** 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 52 to 57 degrees. Western Basin Walleye
Most walleye fishing effort has shifted to the area between Huron and
Lorain. As water temperatures drop shallow nearshore areas and reefs
around the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island will produce walleye. Troll
or cast crankbaits 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, E of Kelleys Island, and N of Gull Island shoal. 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 from W of the sandbar to Huron, and
nearshore between Huron and Vermilion. As temperatures drop nearshore
fishing opportunities should improve. 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, within 3 miles of Vermilion, 3 miles NW of Fairport
Harbor in 50 to 52 feet of water, 3 to 4 miles N of Cleveland in 40 to
52 feet of water, and 4 miles N of Ashtabula in 55 to 60 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. Use tube
jigs, drop shot rigs with goby imitations, soft craws or shiners for
best results. Steelhead
The Lake Erie tributaries continue to have low flow even after last
week's rains. Steelhead fishing in the tributaries during shallow water
requires light tackle and patience. During low water check the deeper
lower stretches of the rivers and harbors. Piers and breakwalls have
produced the best action on jigs tipped with maggots, spinners, spoons
and small crankbaits.
Source: ODNR
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