Anglers are doing well trolling deep diving stick baits near 1.2 to 1.8 mph. Darker colors have been producing best 40-80 feet back, but longer lines have been catching some fish. Action has been the best near adjacent to the Western Basin reef complex, north of Kelleys Island in 35-40 feet of water, and areas 30-40 feet deep from Huron to Lorain. Anglers fishing hair jigs continue to produce in water 8-20 feet deep, however the bite is slowing down as the water warms. Purple and green have been the best colors.
The water temperature off Toledo is 50 degrees, off Cleveland 47 degrees and off Erie 46 degrees.

The daily bag limit for walleye in Ohio waters of Lake Erie is 6 fish per angler. The minimum size limit for walleye is 15 inches.

The daily bag limit for yellow perch is 30 fish per angler in all Ohio waters of Lake Erie.

The trout and salmon daily bag limit is 2 fish (singly or in combination) per angler. The minimum size limit is 12 inches.

Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass): The daily bag limit is 5 fish (singly or in combination) per angler with a 14-inch minimum size limit.

Effective January 1, 2020, it is legal to use three rods per angler in the Lake Erie Sportfishing District.

A Lake Erie fishing permit is required for nonresidents from January 1 to April 30, 2020 when fishing Lake Erie and areas immediately upstream in creeks, rivers, and tributaries.

See the Ohio Fishing Regulations for more information.

Lake Erie Western Basin

Walleye
Where: Limits are being reported in the western basin all the way east to Cleveland. The most popular launches have been the Lucas County Ramp, Mazurik, Catawba, Huron, and Lorain. Anglers are going out trying to find marks, which may come from 18-30 feet in the western basin, and 40-60 feet of water closer to Cleveland. Anglers are advised to use extreme caution with cold water temperatures, and to use lifejackets or float coats at all times.
How: Trolling deep diving crankbaits and stick baits has been the most popular technique at speeds 1.0 to 1.5 mph. Anglers have been experimenting with lures 50-150 feet back without any additional weight, or 20-40 feet back to a 2 oz. weight, and another 20-40 feet back to the lure. Natural colors have been best.

The Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 36 degrees, off Cleveland 39 degrees, and off Erie 37 degrees.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow Perch fishing has picked up slightly, however limits are still tough. The best reports coming from west of Catawba in 18-22 feet of water, North and Southwest of Kelleys Islands, and between Huron and Vermilion in 28-32 feet of water.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing better where baits can be presented at different depths. Anglers are reporting that small lifts and long pauses between lifts have been triggering the most bites.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been consistent with the best bite west of the Catawba Peninsula in 20 feet of water, and around “A”,”D”, and “L” cans of the Camp Perry firing range. Anglers are catching mostly 7 to 9-inch fish, with some larger fish.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing better where baits can be presented at different depths. Anglers are reporting that small lifts and long pauses between lifts have been triggering the most bites.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing remains inconsistent with the occasional good report. The best bite has been west of the Catawba Peninsula in 20 feet of water, and the “A”,”D”, and “L” cans of the Camp Perry firing range.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing better where baits can be presented at different depths. Yellow perch are feeding heavily on small invertebrates right now, so small ice fishing plastics or wax worms might be worth trying.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing remains inconsistent with the occasional good report. The best bite has been west of the Catawba Peninsula in 20 feet of water, east of Mouse Island, and the “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing better where baits can be presented at different depths. Yellow perch are feeding heavily on small invertebrates right now, so small ice fishing plastics or wax worms might be worth trying.

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.
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.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow Perch fishing remains inconsistent with the occasional good report. The best bite has been west of the Catawba Peninsula in 20 feet of water and the “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing better where baits can be presented at different depths. Yellow perch are feeding heavily on small invertebrates right now, so small ice fishing plastics or wax worms might be worth trying.

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.
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.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow Perch fishing remains inconsistent with the occasional good report. Try fishing in traditional fall areas like between South Bass and Kelleys islands and be prepared to move frequently to locate active fish.
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.
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.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has slowed, with only a few reports coming in. Try traditional fall areas like between South Bass and Kelleys islands and be prepared to move frequently to locate fish.
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.
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.

Lake Erie Western Basin
Walleye
Where: The best bite has been 3 to 6 miles east of Kelleys Island, out of Huron and Vermilion in 28 to 32 feet of water, or Lorain in 45 to 55 feet of water.
How: Most anglers are trolling spoons behind dipsy or jet divers, as well as crankbaits at speeds of 2.5 to 3.0 mph.

Yellow Perch
Where: The best reports are coming from between South Bass and Kelleys Island in 25 to 30 feet of water with many fish over 9 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.

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.

Walleye
Where: Fishing remains good, however following two large mayfly hatches last week, angler success has declined in the far Western Basin.The best fishing continues to be from Huron west to Lorain in 30 to 55 feet of water.
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.

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.

Yellow Perch
Where: Anglers are starting to turn their attention toward yellow perch with some good reports coming from the Toledo Harbor Light in 20 to 25 feet of water.
How: Minnows fished under a perch spreader continue to be the presentation of choice for perch anglers, but consider trolling small crankbaits behind a bottom bouncer to locate active fish in loose aggregations.

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.

Yellow Perch
Where: Anglers are starting to turn their attention toward yellow perch with some good reports coming from the Toledo Harbor Light in 20 to 25 feet of water.
How: Minnows fished under a perch spreader continue to be the presentation of choice for perch anglers, but consider trolling small crankbaits behind a bottom bouncer to locate active fish in loose aggregations.

Walleye

Where: Fishing remains excellent as the fish continue to transition to the deeper waters of the Central Basin. The bite east of West Sister Island remains good in 30-35 feet of water. Anglers trolling have been outperforming those casting. Good reports are also coming from east of Kelleys Island, the Cedar Point dumping ground, and from Huron east to Cleveland in 35-60 feet of water targeting the mid water column.
How: The majority of anglers trolling are using spoons behind dipsy or jet divers, as well as crankbaits behind boards 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 and weight forward spinners are also having success.

Largemouth Bass

Where: Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent in various marinas and harbors, as well as Sandusky Bay in recent weeks as the water temperature has been increasing.
How: Anglers have been doing well throwing crankbaits, jigs, and various soft plastic riggings including tubes, Texas rigged worms and creature baits, and Ned rigs at shoreline structure.

Walleye

Where: Fishing continues to be excellent, despite less than ideal weather conditions. Many limits of 19-23-inch fish have been reported. Fishing has been good around Round Reef, the “A”, “B”, and “C” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, and the area between Lakeside-Marblehead and Kelleys Island. Anglers reported having the most success in 20-30 feet of water. In addition, anglers have been doing very well around West Sister Island in 30-32 feet of water, both trolling and casting.
How: Anglers in the western basin have been having the most success trolling spoons and crawler harnesses. Anglers casting or drifting with crawler harnesses and casting weight forward style baits have been having success as well. Popular colors have been purple, blue, chrome, and gold.

Largemouth Bass

Where: Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent in various marinas and harbors, as well as Sandusky Bay in recent weeks as water temperatures have been increasing.
How: Anglers have been doing well throwing crankbaits, jigs, and various soft plastic riggings.

