8/11
The awesome comeback year we have been experiencing here on Lake Erie continues to amaze all of us who are fishing it every day. Yesterday, my charter party of 6 persons and myself had our limit of 6 Walleye per person by 9:45AM and that when leaving the dock at around 7AM. About 2 hours of fishing to bag 42 nice fish plus released a few small ones and a few when we were finishing off the limit. Most days the past two weeks have been early exits for Walleye fishermen catching limits in a variety of areas all over the lake. Yesterday we fished in shallow water in the North Bass area of the islands. We caught most of our fish in 10-18ft of water. 4-6 miles to the west of where I was fishing there was a good bite in deep water as lots of boats caught limit catches in the 44-00 area of the western basin (using your middle two numbers on the GPS...) Actually, boats were spread over about a 4 mile area out there and all were catching fish. There has also been a good bite near Huron, Ohio in 30-34ft of water off of Sawmill Creek condos and then I have heard reports of good fishing off of Vermillion, Lorain, Rocky River, and other points east of there. Lots of the action has been in close to shore catching lots of 3yr old fish in as close as 15ft of water.
Walleye fishing on Lake Erie should continue to be excellent all the way through October weather permitting. September should be great so there is still time for you to get out and experience the great fishing we have been having all summer. The Ontario side has been excellent also with limit catches coming in from the area west of Pelee Island and from Hen and Chicken Islands and off of Grubb and Middle ground shoal.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth action has been best around Pelee island on the Ontario side but has been spotty at best. The numbers of fish are down and you may catch a few large fish but if you are going bass fishing on the lake around the islands, be prepared for a slow day. The population needs a boost and for now we are in for slow times..
Perch
Yellow Perch action has been FANTASTIC in the Kelley's Island area on the south side in about 23=30ft. of water and on the east side in about 38-42ft of water. Good action has also been reported south of Rattlesnake island and near "C" can near Niagara reef. Shiner minnows have been best baits here.
Steelhead
Lake Erie Steelhead Trout fishing has been excellent for the past month or so. The bite has been best off of Erieau, Ontario which translates into about a 30 mile run out of Channel Grove Marina where I dock. It has been worth the run however and lots of locals have been making the trip for some great Steelhead action. Limit catches of 5 per person have been the norm and sometimes in a half a day or less. Some walleye are mixed in with the "Silver Bullets" and trolling with dipsy divers, jet divers and planer boards has been the best technique. Spoons have been the best baits and colors have been changing on a daily basis but most of the hot colors will produce. Give us a call if you want more info on the Steelhead fishing and how to get there!
Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt Bob Brown, Jr.