ODNR Lake Erie Fishing Report 7/16/03: Western Basin, OH,
Fishing Report Posted: July 16, 2003

The best walleye fishing in the past week has been in the area NW of West Sister Island in 30 feet of water and also on the reef complex in 8 to 16 feet of water. Best methods have included casting weapons or drifting bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses, and trolling blue, pink, copper or chartreuse spoons. Fish have ranged from 14 to 22".

Yellow perch fishing has been best N of Kelleys Island in 30 feet of water and N of the Marblehead lighthouse in 30 feet of water. Spreaders tipped with shiners have been most productive for 7 to 11" fish.

The east side of Kelleys Island and the Bass Islands have produced the best smallmouth bass catches. Tube jigs have been used to catch fish between 15 and 20". Catches of largemouth bass have been reported in East Harbor.