Western Basin Walleye This past weekend (July 2 and 3) walleye fishing was again slow in Ohio waters of the western basin. The best walleye fishing has been N and NE of the Toledo shipping channel turnaround buoy and N of West Sister Island. Drifting or trolling worm harnesses and trolling spoons produce the most fish. Yellow Perch Yellow perch fishing has also slowed. The best areas have been W of the stone docks on the W side of Kelleys Island, and Gull and Kelleys Island shoals. 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. Largemouth bass have been caught in Sandusky Bay, East Harbor and West Harbor. Central Basin Walleye Walleye fishing continues to be good in eastern Ohio's waters of the central basin. The best fishing has been 5 to 7 miles N off Fairport Harbor in 60 to 70' of water, 5 to 9 miles NW of Ashtabula in 60 to 71' of water, and 4 to 7 miles N of Geneva in 60 to 70' of water. Trolling 20 to 40 feet down with spoons or crawler harnesses using planer boards, dipsy divers or jet divers, have produced the best catches. The best spoon colors have been confusion, watermelon and black/silver. Fish have ranged from 15-28 inches. Yellow Perch Yellow perch fishing remains excellent 1-3 miles out from Fairport Harbor in 30 to 50' of water and 1 to 3 miles out from Ashtabula to Conneaut in 25 to 50' of water. A perch spreader tipped with shiners is the most popular set-up. Fish have ranged from 7-13 inches. White Bass The best white bass fishing has been from the shore at the Eastlake CEI wall. Anglers are using agitators with small spinners and twister tails. Fish have ranged from 8 - 12 inches. Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent on Ruggles Reef and around the shoreline and harbors in 15 to 30 feet of water around Fairport, Geneva, Ashtabula and Conneaut. Jigs tipped with shiners, tube jigs, jerkbaits and crankbaits have been the most productive lures. Lake Erie surface temperatures range from 71 to 74 degrees.
Source: ODNR
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