** The 15" walleye minimum size limit remains in effect for the entire season. Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for trout and salmon on Lake Erie and its tributaries is 2, beginning September 1 through May 15, 2005. The minimum size limit is 12 inches.** Surface temperatures range from 60 to 66 degrees. Western Basin Recent winds have greatly reduced water clarity in the western basin of Lake Erie. Angling effort was very low over the past week. Walleye Most walleye fishing effort has shifted to the sandbar area between Huron and Avon. As water temperatures drop shallow nearshore areas and reefs around the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island will produce walleye. Troll crankbaits or spoons during low light periods for best results. Yellow Perch The best fishing has been from W of Rattlesnake Island N to the US/Canada border, near the Marblehead lighthouse, E of Kelleys Island, and near "C" can of the US/Canada border NE of Kelleys Island. Fish just off the bottom using perch spreaders tipped with shiners. Smallmouth Bass The best smallmouth bass fishing has been on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range, around the Bass Islands, Kelleys Island and Sandusky Bay. Use tube jigs, drop shot rigs with goby imitations, soft craws or shiners for best results. Central Basin Walleye The best walleye fishing has been N of the sandbar, W of the N end of the sandbar, around Ruggles reef between Huron and Vermilion, and 6 to 7 miles N of Ashtabula in 68 feet of water. Trolling spoons or worm harnesses using divers or downriggers and also trolling crankbaits have produced the best catches. Yellow Perch Yellow perch fishing has been best 2 miles NE of Lorain, E of the middle of the sandbar, 1 to 2 miles N of Vermilion, 3 miles NW of Fairport Harbor in 50 to 55 feet of water, 4 to 5 miles N of Cleveland and Eastlake in 42 to 56 feet of water, and 4 to 5 miles N of Ashtabula in 60 to 65 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 Avon. Use tube jigs, drop shot rigs with goby imitations, soft craws or shiners for best results. Steelhead Steelhead are present in most of the Lake Erie tributaries. Low water levels in the rivers could make fishing conditions tough. Concentrate on areas with the deepest water and fish during low light periods. Spawn bags or jigs tipped with maggots will produce the best results.
Source: ODNR
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