road, Jamestown, PA; 724-932-5372

Hogans Hut, 3503 Old Bridge Road, Stowe, NY 14785, 716-789-2148