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Surface temperatures are in the 60's. Western Basin Walleye
The best walleye fishing has been in the triangle between Niagara reef,
Green Island and Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island). The walleye have
generally been near the bottom in 30 to 32 feet of water. Drifting mayfly
rigs and trolling spoons produce the most fish. Walleye above the 15"
minimum size limit have ranged from 16 to 24" with a few larger fish mixed
in. Many of the walleye hatched in 2003 are being caught already. The
yearling walleye range from 5 to 10 inches. 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 near the Marblehead lighthouse, on the
Kelleys Island airport reef, and near Niagara Reef. 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 from Vermilion to Beaver Creek, from
Lorain to Avon Point, 4 to 6 miles NE of Ashtabula in 50 to 60 feet of
water, 8 to 9 miles N of the Chagrin River in 48 to 60 feet of water, and 3
to 6 miles E of Geneva in 50 to 60 feet of water. Trolling spoons and
crankbaits have produced the best catches. Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been best off of the Vermilion River mouth, within
one mile of Lorain, 3 to 4 miles N of Cleveland in 30 to 40 feet of water, 1
to 2 miles out from Geneva to Conneaut in 30 to 40 feet of water, and 2 to 4
miles NW of Fairport in 42 to 52 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 around Fairport, Geneva,
Ashtabula and Conneaut. Jigs tipped with shiners, tube jigs and crankbaits
have been the most productive lures.
Source: ODNR
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