Walleye

Where: Fishing has been excellent. Most of the fish being caught are 19-23 inches. Many quick limits have been reported from Port Clinton to Lorain, especially around the islands and the Marblehead Peninsula.
How: Fish have been caught mostly by trolling spoons and harnesses, but many anglers are finding success casting and drifting with harnesses too. Anglers have been reporting a wide range of depths, with 15-45 feet of water all being successful. Anglers near Locust and Toussaint reefs are reporting depths from 15-25 feet being best. Baits in shades of gold, green, and purple seem to be working the best.

Largemouth Bass

Where: Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent in various marinas and harbors, as well as Sandusky Bay in recent weeks as water temperatures have been increasing.
How: Anglers have been doing well throwing crankbaits, jigs, and various soft plastic riggings.

Lake Erie Western Basin

Walleye

Where: Fishing really heated up this past week, especially around the islands with many quick limits being reported. Fish were being caught off the Marblehead peninsula as well as off of Lucy’s Point in 15-35 feet of water.
How: Fish were being caught trolling stick baits 80-120 feet back without snap weights, and worm harnesses behind bottom bouncers. Trolling spoons behind divers has also picked up recently. Fish are still being taken on hair jigs and blade baits; however, trolling seems to be taking most of the fish.

Lake Erie Western Basin

Walleye

Where: Fishing really heated up this past week, especially around the islands with many quick limits being reported. Fish were being caught off the Marblehead peninsula as well as off of Lucy’s Point in 15-35 feet of water.
How: Fish were being caught trolling stick baits 80-120 feet back without snap weights, and worm harnesses behind bottom bouncers. Trolling spoons behind divers has also picked up recently. Fish are still being taken on hair jigs and blade baits; however, trolling seems to be taking most of the fish.

Walleye

Where: Fishing really heated up this past week, especially around the islands with many quick limits being reported. Fish were being caught off the Marblehead peninsula as well as off of Lucy’s Point in 15-35 feet of water.
How: Fish were being caught trolling stickbaits 80-120 feet back without snap weights, and worm harnesses behind bottom bouncers. Fish are still being taken on hair jigs and blade baits; however, trolling seems to be taking most of the fish.

Lake Erie Walleye

Where: Fishing has been tough recently due to the very turbid water conditions caused by the rain and winds. Anglers have been doing best where they can find cleaner water. Trolling dark colored stick baits have been producing best with leads ranging from 30-120 feet back at 1.2-1.6 mph. Action has been best north and west of Kelleys Island, between Kelleys Island and the monument on South Bass Island, and off Vermillion. Anglers have also reported doing well off Lucy’s Point on the northeast corner of Middle Bass Island.

Lake Erie
New for 2019:
A Lake Erie fishing permit is required for nonresidents from January 1 to April 30 when fishing Lake Erie and areas immediately upstream in creeks, rivers, and tributaries.

Walleye
Where: Fishing has been tough recently due to the very turbid water conditions caused by the rain and winds. Anglers have been doing best where they can find cleaner water. Trolling stick baits in darker colors have been producing best with leads ranging from 30-120 feet back at 1.2-1.6 mph. Action has been best north and west of Kelleys Island in 25-35 feet of water. Anglers are still picking up the occasional fish jigging on the mid-lake reef complex, but the bite has been tougher given the poor water clarity.

Lake Erie
New for 2019:
A Lake Erie fishing permit is required for nonresidents from January 1 to April 30 when fishing Lake Erie and areas immediately upstream in creeks, rivers, and tributaries.

Walleye
Where: Open water fishing is upon us and anglers are doing well trolling near 1.0 mph. Stick baits in dark colors with short leads have been producing best. Many anglers are using snap weights approximately 20 feet back, with another 20 to 30 feet to the lure. Action has been the best near the Camp Perry firing range and Kelleys Island in 25 to 35 feet of water. The jig bite will begin to pick up in the coming weeks, but anglers occasionally are doing well vertical jigging blade baits and spoons where fish are being marked.

Lake Erie

New for 2019:
A Lake Erie fishing permit is required for nonresidents from January 1 to April 30 when fishing Lake Erie and areas immediately upstream in creeks, rivers, and tributaries.

Walleye
Where: The open water season is coming to a close. Ramps and harbors in the western basin beginning to form significant ice, though the main lake remains open. A few brave anglers will continue to search out open water, but it is not advised.
How: Anglers have been trolling deep diving crankbaits 80 to 100 feet back at speeds of 1.0 to 1.4 mph unassisted, or adding snap weights up to 2 oz. 40 feet back to get down to the fish. Anglers have also reported success jigging lipless crankbaits and spoons tipped with shiners, like ice fishing presentations.

Yellow Perch
Where: Fishing effort for yellow perch has been low, but some anglers are still targeting and catching fish near harbor mouths in the Cleveland area.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Steelhead Trout
Where: Good fishing reported from anglers trolling inside the Fairport Harbor break wall and inside the Conneaut break wall. Anglers fishing from shore are catching fish off the Edgewater, Gordon Park, Fairport Harbor, and Painesville Township piers, and the Fairport Harbor break wall.
How: The best baits have been small spoons and crankbaits for anglers trolling fishing from boats, and jigs tipped with maggots fished under a bobber or small spoons for anglers fishing from shore.

Most of my mid winter reports here online in the past have just been recaps of my previous fishing season that I had just finished up. In this special anniversary report, I’m going to take a moment and try to ever so briefly reflect upon the past 29 years. Though not so much has changed for me personally in these 30 years, much as changed around me in the sport. Most notably, my colleagues that I started out with so very many years ago are all but gone. Some have just given up on it, some have retired, and sadly some have passed away. Names of good friends that have passed away such as Capt. Ed Shavelin-Fish Chaser Charters, Don Mansfield-Happy Hooker Charters, Capt. Freddy Wells-No Slack Charters, and a couple of my very biggest idols that I myself really looked up to. The very BEST of the best. Guys like Capt. Rick Lightner-Osprey Charters, and the legend himself, Capt. Ron Johnson-Thumper Charters. What a fisherman and a genuinely good guy. I miss Ronny everyday, especially during the fishing season. There were many others especially lake wide over the years. But these are all guys that I started out with so long ago and local to the north east Ohio area where I fish.

There are a handful of us from the class of the mid-eighties still hanging tough though in this area. Good friends and fellow fishermen such as Capt. Curt Anderson-There He Is Again Charters, Capt. Mark Szekely-Gizzmo Charters, Capt. Bill Anderson-Book Maker Charters, Capt. Taylor Click- Taylor Made Charters and a few others. Not too many though. I’ve seen a lot of guys come and go in these last three decades. Some only lasting a season or two. Some maybe a handful or so years. But there are very few of the 30 and plus years guys like myself and the few guys that I mentioned. There are still plenty of new captains out there however to choose from as the door is always revolving in this business. But it certainly is a different new breed of young guys in all of their fancy charter shirts and what not My own work uniform is usually a NASCAR or Jimmy Buffett t-shirt and a pair of old comfortable shorts! Lol! Just the way it’s been for 30 years now! It don’t make the other younger guys bad guys though. There's some real good fisherman out there. But us old timers have already run more trips then these young guys can ever dream about. When it comes to experience and making the right decisions and knowing the lake like the back of your hand, it’s pretty hard to beat the old guys that have made this our living for this very long!

