Pennsylvania's share of Lake Erie provides two contrasting venues for springtime bass fishing: main-lake areas sandwiched in between Ohio and New York, and the 3,300 acres within Presque Isle Bay. Nearly all perch anglers fish from an anchored position, lowering a perch rig (typically a sinker and minnow) to the bottom, and then bringing it back up a few inches. Productive lures used by spinning anglers include stickbaits, crankbaits and other lures that imitate minnows/shiners. Browsing your owner's manual is fine, but the real learning will come through on-the-water experience. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. A tube jig, hair jig, or soft swimbait, worked down the side of this edge, is often productive. However, many smaller rocky areas along Lake Eries coast also hold bass. Fish over 5 pounds are common and mules over 7 pounds are never out of reach. This pattern is likely to be more pronounced this year than most, because there are a couple good year classes of younger fish. Anglers report that the tributary smallmouth bass bite is on, with good numbers of fish pushing up and excellent catches. startxref Walleye production was especially strong in 2015, which was the strongest spawn since the record hatch of 2003. Ohio waters have a catch-and-release season on Lake Erie that runs through late June. From mid-April into early May, fish start to migrate from wintering areas, which are usually the first major dropoffs adjacent to spawning areas, and begin to stage on underwater points between 15 and 30 feet deep. Consistent perch production of late, combined with the fast growth rates of Lake Erie, should combine to provide western basin anglers with good numbers as well as size structure of yellow perch. Fewer bass are being pulled off nests, perhaps lowering the level of nest predation. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Here are 5 components to Frost's game plan for catching big Lake Erie smallmouth in the late fall. Last year the C&R ran from May 1 through June 24. The drop shot rig can be used to fish with live bait, soft plastics and even tube jigs (hooked through the nose of tube). Good locations include Black Rock Canal, Buffalo Harbor and Dunkirk Harbor. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? The daily creel limit is five bass, combined species, with a minimum size of 14 inches. Smallmouth bass will run up many tributaries along the Lake Erie shoreline, but the most popular (due to number of fish and amount of public access) are Cattaraugus Creek, Eighteen Mile Creek, Canadaway Creek and Chautauqua Creek. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Whether you're fishing out of your own boat or participating in a charter trip, fishing opportunities abound on Lake Erie. Consistently productive colors are those that imitate the bass's natural prey items, colors like smoke/charcoal with flecks and greens (baitfish) or browns (crayfish, round goby). All Rights Reserved. Concentrate efforts around rocky structure in 15-20 feet of water. One of the popular launching sites east of Cleveland is at Fairport Harbor. 1. Rattles work so well that I modify all of my tube jig molds to incorporate a rattle chamber into the heads. This area is rich in islands and reefs, many of which attract springtime smallies. Subscriber Services. Use tubes. Some of the best, particularly in the summertime, are found at the artificial reefs located in front of Lakewood. The Cleveland metro area provides some good near-shore smallmouth bass opportunities. Typically, the first fish show up in April. One that's smoked first. The western basin of Lake Erie plays host to the largest numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass in the lake. Follow the signs to the park from Interstate Route 90 or Route 5. Surprisingly excellent fishery within a large, urban area. "We've had four good hatches in a row. Although most known for walleye, perch and smallmouth bass, in certain waters at many times of the year you will also find steelhead trout, white bass, rock bass, largemouth bass, catfish and other species. The water in this section of the lake warms quicker, so the bass should be further along in the spawn by June, perhaps even in the post-spawn period. As far as western basin largemouths go, the areas around Marblehead and Catawba have been especially productive. Shore anglers on the bay often do well fishing the piers of at the mouth of Marina Bay and the walls of the channel leading out from the bay into the main lake. On an LCD unit, these schools will appear as large, dark masses suspended in the water column, directly over the dropoff. Sometimes the weather of the day will dictate which. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Insert glass rattles into soft plastics and use snagless rattling sinkers to add sound to your drop-shot rigs. Creel limits for yellow perch (and walleyes as well) are set each spring, after the March meeting of the Lake Erie Commission. This warmer water stimulates action up and down the food chain, starting with plankton. Fishing might take place in depths of less than 10 feet, where crankbaits or spinnerbaits can be very effective. Cast the rig or simply let it drop over the side of the boat. They can vary from western and central basins as well. If you opt for a crankbait, start with a fire tiger pattern. