ODNR Fishing Report for 09/09/2009: Central, OH,
Fishing Report Posted: September 10, 2008

Walleye fishing has slowed west of Cleveland with the best area being the sandbar between Vermilion and Lorain. Fishing continues to be slow in the Cleveland area this past week so there are no locations to report. Very good fishing has been reported 7-10 miles N of Ashtabula in 69 to 72’ of water, and 7-12 miles N-NW of Conneaut in 71 to 75’ of water. Trollers are using worm harnesses, spoons or stickbaits off jet divers, dipsy divers, planer boards and downriggers. Worm harnesses and spoons continue to be the top baits. The best action has been about 25-50 feet down, and the best colors have been watermelon, purple, orange, green, and black with copper or blue/silver.

Yellow perch fishing has remained slow from Huron to Avon. The most consistent action has been on the S end of the sandbar. Fishing has been very good offshore in the Cleveland area and also east to Conneaut. The best spots to fish are NW of Gordon Park in 38 to 42 feet of water, NW of Edgewater Park in 40 to 50 feet of water, N of Fairport in 38 to 48’ of water, N of Geneva in 38 to 48’ of water, and N of Conneaut in 60 to 65’ of water. You may try fishing further offshore this week than normal. Fish may also be suspended in the water column until the recent upwelling of low oxygenated water settles back down to the deeper portions of the lake. Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom usually produces the most fish, however, this week you may want to fish 5 to 10 feet up from the bottom due to the conditions. Fish have ranged from 8 to 13 inches.

White bass fishing has been spotty off Eastlake CEI power plant in 15-30 feet of water. Anglers are using agitators with blue/silver spoons and jigs tipped with twister tails.

Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good in 16 to 26’ of water around Cleveland, Fairport Harbor, Ashtabula and Conneaut harbors. Fish are being caught on watermelon, pumpkinseed and green tube jigs and drop-shot goby imitations.

Based on the nearshore forecast the water temperature is 69 off of Toledo and 71 off of Cleveland.