And customers or as I prefer to call them, my guests. I am truly blessed for the most part to have a long list of loyal returning clientele. Really good guys that many I consider to be my very good friends and not just customers. Some that have been with me every year that I’ve been doing this or very close to it! It amazes and humbles me both as almost everyone that that gets off my boat instructs me to go ahead and put them down for “The same day” again next year! Sadly, some never do return because I find out the next year that they have passed away. The list of people that I consider to have been my friends and that we have lost is extensive over these past three decades. I miss all of you and not just because of the business! Well that’s about it. I could bring up many statistics such as how many trips I’ve run in all of these years or how many fish we’ve caught but heck, nobody would ever believe it anyway! Lol! So, 2016! The year of the I’M STILL HERE!

Capt. Walt

Walleye

Where: Fishing was good over the past week and fish were caught between the Gravel Pit and West Sister Island, east of West Sister Island, north of "B" can of the Camp Perry firing range, north of Niagara Reef, around Rattlesnake Island, around Gull Island Shoal, and north of Kelleys Island Shoal.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish on spoons behind divers and on worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers casting are using weight forward spinners or mayfly rigs.

Yellow Perch

Where: Yellow perch have been caught around the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel and between Kelleys Island and the Marblehead lighthouse.

How: Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye

Where: Fishing was excellent 2 to 3 miles north of West Sister Island, between West Sister Island and the gravel pit, north of West Reef, south of Starve Island, between North Bass Island and Gull Island Shoal along the Canadian border, and around Kelleys Island Shoal.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using crankbaits (mostly deep diving Reef Runners), spoons behind divers, and also worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers casting are using weight forward spinners or mayfly rigs.

Yellow Perch

Where: Yellow perch have been caught near Ballast Island.

How: Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye

Where: Fishing was excellent 2 to 3 miles north of West Sister Island, between West Sister Island and the gravel pit, north of West Reef, south of Starve Island, between North Bass Island and Gull Island Shoal along the Canadian border, and around Kelleys Island Shoal.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using crankbaits (mostly deep diving Reef Runners), spoons behind divers, and also worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers casting are using weight forward spinners or mayfly rigs.

Yellow Perch

Where: Yellow perch have been caught near Ballast Island.

How: Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Western Basin

Walleye

Where: Fishing was excellent 2 miles north of the Toledo water intake, on the Gravel Pit west of West Sister Island, around the Toledo lighthouse, around "A" can and "D" can of the Camp Perry firing range, around Niagara Reef, between Green Island and Rattlesnake Island, from the south passage to American Eagle shoal southwest of Kelleys Island, between Kelleys Island and Lakeside, and north of Kelleys Island and Kelleys Island Shoal.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using crankbaits (mostly deep diving Reef Runners), spoons behind divers, and worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers casting are using weight forward spinners or mayfly rigs.

Yellow Perch

Where: Yellow perch have been caught east of Kelleys Island and off the Marblehead Lighthouse.

Walleye

Where: Fishing was good over the past week as fish were caught around "A" can of the Camp Perry firing range, around some of the reefs (Niagara, Crane, and Toussaint) of the Camp Perry firing range, between Green Island and Rattlesnake Island, north of the Marblehead Lighthouse, southwest of Kelleys Island, and north of Kelleys Island and Kelleys Island Shoal.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using crankbaits (mostly deep diving Reef Runners), spoons behind divers, and worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers casting are using weight forward spinners or mayfly rigs.

Yellow Perch

Where: Yellow perch have been caught east of Kelleys Island and off the Marblehead Lighthouse.

How: Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

With the Walleyes in full post spawn mode now trolling seemed like the most logical way to attack the often time lethargic fish as they move off the reefs and the shallows and recuperate in the deeper water. With trolling we put out a LOT of gear, cover a lot of ground and with me having much more control over the whole situation as opposed to the individual fisherman casting and having to learn and figure out the bite while drifting, our odds for success improved dramatically. And with the past couple of weeks where we had mostly above normal temperatures, the Walleyes were acting more like it was mid summer and putting on the feed bag rather then the sometimes sluggish post spawn May fish that I have sometimes seen before in years past. The action out there the last few days was fast & furious! And I don’t mean the movie! lol

The best action that we found was on the east side of the big cans between G and D can and almost north to Niagara Reef. It was no secret though. I swear every boat in the western basin was competing for the same water! But the fish were not skittish and everybody was swinging nets. We just picked and weaved our way through all of the traffic and avoided the heavier clusters of boats when we could and proceeded to knock out limits each day. A good feeling watching everyone excited and happy reeling in nice plump spring Walleyes. Of coarse it wasn't all peaches and cream for me. With each passing day here in the western basin with the water temperatures soaring, the junk fish are really firing up as well. Especially the White Bass! Oh my are they getting bad out here. I won’t miss all of the boat traffic or all of these stinking White Bass when I go to leave next weekend.

Speaking of which, it's finally here. My final week here in Port Clinton for yet another year. It’s just about time to pack everything up and head on east to Ashtabula my home port for the summer and the rest of the year. I am getting very reliable good reports from back home already. I am ready to go. But first, I have to get through this final week and try not to let the White Bass drive me nuts! I’m sure we’ll do fine with the Walleyes here. It’s really happening now with them. We just have to weed thru all the garbage to get them. OK, I still have next Sunday May the 24th available for a final Port Clinton trip. Monday, Memorial Day which is May the 25th is also available but for a Ashtabula, OH charter already. You could be trip #1 for me back there this year! As I mentioned last week, there will be no fishing report next weekend as I will be tied up making the big move. Check back here on my website in two weeks or on the fishlakeerie.com site but in the central basin section for new reports from out east. So that’s it. I hope you've all enjoyed following along thus far and I look forward to continuing my reports from back home. See everyone soon down the road!

Capt. Walt
Trophy Charters
www.trophycharters.com

Where: Fishing was good over the past week and fish were caught in Maumee Bay, near "K" can of the Camp Perry firing range, on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range, around Green Island, north of Mouse Island, and nearshore between Huron and Lorain.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using crankbaits (mostly deep diving Reef Runners) and worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers jigging are still catching fish using hair jigs.

Yellow Perch

Where: Yellow perch have been caught off the Marblehead lighthouse and off Vermilion.

Speaking of weather, here is the skinny on what went down this past week in that department out here. Monday, wow did we have some stiff south winds. Tuesday with a little front that went through brought cool and raw conditions back to the western basin with a rather stiff north wind as well. Wednesday, holy foggy day Batman! Man, it’s been a lot of years since I have fished in such a dense fog. It was total absolutely zero visibility out there. Many if not most that didn't have boats equipped with radar even cancelled their trips. Although I don’t enjoy going in such conditions, I do trust my electronics to safely guide us out and back again. Of coarse most of our traveling was done at practically a crawl speed. And it never lifted that day. We went out by radar, we returned safely with the the radar along with satellite guidance from GPS, chart plotters showing the way and the auto pilot insuring that we were going in a straight line out there rather then doing circles in the fog!

Thursday on through the weekend were back to unseasonably warm temperatures with sunny skies and flat seas. Perfect trolling water! And that’s what we did. We spent most of our time about 12 miles out from port in the deep water north of the reef complex. No one spot was particularly hot for us. We just roamed around in random with a lot of gear out and picked away at the fish. We would hit a few spots where we would hook doubles up, then circle around and re-run the same exact spot and never move a rod. Weird. Also, the crank baits that I had been pulling in the limited amount of trolling that I have done thus far seemed to be rather ineffective for us. So since we are well into May now, I just switched up to our normal May trolling program. 40 Jets and the Stinger scorpion spoons. And it’s been working. Again, no burn but we caught decent amounts of fish. And along with the “well into May and our normal May trolling program” comes the what is anymore the new normal around here, the pain in the ass White Bass again. Man it’s always something. And it’s going to get worst I’m afraid with them. I just know... Sigh.