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. He hooked the record fish on a green grub. 0000145633 00000 n Spawning bass prefer shallow flats close to the shoreline, particularly areas with an erratic bottom consisting of sand, chunk rock and gravel. This is especially true during summers that lack above average water temperatures. The walleye harvest is over 5 million fish annually! Check your 2017 Rules and Regulations book for the exact dates. The basic progression of fish concentrations is tributaries (April-May), harbors and canals (May), open lake reefs and shoals (May-June). Smallmouth bass start moving into tributary streams in mid to late April and will stay through May. Ohio's liberal season also allows bass fishing year-round in Lake Erie. Look for large rocks that may be scattered over flat areas. Lake Erie November Fishing Charters Many northern anglers and travelers are winterizing their equipment and boats for the upcoming winter months. Each map includes depth contours, structure, boat ramp locations, fishing info and GPS points. This focuses on a section of the Detroit River before it flows into Lake Erie. Productive lures include jigging spoons, blade baits and spoonbill jerkbaits; however tube jigs, soft plastics and live bait are angler favorites. 0000372466 00000 n Van Buren Reef/Bay C a u t u q a r e e k Dunkirk Fredonia Brocton Westfield Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. Drift fishing also works well. Lake Erie is an unbelievable smallmouth bass fishery, arguably the best that North America has to offer. Vertical jigging is the ultimate fishing method when smallmouths are in water more than about 20 feet deep. Bass nests can be in 10 or more feet of water due to the clarity. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. It shows up on most electronic mapping programs. Find gravel. LCD graphs are excellent tools for fishermen if utilized to their full potential. A depth of 15-35 feet is usually ideal. Record items such as weather conditions, wind direction, locations and depths of catches, GPS coordinates, bottom types and water temperatures. There's more than one way to catch big Lake Erie smallmouths, but these 10 tips, gleaned from more than a dozen years of Lake Erie tournament experience, will help you put bigger smallmouths in the boat from Ohio's western basin to Pennsylvania's Safe Harbor area or anywhere in between. To the east, there are dropoffs toward and past the New York border. trailer The bass bite is usually best between 20 and 40 feet of water, however bass can be found deeper. The rig consists of a hook tied directly to the line with a Palomar knot with hook point facing up and a weight/sinker ( to oz) tied to the end of the line below the hook. The finest smallmouth bass fishing in New York State and arguably the entire United States can be found in the waters of Lake Erie. Rocky rubble, a jumble of rocks of various sizes and shapes, is the best bottom type. Traditional offerings such as spinner/'crawler rigs bumped along the bottom will take their share of fish. By the end of June most smallmouth will have returned to the big lake, though the bay has a good resident largemouth population. Because of Lake Erie's ever changing water clarity and food supply, tactics to catch bass vary as well. Shale covers most of the near-shore bottom from Fairport eastward to Pennsylvania. Whether you launch from the shores of Pennsylvania or Ohio, you'll have some great places to fish for smallmouth bass, walleyes and yellow perch. But main-lake areas are also holding green bass, particularly ones that feature cover that includes submergent vegetation with rocky structure. For information about local services, contact the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1850 Austinburg Road, Austinburg, OH 44010, or call (440) 275-3202. Anglers need to take a vertical approach to fishing for summer smallies. It drastically shortens the learning curve, by allowing you to actually see what is underwater and then compare it to the reading on your graph. Smallmouth bass are the most frequently caught fish species in Lake Erie and fishing trips for smallmouths make up about 25% of all Lake Erie fishing trips for the entire year. One that's smoked first. In windy conditions, a drift sock will help to slow your drift. 