ODNR Fishing Report 07/20/2004: OH

Article Posted: July 20, 2004

Brought to you by FishLakeErie.com


[ Return to Lake Erie Articles and News ]

** The 15" walleye minimum size limit remains in effect for the entire
season. The smallmouth and largemouth bass season opened on June 26. The
daily bag limit for bass is 5 with a 14" minimum size limit.**

Surface temperatures are in the lower 70's.

Western Basin

Walleye
The best walleye fishing has been in the area near the US/Canada border
south of Middle Sister Island to "G" can, and from Middle Sister Island to
the Turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel. Drifting mayfly rigs
and trolling spoons or worm harnesses produce the most fish. Walleye
hatched in 2003 (ranging in size from 5 to 10 inches) are already being
caught. Please handle these sub-legal fish as gently as possible and
quickly return them to the water.

Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been best at the Kelleys Island airport reef and
around Ballast Island. Fish just off the bottom using perch spreaders
tipped with shiners.

Smallmouth Bass
The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around the Bass Islands, Kelleys
Island and Sandusky Bay.

Central Basin

Walleye
The best walleye fishing has been N of Lorain east of the sandbar, 7 to 13
miles N of Ashtabula in 72 to 77 feet of water, and 8 to 9 miles N of the
Chagrin River in 52 to 70 feet of water. Trolling spoons or worm harnesses
using divers or downriggers has produced the best catches.

Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been best 3 to 4 miles N of Cleveland in 45 to 55
feet of water, 3 to 4 miles NW of Fairport Harbor in 55 feet of water, and 6
to 7 miles N of Conneaut in 66 feet of water. A perch spreader tipped with
shiners is the most popular set-up.

Smallmouth Bass
The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around Ruggles Reef and the
shoreline and harbors in 15 to 30 feet of water from Fairport Harbor to
Conneaut. Jigs tipped with shiners, tube jigs and crankbaits have been the
most productive lures.

Steelhead
Steelhead have been caught 9 to 10 miles N of Fairport Harbor in 65 to 70
feet of water. Target areas with schools of baitfish where walleye are also
being caught.



Source: ODNR






FishLakeErie.com is a Trademark of Great Lakes Angler Online All rights reserved
Copyrights © 2000 Great Lakes Angler Online  All rights reserved
GLAO.com