So, unbelievably I am already down to just my final two weeks here in the western basin before moving my whole operation back home to my home port of Ashtabula for the summer. Next weekend will be my final fishing report from the west end here because the following week I will be busy moving my boat and I will not be posting. I always take one week off from reporting on the Memorial Day weekend of my move. But for now we still have some fishing that needs to be done out here. This coming week I still have the same block of open dates available that I mentioned last week. The 12th, 13th, and 14th. But as those dates draw nearer, the long range forecast for next week looks to be a bit iffy for those dates. It may not be as big a deal just to have those dates off if that comes to pass. I have one additional day however available for a west end trip here just before I take off that opened up due to a cancellation that I would really like to fill. A very prime Sunday, May the 24th. If you know of anyone that is looking for a trip I am open that day. Alrighty I’m thinking that we will probably just try to finish out our run out here these last two weeks strictly trolling. Again, it’s that time of year for it and it just plain works. Not to mention that is what I do the very best! At least I think that is! lol!

Capt. Walt
Trophy Charters
www.trophycharters.com

This past week aboard "The Trophy" we mixed it up with a little trolling and a little jigging. For the most part, the weather was good enough for us to do either one. For the most part... Monday was one of two exceptions. Still reeling from last weekend's crappy weather, Monday morning wasn't all that pretty either. With a stiff north, northwest wind we seeked shelter on the lee side of South Bass Island. With a raw cool rain falling and my boys under dressed, I figured the only way that we could survive the day was to throw out the trolling gear and this way everyone could huddle under the hardtop and behind the drop curtains and stay out of the weather. I was a little leery though because we had tried that approach last Saturday also with no luck. Monday was different though. The first fish that we hooked was 29 1/2 inches! We went on to land a couple of handfuls of nice fish on yet another lousy April weather day. You could say that we literally made something out of nothing.

Tuesday & Wednesday were two real nice weather days and fishing was ok for us. Of the two days, Wednesday was too calm however and with no drift at all, we set out to go troll up in what is called the flats area east and north east of Niagara reef. We went on to capture a nice box of big fish. Many Fish Ohio Award caliber fish even! (28 inch or bigger Walleyes) Our biggest that day topped out right at 30" inch. A very good day! Thursday was another set back. Cold and windy with rain once again. We tried trolling in the same area as the day before but struggled in the wide open area with the wind and waves. We managed a handful of fish with the biggest at 28" inch but with everyone wet and cold including a 9 year old that I had on board that day, we elected to have a early quit and just called it a day.

I had no trip on Friday so I just rested up and got ready for the weekend. Saturday and Sunday were very summer like and pleasant. With the jigging season winding down fast, we stuck with that both days and managed to capture a nice box of fish both days. So, with next week in my sites already, I see nothing but great weather coming at us. Walleye fishing is recovering nicely from a weeks ago super bad weather. It should be a good week! On a side note, not this coming week but the following week I have a 3 day block of dates available that opened up due to my South Dakota boys that come every year having to bow out this year. That opens up May 12th, 13th, & 14th should anyone be looking. That's about it for another week from here in the western basin. Check back again next week!

Capt. Walt
Trophy Charters
www.trophycharters.com

Walleye

Where: Fishing slowed over the past week as wind and waves reduced water clarity, and colder temperatures limited fish activity. Anglers trolling caught fish west of Catawba, east of Middle Bass Island, and north of Kelleys Island, including deep water around Kelleys Island Shoal. Anglers jigging are still catching fish in Maumee Bay, nearshore around Turtle Creek and Wild Wings marina, and on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range.

How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using crankbaits (Rapala Deep Husky Jerks, deep diving Reef Runners, and Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogues) and are starting to use worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bouncers. Anglers jigging are catching fish on hair jigs and blade baits.

We finally got a bit of a reprieve on Friday after still a cold and choppy start to the day. I had my hardest working group of Amish fishermen onboard for the day and we set out. Shockingly, the water color was not all that horrible! At least, not as bad as I had feared. It seemed like you had ribbons of all different water colors out there depending on where you went. Actually from very clean water in limited areas to big areas with just a heavy stain to some sections that were indeed truly pure mud. But once again, the big blow did us no favors. Fishing for us aboard “The Trophy” was very slow. I did my usual amount of post blow high mileage running around trying to get something going for the guys trying different spots. And as per usual after a big blow, it didn't really pay off. We did find one spot where we would catch 1 or 2 on a long drift but that was about it. After a exceptionally long day we quit with a couple of handfuls of fish. And that’s only because the boys worked so very hard for them. After about a 10 or 12 year run with me, I think this was the first time that this particular group did not limit out with me. They are one of the luckier groups!

And then came the weekend. Friday ended up being a nice sunny mild day and winds continued to back off all day. Saturday, oh boy. Back to just about unbearable. Overnight a cold raw wind kicked in again from the northeast. It was very damp, very cold, and very windy once again. With one of my all time favorite groups onboard for the day I had really hoped for a big day for these folks that have gotten in the rut here the last few years of catching really crappy weather and consequently a bad fishing day. Once again it was not to be. We did next to nothing. After trying a few different spots and even a troll for a few hours out of desperation in the miserable cold and terrible wind, the guys let me off the hook early and we just packed it in. They seemed to take it better then me. I was highly discouraged, totally frustrated and by now just about sick and tired of this years spring time crap weather that we have been getting. Weather and post weather in which I’m supposed to go out and perform miracles in. Sunday unbelievably started out pretty much exactly the same except the sun was out. After putting the guys on a 2 hour weather delay first thing in the morning, we finally just sucked it up and went. It was another tough day. The lake did eventually go flat but the fishing remained very slow for us with only a few fish. It was not for lack of trying though for everyone involved. Sadly as always, it is what it is.

So for the sake of full disclosure, these pictures in this weeks report are from the week before where I was complaining that I had more great shots than I could possibly use! After not fishing all week long because of weather I didn't have much to choose from for this week. We had some nice fish on Friday but with respect to my Amish group that day who don’t care to have their pictures taken, the camera stayed in it’s case. The weekend wasn't very good for us and although we caught a few fish, I decided just to use a few of my more favorite shots that I had wanted to feature. If nothing else, just to reaffirm the fact that when things do go right around here and the weather cooperates, it can be totally awesome! So what will this coming week bring? The forecasts that I am seeing right now look for things to settle down and be a much more kinder week. I’m seeing days again predicted at 2 foot or less. I am so ready! It’s also hard to that believe next Friday will be May the 1st already, which by the way is an open date for me should anyone be looking for a fishing trip. If I haven't scared everybody off already that is! I sure would like to fill it to make up for some of the trips that I've lost thus far this year. It’s been a tough April this year but maybe this May 1st will be a fresh start! We’ll see!

Capt. Walt

Walleye

Where: Walleye fishing continues to be excellent for anglers trolling. The best areas have been around "B" and "C" cans of the Camp Perry firing range and west of Mouse Island. Fish have also been caught by anglers jigging on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range and nearshore around Turtle Creek and Wild Wings.

How: Anglers trolling have been using crankbaits (Rapala Deep Husky Jerks, deep diving Reef Runners, and Smithwick perfect 10 rogues) in the top half of the water column. Anglers jig fishing are catching fish on hair jigs and blade baits.