13 31 South Bass Island, Ohio Take your vehicle and boat across on the ferry from Port Clinton and use South Bass Island and its state park or the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, to access Lake Erie's storied Western Basin walleye fishery. Shale and rubble bottoms are scattered along the coast. It can be reached by taking exits 6 or 7 from the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), or Route 2, which follows the lakeshore. Springtime bass hotspots in the western basin include the Bass Islands complex and well as Kelleys Island. Other popular starting points for smallmouth anglers are at Ashtabula and Conneaut. Each map includes depth contours, structure, boat ramp locations, fishing info and GPS points. Some of the largest bass are caught in spring; anglers have a better chance of catching a 6 pound plus trophy bass in spring than any other time during the year. One that's smoked first. is good for 35 feet of water) with a 21/2 to 5 inch tube. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. 0000372805 00000 n Top lures include tube jigs, twister tails or deep diving stickbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Keep your lures close to bottom. Anglers must understand basic navigation, carry good charts, and comply with all applicable Coast Guard regulations. As such, it's wise to carry a supply of minnows along even on a walleye trip, and be willing to join the perch pack when things are slow. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Channel edges are key to success. Most smallmouth experts agree that Lake Erie's island area is the best of the best. The number of bass caught can be outstanding due to the higher concentration of bass in those areas. I hoped the picture on the sonar screen meant they were still here. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. The Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Please review the Great Lakes and Tributaries Special Fishing Regulations. The reef tops out in five to 15 feet, dropping quickly into depths of 25 or so feet. The daily limit is set each spring by mid-April, so watch for news releases for this year's creel limit. You'd never guess it's the shallowest of the Great Lakes! 32 river miles mapped. OHIO The bottom of the western basin is mostly vast expanses of silt and sand. Smallmouths invade the shallow water to feed heavily on shiners, smelts, shad, crayfish and, more recently, round gobies. Cast to the fish repeatedly, keeping the lure in front of the fish longer to produce more bites. Live bait combined with a drop-shot rig is another popular method. Fish over 5 pounds are common and mules over 7 pounds are never out of reach. This is the place to catch 5-pound smallmouths until your arms get sore, and maybe top the day with a 6- or 7-pound fish. Tube baits from 3 1/2 to 5 inches long are great for drifting and will perfectly mimic shallow-water prey like crayfish and gobies, drawing strikes from bass that are feeding or guarding nests. Reduced harvest is one direct result, plus lighter angling pressure. The cameras can be used to identify schools of bass, find bedded fish on spawning flats, or examine irregular bottom features. The word spreads quickly when perch schools are located, particularly with today's social media. However, smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are very widely distributed and are also available to anglers fishing inshore zones with waders, kayaks and other small vessels. Getting to the Marina Bay requires a drive out onto the peninsula (Presque Isle State Park). All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Like Pennsylvania, Ohio features varying habitats that hold springtime smallmouth bass, as provided by both the western and central basins. Contact the Erie County Visitors Bureau for local information. "Last year's hatch, though below average, will also contribute in the years ahead," the biologist added. Lake Erie is renowned for its rich waters and the bite that keeps on giving. More specifically, between the Ohio line and the mouth of Walnut Creek. F#g?53T,J+*/V ,)[z]V )d!3b@D,5}0)E ?|5 S6 eq?ESu4ZzKw.ZK80f6J/2(,Cbbm ?2"[:MJ-i3D92")xEW%5r &?L3H`Wotq'Zx]}@~fz^3C9k ~-YX V_&7V$0Uwc%!*@C!Ll_tk`9Oa'* @G;(nH`FnXok&4uS1Ggs/rFpYR ;1nH`/Y[_m^pUCJ-i?J9z)?3)oY]X3 ~2"dWo]Pg[IvZRdo~ c*Xv+e!W0+~4 `M L]HznQ aov_Tr Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. 43 0 obj <>stream The bass weighed 9.33 pounds and was 24.50 inches long. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. Carry a logbook on every fishing trip and jot down any detail of the day that seems relevant. The breakwalls at Lorain tend to hold bass throughout much of the summer; such places often offer up sport for anglers not equipped for taking on the main lake. The best method is casting and retrieving of lures. As such, walleye fishing within the western basin tends to wane as summer progresses, while the action in the central basin, from the Huron area eastward, picks up later in July and August. This is also true of the north wall of the channel. Tube jigs, drop-shot rigs with soft plastic bodies (ones that mimic round gobies excel), jigging spoons and blade baits can all work when working these deeper ledges. They come armed to the gunnels with rods, reels, and tackle set to battle with 10- and 12-pound walleye or 5- and 6-pound smallmouth. "I love it when a plan comes together:" Thomas Allen may have missed a day-starting coffee and chill time, but his planning before a recent turkey hunt in Minnesota had him ready when gobblers showed up earlier than expected, and just before an April winter storm blew in. