The lake has calmed down from 5 days of storms and strong winds this past week and normal October fishing patterns can be expected. Be sure to check the latest marine forecast for up-to-date lake conditions.* Western Basin- No walleye fishing reports have been received in the past week. Walleye fishing should improve in the Bass Islands area and in the area between Kelleys Island and the Huron River. Perch fishing in the western basin has continued to be excellent when conditions have allowed. The best areas include the Toledo water intake and West Sister Island, Marblehead stone docks to the Marblehead lighthouse, and 2 to 4 mile NE-E of Kelleys Island in 35 to 45 feet of water. Spreaders tipped with shiners have been most productive for 7 to 12" fish. For smallmouth bass try fishing Kelleys Island shoal, Gull Island shoal, and nearshore areas around the Bass Islands, Kelleys Island and Marblehead. Central Basin- Walleye fishing in the central basin has been best 4 to 6 miles N of Huron to Vermilion in 40 feet of water, and 8 to 15 miles N of Ashtabula to Conneaut in 65 to 75 feet of water. Anglers have been trolling dipsy divers with spoons (most color schemes with copper, blue, gold and fire tiger have been best) for fish from 16 to 28". Yellow perch fishing continues to be excellent in the central basin. Best areas have been Avon Point in 40 to 46 feet of water, Vermilion to Lorain in 40 to 50 feet of water, 4 miles N of Edgewater State Park around the Cleveland water intake crib in 50 feet of water, 2 to 3 miles N of Gordon Park in 43 to 49 feet of water and 3 to 4 miles N from Fairport to Conneaut in 45 to 55 feet of water. Spreaders tipped with shiners are taking fish from 8 to 13". Smallmouth bass have been caught on Ruggles Reef in 15 to 25 feet of water, and in harbor and shoreline areas in 15 to 30 feet of water near Lorain, Conneaut, Ashtabula, Geneva, Fairport and Cleveland. 14 to 18 inch fish have been caught on green tube jigs, crankbaits, jigs tipped with shiners, and crayfish. Anglers are catch steelhead in the Grand River from the short pier in Fairport Harbor up to the Painesville dam, and on the Chagrin River and Conneaut Creek. Anglers are using small spoons, jigs and maggots, and egg (spawn) sacks. Check with local bait shops for up-to-date river conditions.
Source: ODNR
|