This was one of those kind of weeks where I had a chance to take a LOT of pictures. It’s also one of those weeks where I am sorry that I can only use four pictures in my fishing report with the format that we are using. I just settled on using some of the different rack shots from the end of the day for this weeks report. But boy did I have a pile of great individual shots of some real happy anglers holding up some HUGE fish as well! I don’t know what's going on this spring with this jigging but we sure are getting a lot more big females in the shallows on jigs then any other spring that I remember. And I've been doing this jigging out here a LONG time now! My only complaint with catching this many of the big females is that man do they ever make a huge mess in the boat spewing all of their eggs after they are netted at times!

Aboard “The Trophy” we just concentrated on working the beaches from the Davis Besse nuke plant well west of Port Clinton to just out front of the Moose Club here just west of the Portage River. The best water depths for us seemed to be anywhere from 12 to 15 foot. It sure seemed like most of the time when we were catching and I would happen to look up to take a quick glance at the depth finder it would be reading right around 14 1/2 foot. Just a very fun depth to be catching these big fish in on the super light tackle that I provide for these spring drift fishing trips! Nothing new with what we were using tackle wise this past week. Just the same old Purple or John Deere Green hair jigs with the trailering stinger treble hooks. If I have one thing that I don’t like about these jigs and the little stinger hooks that comes with them is that they they sure don’t seem to hold fish real well. It’s almost unbelievable how many hook ups we get on them just to loose the fish many times only getting a few cranks on the fish. It’s enough to get me really talking to myself at times! Lol!

So for as optimistic as I was last Sunday going into the following week, I am equally dismayed at what I am seeing now for most all of this upcoming next week. Temperatures falling back some which I really don’t care that much about but accompanied with lots of wind and rain ushering in this cool down. I am checking all of my sources and at this time it’s not real pretty. We’ll have to see how it all really plays out but I am getting that old sick feeling in my stomach again. Rough water leading to muddy conditions once again, leading to a much tougher bite again. I just knew this past week was just too good to last very long! I honestly don’t think that hardly anyone that comes up on a charter this time of year and catches a day as pleasant as we had all this past week realizes how blessed and lucky they are. To have enjoyed a day on the big lake in April and then have everything go so right including catching limits! Well be sure to check back next week to see how tough things actually were this week. Be prepared to hear me boo hooing once again if things go as I am fearing right now! Lol!

Capt. Walt

Walleye

Where: Walleye fishing continues to be excellent for anglers trolling, mostly around the eastern and northern cans of the Camp Perry firing range. Fish have also been caught by jigging on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range and nearshore around Turtle Creek and Wild Wings.

How: Anglers trolling have been using crankbaits (Rapala Deep Husky Jerks and deep diving Reef Runners) at speeds from 1.0 mph to 1.6 mph. Anglers jigging are catching fish on hair jigs and blade baits.

But for as lousy as the weather was during the week, we were handed one of the more delightful weekends that we have had yet this year. And a almost dead flat lake! It was truly a joy to be out there! The week's weather however took it's toll on the spawning fish making them skittish and not all that eager to hit for most. Surprisingly, water clarity was not really a issue. Just slow pickings. Some did better than others and there certainly were limits caught by some but it was far from a bonsai for most as it should be this time of year. Aboard “The Trophy”, we fell into the category of the slow camp only capturing 19 Walleyes for my same group that fished with me both of the days. It was not for lack of trying though. I logged a lot of miles trying all of my favorite reefs and beaches. And the group fished very hard. It was just slow for us. I don’t ever sugar coat anything. But better days are coming!

I did manage to jig up myself my second biggie of this spring season this weekend. Another 10 pound plus beauty with this one going 10 lb.. 9 oz! I would have much rather seen someone else on the boat catch it but again I don’t write the script and we take it as it comes. It sure did perk everybody up though! The second it hit I knew it was a very big fish. On the very light tackle that we use, it was a lot of fun to play out. That particular fish hit a 3/4 oz. John Deere Green hair jig. We were in 14 ft. of water just east of the Nuke Tower. One of my many, many stops that I made this weekend. Everywhere we went we caught a few. We just could not get a real program going ourselves. But boy if every boat out there this weekend caught just even one fish, there was still a incredible slaughter that took place! With the glassy smooth lake, I don’t think I've ever seen more boats out here! The packs were insane! And that in itself did not help us. I felt like I was fishing in a freeway every where we fished as un courteous boaters would blast past us one after another just feet away and wide open many times. I just have to shake my head.

So unlike last weekend where I was very uneasy with the coming week's weather, this next week here to come looks to extend this past weekend's great weather. I see many days in the coming forecast with waves predicted at only 1 to two feet or even less. And air temperatures do I dare say maybe even in the 70’s? We’ll see but I am very cautiously optimistic. Water temps in the early morning on Saturday were just a hair under 40 degrees and by late afternoon on Sunday I was recording 43 degrees already. Wow! I think if these fish are going to go crazy, this will probably be the week! 45 degrees has always seemed to be a magical threshold around here in the western basin for these shallow water fish. Warmer water, not too dirty, and not too rough... It should be good! Did I mention “should”? lol! Nothing surprises me anymore. We’ll just have to see how it all really plays out. Check back next week!

Capt. Walt

Walleye

Where: Walleye fishing has been good to excellent for anglers trolling, mostly around the eastern and northern cans of the Camp Perry firing range. Fish have also been caught by anglers jigging on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range and nearshore around Turtle Creek and Wild Wings.

“The Trophy” sat idle for the first few days as I rigged rods, stocked up on supplies and did a few last second maintenance chores to the boat which had slipped my mind when all of the major prep work was being done on her back home before launch. I did manage to sneak off Thursday morning on a buddies boat for a quick little scouting mission. The friends that I joined up with that morning had found some deep water Walleyes the day before and that’s where we headed. It didn't take too long to tie into our first few fish. We were jigging the old stand by of anymore, the big purple hair jigs but the boys were tipping them with big minnows. Something that I seldom do myself. It was working that morning though. We took a couple of handfuls of really nice fish in a couple of hours time before a strong line of thunderstorms sent us high tailing for the barn early.

With the weekend and my first scheduled charters on Saturday and Sunday, my old nemesis the wind arrived right on time as is the case all to often in this business especially this early in the year. Saturday morning we were greeted with below freezing temperatures, ice on the decks and a stiff north wind gusting to 27 mile per hour and a very nasty wave action on the water. After putting my crew on a 2 hour weather delay and with no real improvement, my first trip of the year elected to just call it and head down the road. After much anticipation on my part to get the season started, my first day back was over before it ever got started. The old feeling of disappointment and some disgust was hard to suppress. The next morning the wind was howling again but with just a change of wind direction. With a west, southwest fetch we decided to go for it. Trying to get a bit of a reprieve from the wind from the shoreline, we stayed in relatively close to shore. Bouncing jigs in the screaming wind we managed once again to capture only a couple of handfuls of fish once again before we gave up. It was the best we could do. Perhaps if we would have landed the 7 or 8 that got off on us, the box would have looked a little better. It is what it is...

