** 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 59 to 63 degrees. Western Basin 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 about 10 miles N-NW of the Vermilion River
in the area W of the sandbar, and around Ruggles reef between Huron and
Vermilion. Trolling spoons or worm harnesses using divers 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 NW of Vermilion, 3 to 4 miles NW of Fairport
Harbor in 55 to 58 feet of water, 3 to 4 miles N of Cleveland in 40 to 52
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
Low, clear water in the Lake Erie tributaries has made steelhead fishing
tough. Piers and breakwalls have produced the best action on jigs tipped
with maggots, spinners, spoons and small crankbaits.
Source: ODNR
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