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Regarding migratory walleyes, it's often the smaller walleyes that show up first in Pennsylvania waters. The sandy flats that extend to both the east and west of Marina Bay (a large bay within Presque Isle Bay) often hold bass, which wait along the edge of the emerging weeds to ambush baitfish. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Like Pennsylvania, Ohio is part of a multi-state/province group that decides annual limits on walleyes and perch each spring. Lake Erie has some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the U.S. Also known as M. dolomieu, bronzeback, bareback bass, or brownie. However, smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are very widely distributed and are also available to anglers fishing inshore zones with waders, kayaks and other small vessels. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The most consistent walleye fishing in Ohio's portion of Lake Erie, in May, will likely be in the western basin. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. xref Supporting a diverse fishery comprised of both warmwater and coldwater species, Erie provides anglers great fishing for smallmouth bass, walleyes and yellow perch upon the arrival of spring. "The fish will move into really . Erie walleyes tend to suspend off the bottom, particularly during periods of stable weather. The Bass Islands of Lake Erie are regarded as one of the best smallmouth and walleye areas in North America. However, autumn weather is often increasingly uncooperative and anglers are advised to pay particular attention to the forecast when planning their trip. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Western Whiskerfish: Trophy Flatheads, Channels, Even Blues, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. is good for 35 feet of water) with a 21/2 to 5 inch tube. The key to successful summer smallmouth bass fishing is to locate bottom structure. Good near-shore bass fishing exists near Lorain, again zeroing in along the rocky ledges that offer bass ambush points to pick off prey. Spawning occurs at depths of 4 to 20 feet at water temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually in May. Concentrate efforts around rocky structure in 15-20 feet of water. Prior to summer, when fish are still relating to shoreline shallows and incoming flows, check out the possibilities provided by the Rocky, Chagrin and Cuyahoga rivers. Live bait combined with a drop-shot rig is another popular method. Bass are found along the entire New York shoreline, with hotspots along rocky structure and drop-offs in 15-35 feet of water. Smallmouth Bass (Shutterstock image) PENNSYLVANIA SMALLMOUTH HOTSPOTS. Look for water that drops from 25 feet down to 35- to 40-foot depths. So, in general, fisheries personnel feel smallmouth numbers are on the increase, though it's difficult to say exactly why, if indeed there is one specific reason. At times like this, look for structure in the 30- to 40-foot depths. However, the Bay holds very good numbers of both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The central basin includes several jumping off points that make access to the lake convenient. By simply navigating with your chartplotter and Navionics Maps out from Crystal Beach, you can be fishing in world-class Smallmouth water within minutes. ", "Yellow perch are shorter lived than walleyes," Hartman explained. This type of structure is most common around the islands area that separates the western and central basins. Starting on the first Saturday of May, use of natural bait is permitted, including minnows and shiners which work well. The spawn also drives the annual influx of brown bass into Presque Isle Bay. Most notable of all is the zebra mussel. The largest and most dominant females will deposit their eggs into these well-protected beds. Your logbook can also make very interesting reading. Lake Erie, Tributaries & Harbors. The early days of spring are reserved for spawning Walleye. The depth of their summering area depends on water clarity, available forage, and weather. Perch don't migrate nearly to the extent that walleye do. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, Spin to Win: Panfish Secrets for Catching Limits on Spinners, Tag the Best Pronghorn of Your Life This Season, Go Big or Go Home to Hook Lunker Summer Bass, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Tackle Test 2022: Top Bass Rods & Reels Reviewed, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. 0000145464 00000 n Paul Sacks (248/819-3192) is a well-known local bass angler. It might be easier to fish deeper, unless wave action roils the shallows. Smallmouth bass are the most frequently caught fish species in Lake Erie and fishing trips for smallmouths make up about 25% of all Lake Erie fishing trips for the entire year.

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