So just like the first day of school, my first trip of 2015 is in the books and my 29th year in the business is now under way. This coming week I look to get real busy starting mid week but I am already uneasy as I look at the longer range forecasts. Rain and wind. Sigh. We’ll see I guess. One day at a time. As I look at my spring schedule in general, I do have some open dates that I hope to fill yet. Anybody looking for a trip, well just holler. Nobody's missed anything yet. I do think we are very close to some crazy good spring run action as these Walleyes come up on the reefs to spawn. On Sunday we observed some big females rolling on the surface closer to shore. A very good sign. We are very close now. If we can only catch a break from this relentless cold weather that is still hanging on from yet another brutal winter, I think it will be game on. BIG TIME! Stay tuned! And the story begins...

Capt. Walt

**Anglers should be aware that some popular accesses and parking locations have been temporarily closed due to recent ice damage. Toledo's Side Cut Metropark and Wood County's Buttonwood Metropark have been closed because of safety concerns.

Ice jams on the river caused flooding and pushed large ice sheets out of the river banks, causing significant structural damage to roads, trails and parking lots in some areas. After the ice jams broke up and the river receded, large blocks of ice remained which must now be removed.

Anglers looking for other access areas are reminded that Fort Meigs Fishing Access and Orleans Park in Perrysburg and White Street access in Maumee remain open. Some areas off Harrison Street are accessible, but much of the tow path and access trails are closed on both sides of Conant Street. For boaters, the Maple Street and Cory Street boat ramps are open.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in harbors and marinas around Catawba.
How: Most anglers are using small jigs with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Anglers are asked to park as efficiently as possible in order that the wildlife area may accommodate as many people as possible. During peak use, Division of Wildlife personnel will be on hand to assist in parking. In the event that all parking spots are filled, anglers will need to utilize other facilities.

Use caution when ice fishing on Lake Erie. Ice conditions are extremely variable and can change quickly.

Walleye
Where: The best walleye ice fishing has been near "A" can of the Camp Perry firing range, NW of Niagara Reef, and from "F" to "D" cans of the Camp Perry firing range. Use extra caution as warmer temperatures are forecasted.
How: Most anglers are jigging with spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in harbors and marinas around Catawba.
How: Most anglers are using small jigs with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Walleye
Where: The best walleye ice fishing has been north of Catawba, west of Catawba, and 3 to 9 miles off Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
How: Most anglers are jigging with spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in harbors and marinas around Catawba.
How: Most anglers are using small jigs with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Where: The best walleye ice fishing has been between Catawba and Camp Perry. Most reports have come from the buoys around the southeast corner of the Camp Perry firing range, and as close as 2 miles out of Catawba State Park.
How: Most anglers are jigging with spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in harbors and marinas around Catawba.
How: Most anglers are using small jigs with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Where: Most ice fishing reports for walleye have come from the area between Catawba and Camp Perry. Recent snow has made travel on the ice difficult in some areas.
How: Most anglers are jigging with spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in harbors and marinas around Catawba.
How: Most anglers are using small jigs with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Where: There have been reports of walleye being caught through the ice 2-to-4 miles off Camp Perry and west of Catawba State Park.
How: Most anglers are jigging with spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Use caution when ice fishing on Lake Erie. Ice conditions are extremely variable and can change quickly.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 33 degrees off Toledo and 37 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 35 degrees off Toledo and 38 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 35 degrees off Toledo and 38 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 36 degrees off Toledo and 42 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Where: For the second straight week weather conditions have limited Lake Erie fishing opportunities. If conditions improve the best walleye fishing will be nearshore around the islands, from Cedar Point to Lorain, and around Cleveland harbor.
How:Anglers trolling are using deep diving crankbaits in open water and shallow diving crankbaits nearshore at night. Anglers fishing from shore and piers are casting shallow diving crankbaits.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 37 degrees off Toledo and 44 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 41 degrees off Toledo and 48 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 45 degrees off Toledo and 51 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. As water temperatures drop walleye should return to the island area from farther east.
How: Anglers trolling are mostly using crankbaits.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. As water temperatures drop walleye should return to the island area from farther east.
How: Anglers trolling are mostly using crankbaits.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing was best around "B" can and "D" can of the Camp Perry firing range, around Green Island, south of Kelleys Island, east of Kelleys Island, and off the Marblehead lighthouse.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from the Kelleys Island shoal area. As water temperatures drop walleye should return to the island area from farther east.
How: Anglers trolling are mostly using crankbaits.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been best south of Green Island, between Green Island and Rattlesnake Island, east of Kelleys Island, and off the Marblehead lighthouse.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from north of North Bass Island. As water temperatures drop walleye should return to the island area from farther east.
How: Anglers trolling are using crankbaits, worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish and the size of fish is starting to improve as the temperatures drop. The best spots have been 4-to-5 miles north of Cooley Canal, south of Green Island, off Port Clinton, the green buoy off Catawba State Park, northwest of Kelleys Island, and between Kelleys Island and Marblehead.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around the Bass islands and Kelleys Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, drop shot rigs with soft plastics, crankbaits, or jerkbaits.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come north of North Bass Island and along the Canadian border to Gull Island Shoal. As water temperatures drop walleye should return to the island area from farther east.
How: Anglers trolling are using crankbaits, worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish and the size of the fish is starting to improve as temperatures drop. The best spots have been the Toledo lighthouse, 3 miles north of Little Cedar Point, west of West Sister Island, the green buoy off Catawba State Park, east of Middle Bass Island, off Kelleys Island airport reef, southeast of Kelleys Island Shoal, between Kelleys Island and Marblehead, and the dumping grounds east of Marblehead.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around the Bass islands and Kelleys Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in harbors and bays in the western basin and around Marblehead.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from north of North Bass Island, along the Canadian border to Gull Island Shoal, and on Kelleys Island Shoal.
How: Anglers trolling are using crankbaits, worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good for based on fish, but the size of fish have been running small, including a lot of throwbacks. The best spots have been north of "B" can of the Camp Perry firing range, 1.5 miles north of West Sister, between Green and Rattlesnake islands, the green buoy off Catawba State Park, the red bell buoy north of North Bass Island, off Kelleys Island airport reef, southeast of Kelleys Island Shoal, and the dumping grounds east of Marblehead.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around the Bass islands and Kelleys Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and also around Marblehead.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from "L" can of the Camp Perry firing range, northwest of North Bass Island, and north of Kelleys Island.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish, but the size of fish have been running small, including lots of throwbacks. The best spots have been the end of the Toledo shipping channel off the turnaround buoy, the gravel pit, northwest of "B" can of the Camp Perry firing range, off Niagara Reef, the green buoy off Catawba State Park, south of Kelleys Island, northwest of Kelleys Island, and the dumping grounds east of Marblehead.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around North Bass Island and Kelleys Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and also along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from northwest of North Bass Island and north of Kelleys Island.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on number of fish, but the size of fish has been running small, including a lot of throwbacks. The best spots have been off Little Cedar Point, south of West Sister Island, 3 miles north of the Toledo water intake, Rattlesnake Island, east of Middle Bass Island, the green buoy off Catawba State Park, around "F" can of the Camp Perry firing range, southeast of Kelleys Island, northwest of Kelleys Island, and off the Marblehead lighthouse.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around Middle Bass Island and Kelleys Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and also along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from off Crane Creek, around "L" can of the Camp Perry firing range, and off Cedar Point.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish but the sizes of fish have been running small, including a lot of throwbacks. The best spots have been northeast of West Sister Island, 5 miles east of West Sister Island, north of "B" can of the Camp Perry firing range, off Niagara Reef, Rattlesnake Island, Green Island, the green buoy off Catawba State Park, around "F" can of the Camp Perry firing range, southeast of Kelleys Island, and off Kelleys Island Shoal.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around Middle Bass Island and Kelleys Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and also along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from north of the Camp Perry firing range, around Crib Reef and south of "G" can of the Camp Perry firing range.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish, but the sizes of fish have been running small, including a lot of throwbacks. The best spots have been the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, north of West Sister Island, "G" and "H" cans of the Camp Perry firing range, Rattlesnake Island, Green Island, southeast of Kelleys Island and northeast of Kelleys Island.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around South Bass Island and North Bass Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in harbors and bays in the western basin and along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin. The best reports have come from west of Rattlesnake Island up to the Canadian border, including Northwest Reef, West Reef, and the red bell buoy near the Canadian border. Other spots to try include northwest of Kelleys Island and off Cedar Point.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where:Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish, but the size of the fish has been small, including a lot of throwbacks. The best spots have been north of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, Rattlesnake Island, Green Island, Lucy’s Point of Middle Bass Island, the green buoy off Catawba, southeast of Kelleys Island, and off Kelleys Island Shoal.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where:Smallmouth bass are being caught around Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits and jerkbaits

