Lake Erie Western Basin
Walleye
Where: The best bite has been 3 to 6 miles east of Kelleys Island, out of Huron and Vermillion in 28 to 32 feet of water, or Lorain in 45 to 55 feet of water. North and west of West Sister Island near the Canadian line continues to provide some fish, but catch rates are falling with the increasing water temperatures.
How: The majority of anglers trolling are using spoons behind dipsy or jet divers, as well as crankbaits at speeds of 2.5 to 3.0 mph. Anglers are also having success trolling worm harnesses with in-line weights or bottom bouncers at 1.0 to 1.2 mph. Anglers drifting worm harnesses or weight forward spinners are also having success. Yellow Perch
Where: Anglers have been doing well near the “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, as well as between Perry’s Monument and Kelleys Island with occasional limits being reported. Sizes have been excellent, with fish averaging 9 inches, and several fish over 11 inches.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing well where baits can be presented at different depths up to 3 feet off the bottom. Largemouth Bass
Where: Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent in various marinas and harbors in the Western Basin, as well as Sandusky Bay in recent weeks as water temperatures have been increasing.
How: Anglers have been doing well casting crankbaits, jigs, and various soft plastic riggings including tubes, Texas rigged worms, creature baits, and Ned rigs at shoreline structure. Smallmouth Bass
Where: A few good reports of fish being caught around the island areas in 10 to 14 feet of water, especially around Middle Bass, Rattlesnake, and Kelleys islands.
How: Tubes and dropshots in rocky areas continue to produce, but anglers have also been throwing spinnerbaits and swimbaits around weed edges with some success. Catfish
Where: The bite in Sandusky Bay continues to be good, with many fish weighing over ten pounds. Shoreline access to the bay is available at the old Route 2 bridge in Bay View and Port Clinton, the Dempsey Fishing Access, and various locations in downtown Sandusky.
How: Anglers have been fishing the bottom with shrimp, night crawlers, and cut bait.
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