Lake Erie Fishing Report: May 14, 2003 Western Basin- Strong winds over the past week have limited most fishing to near shore areas. When conditions have allowed, walleye fishing has been best on the reef complex near Port Clinton, west of Green and Rattlesnake Islands, and northwest of Kelley's Island. Jigs tipped with shiners are still producing some limits on the reef complex, with chartreuse and purple being the most popular jig colors. Around the islands most walleye have been caught by drifting bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses with gold blades. The majority of walleye caught have ranged from 19 to 23", with a few fish around 30". The area between Marblehead and Kelley's Island has continued to be the best spot for yellow perch, with some also being caught between Green Island and Clinton Reef. 7 to 13" fish are being caught using spreaders tipped with shiners. Smallmouth bass between 15 and 20" have been caught around many of the western basin islands, with Kelley's Island and South Bass Island being the best areas. Brown salted tube jigs have been the most productive. Central Basin- Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good near Lorain, Vermillion and Conneaut. Best areas have been within one mile of shore, with most of the fish caught measuring 14" and over. The best lures to catch smallmouth in the central basin have been tube jigs or blade baits. Yellow perch are being caught in the area 2 miles northwest of Vermillion. Spreaders tipped with shiners have been the most productive. Walleye fishing should continue to improve as conditions allow. Some fish are already being caught on near Ruggles Reef by trolling crankbaits.
Source: ODNR
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