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and also along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been slow in the western basin and fewer anglers have been targeting them. The best reports have come from west of Rattlesnake Island up to the Canadian border, including Northwest Reef and the red bell buoy near the Canadian border. Other spots to try include West Sister Island, Green Island and off Cedar Point.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good based on numbers of fish, but the size of fish has been running small, including a lot of throwbacks. The best spots have been north of West Sister Island, north of "B" and "C" cans of the Camp Perry firing range, the red bell buoy north of North Bass Island, Rattlesnake Island, south of Green Island, Lucy's Point of Middle Bass Island, and southeast of Kelleys Island.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range, around Kelleys Island and around North Bass Island.
How:Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught on crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has slowed in the western basin and fewer anglers are targeting them. The best reports have come from west of Rattlesnake Island up to the Canadian border, including West Reef (west of North Bass Island). Other spots include "F" can of the Camp Perry Firing range and off Niagara Reef.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses

Yellow Perch
Where: The best yellow perch fishing has primarily been in the island region, including Green Island to Rattlesnake Island, North Bass Island, South Bass Island and Kelleys Island.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around Kelleys Island and North Bass Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Walleye
Where: The best walleye fishing reports have come from west of the Bass islands, primarily from west of Rattlesnake Island and north to the Canadian border.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing has been good near the Toledo water intake, along the northern buoys of the Camp Perry firing range, off Niagara Reef, between Green and Rattlesnake islands, and both north and south of Kelleys Island.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around Kelleys Island and North Bass Island.
How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs, crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been excellent northeast of the gravel pit, near the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, south of Middle Sister Island, northwest of West Sister Island, north of "A" can of the Camp Perry firing range, from west of Rattlesnake Island to Northwest Reef, and east of Kelleys Island.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and also spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing effort has been low with most good reports coming from between Green and Rattlesnake islands, and around Kelleys Island.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around island shorelines in less than 25-feet of water. How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs and also crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where:Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin and also along the main lake shoreline around Catawba.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught using crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been excellent at the gravel pit, northwest of West Sister Island, north of "A" and "B" cans of the Camp Perry firing range, around "E" and "F" cans of the Camp Perry firing range, Northwest Reef and West Reef near North Bass Island, west of Rattlesnake Island, around Gull Island Shoal, and east of Kelleys Island.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and also spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing effort has been low with most good reports coming from between Green and Rattlesnake islands, east of Ballast Island, east of Starve Island, and west of Kelleys Island.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass have been caught around island shorelines in less than 25 feet of water. How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs and on crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been excellent at the gravel pit, northwest of West Sister Island, around "A" can of the Camp Perry firing range, around Green Island, west of North Bass Island, and east of Kelleys Island.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perch fishing effort has been low with most good reports coming from north, east or south of Kelleys Island.
How:Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around island shorelines in less than 25-feet of water. How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs and also on crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught using crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 67 off Toledo and 52 off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye
Where:Walleye fishing has been excellent at the Gravel Pit west of West Sister Island, off Magee Marsh, near the northern and eastern cans of the Camp Perry firing range as well as around some of the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range reef complex, around Green Island, east of Kelleys Island in 40 feet of water, and north of Kelleys Island between Kelleys Island Shoal and Gull Island Shoal.
How: Anglers trolling are using worm harnesses with inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers, and spoons pulled behind divers. Anglers casting are using mayfly rigs or are drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow perchhave been caught around "F" can of the Camp Perry firing range, Rattlesnake Island and off Kelleys Island Shoal.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around island shorelines in less than 25 feet of water. How: Smallmouth bass have been caught on tube jigs and also using crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in the harbors and bays in the western basin.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught using crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 67 off Toledo and 50 off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Western Basin

Walleye
Where: Anglers trolling are catching fish along the northern cans of the Camp Perry firing range, around the Bass Islands, around Kelleys Island, and in 30 to 40-feet of water from Huron to Lorain. Anglers jigging are still catching fish on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range and in Maumee Bay; although, jig fishing will be ending shortly as fish migrate away from spawning areas.
How: Anglers trolling have caught fish using deep diving crankbaits such as Rapala deep husky jerks and Reef Runners, as well as with worm harnesses using inline weights, divers or bottom bouncers. Hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners are the most popular jigging lures.

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Smallmouth bass are being caught around island shorelines in less than 20-feet of water. How: Smallmouth bass are being caught on tube jigs and on crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Largemouth bass are being caught in harbors and bays in the western basin.
How: Largemouth bass are being caught using crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

“The Trophy” was strictly a trolling machine all of last week. It’s what I do best. It’s a lot of work but I’ve settled into my usual daily routine now and most everything I do out there, I do without having to put a lot of thought into it. Twenty eight years now of doing the same thing over and over. I sound like a Parrot giving the very same instructions over and over and probably look like a robot too as I rig lines and shuffle people around. Same thing again and again. But we make it work. All the drifting equipment has been sent home now and we are now truly committed to trolling here for my last week at the western basin. It’s almost like a pre-season dress rehearsal in preparation of what I do all summer long back home. And that’s troll. As we trolled here amongst the heavy boat traffic last week and started fighting more and more of the nuisance small junk fish, I couldn't help but start really looking forward to going home back out east.

Interestingly enough, while trolling out here at the western basin last week, we hooked and landed yet ANOTHER Muskie this spring out here! I made mention a few weeks back about the one we caught drifting and jigging closer to shore. Well this one came on a port side 2 1/2 setting Dipsey Diver, 30 foot back with a Poo Bear Purple Michigan Stinger scorpion spoon. We were fishing just north of the Niagara Reef in about 28 foot of water. Although it wasn't quite as big as the one we caught a few weeks ago, it certainly slammed the diver hard and put up quite the little tussle before getting himself netted. And as we did did with the last one, we took a few quick pictures and slipped it unharmed back into the water. Hmmmm... I wonder if this is a sign of things to come here in the western basin? Like I said, very interesting. I wonder what a Muskie charter could go for! Lol !!!

So it’s finally here. My final week at Port Clinton before running my boat back to Ashtabula for the rest of the season. Port Clinton is always exciting to get the new season going and pay off some winter incurred bills but Ashtabula Harbor is home and where I really make my living at. Seems like after the jigging bite is done and over with up here, I just want to go home. But it would not pay for me to come all the way out here just for a month so we make the best of my stay here. If the fishing would be a bit easier after the jig bite or the weather a bit kinder in the spring time, perhaps I wouldn’t be as antsy to go. But home is home and I can’t wait to go this year. As always, I am blessed with a good schedule for back out east and can’t wait to go looking for those big early summer fish. OK, as I always do each year and at the end of my final week here, there will be no fishing report at all next weekend as I will be very busy moving my entire operation down the lake. Look for my fishing reports to resume in two weeks from the central basin. If you’ve been following along on fishlakeerie.com’s website and in their western Lake Erie reports section, you will have to look for my reports on the same site but in their eastern Ohio Lake Erie section. Fishing reports on my own personal website www.trophycharters.com as always will be seamless so just continue to check in as you normally do. That’s it from the western basin for yet another year. See everybody in two weeks down the road for the summer seasons fishing!

Capt. Walt

Smallmouth Bass
Where: Are being caught around island shorelines in less than 20 feet of water. How: Try using tube jigs, crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Largemouth bass
Where: Are being caught in harbors and bays in the western basin. How: Use crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

But by Thursday, it was just like someone flipped a switch. Nice warm weather with very little wind and very cooperative fish. After spending several days trolling around north of Kelly's Island last week, we went looking for fish a bit closer to home this week. Although close is all relevant, we did find a nice school of active fish just off of Green Island. Its about a 10 mile run to there for me coming out of downtown Port Clinton or a savings of about 5 or 6 miles one way as opposed to running all the way out east to Kelly's. A round trip saving of say 12 miles is pretty substantial for me. Especially with marine fuel here on the waterfront in Port Clinton all spring long beings just shy of $5 bucks a gallon. Ouch!

Actually, I think there is much more fish back west of Kelly's as opposed to having to strategically work a little area like we had to off of the big island of Kelly's . I graphed miles of really good marks on the fish finder from the SW corner of South Bass to well west of Green Island. We sort of just picked at the fish here and there and everywhere we trolled in that area and that was a whole lot easier and refreshing to me then having to circle around in tight donuts and fighting all the boats in that area doing the same out east. And the grade of fish just west of the main body of Islands wasn’t bad either. We had plenty of 6 to 8 lb. fish. Most fish in this area seemed to be about 20 ft. down over near 30 foot of water. And the spoon bite seems to be really firing up now as well doing much better for us then our Husky Jerks and other body baits that I had been using.

So, week number seven is in the books now as I am reminded that I only have two weeks left in my stint here in the western basin. My days are all very long but the weeks just keep flying by and are all just a blur. I am starting to get really anxious about returning to my home port of Ashtabula and hunting for the Walleyes out on my own home turf. But till I do, there is still some fishing that has to be done out here before I take off. The trolling bite appears to be getting better and better whenever the weather cooperates around here now and will probably get really good here in the coming days. Everything is just running so far behind this year, thanks to the extreme winter of 2013-2014. OK, its been a while since I pedaled an open date that I have here in my fishing reports but with the fishing really picking up now I thought I would mention a peak and rare Saturday that just became available for me. Next Saturday, May the 17th just became open due to a last minute cancellation. If anybody is interested in this prime open date, please call me at anytime on my cell number, 216-387-2656. I hope to hear from someone out there and lets go fishing together that day!

Capt. Walt

The Lake Erie water temperature is 50 off Toledo and 49 off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

As I had threatened to do so in my last report, we did break out the trolling gear and went looking for some big fish this past week. And we found some whoppers north of Kelly's Island that we were able to scare up. Not exactly a run that I like to make coming out of downtown Port Clinton. For me, it’s about a 16-17 mile fuel guzzling trip one way. But we didn’t come back empty handed. We came back with plenty of Ashtabula caliber kind of fish all three days that I spent up there including a handful of Fish Ohio’s. Walleyes over 28 inches! Fishing Tru Trip Divers off of the big boards with shallow running Husky Jerks accounted for most of the Walleyes that we captured up there.

After getting beat up on Thursday trolling in the high winds & waves, I decided to tuck back in close to the beach on Friday and try to get a reprieve from the very strong and gusty southerly winds. We went back to jigging and surprisingly had a very good day. Although the fish weren't quite as big, they were really fun to catch in the shallower water with the light tackle and my boys had a ball. Saturday was even rougher and we couldn’t do much at all. With SW winds gusting to 30 mph, we had an early quit and were just happy to get back to the dock safely and get tied up. Sunday we woke up to a flat lake. And with some of my very best jig fishermen onboard that day, once again it was game on! They did great till 1:00 o clock when it was like somebody flipped a switch and 25 mph NW winds instantly kicked in and again ended our fun early. We still managed a nice pile of fish for the day though.

So if you can put any faith at all into the upcoming weeks forecast, it finally looks like we might be breaking out of this nasty pattern that has been plaguing us all spring long here. Monday is “supposed” to be 1 foot or less and by weeks end, they are even talking near 80 degree temperatures! We’ll see. I’ve been let down and disappointed before around here when the forecast didn’t sound “too bad”. Anyway, my way of thinking as of right now is that we will probably lean more and more towards trolling now to round out the remainder of my stay here in Port Clinton. I’m still however going to try to milk out a few more days of this jigging since we did OK doing that on Fri. & Sun. But if doesn’t hold up, we’ll be switching over to plan “B” right quickly. It’s nice to have that option. Till next week...

Capt. Walt

What was not fun was some of the really cold and windy days that we had to endure once again out there. This spring is already starting to wear on me. The fishing for most of the jig fisherman including myself and my different crews this past week was not exactly easy. We ended up having some of my slowest days so far this spring on several of the trips. We just couldn’t get on them real good and if we did, they just were not aggressive enough for us to get big numbers. The only exception and the gem of the week for us was Tuesday when my Amish guests who fish very hard with me each year, managed to get one short of 6 limits for themselves. I was amazed we got anything as we fished in an incredible strong westerly wind. But they kept at it laughing and joking and somehow, someway they managed to pull a nice mess of fish out of there under some very harsh conditions!

And we did get some really nice Smallmouth Bass. They are always fun. I wasn’t too happy though to see the Sheephead starting to hit though. That usually signals the end is near for the jig bite. Unless something dramatic happens here very soon, I would have to say this will go down at least in my books as one of the more poorer jig biting seasons. Other then a few days there a couple of weeks ago, it has not been very easy and the fish have either not been there in the usual numbers as in past years or have not been very cooperative. Of coarse the weather has not helped any of all that. We have yet to have three nice days in a row around here. Its been one front after another with lots of wind and rain and cold. Just not the conditions that lead up to very successful and consistent catches. Guess what they say about you not being able to do anything about the weather and that that’s fishing has never been more true. It doesn't make things less painful on me however.

So, the month of April is about over with. Unbelievable. Half of my stay here in the western basin is already up for this year. This was supposed to be the easy part of my season. I guess as soon as this coming week already, I think I’m going to have to dust off some of the trolling gear and see if I can turn this thing around. But along with that comes a whole new set of headaches and challenges and certainly much more work for me. We’ll see. And the weather... Oh boy. This whole upcoming weeks forecast looks terrible. Rain pretty much everyday including heavy at times and wind too. Monday they are calling for 3-5 footers. Looks like no fishing again at least that day. For better or worst, I for one am really ready to flip the page on the calendar over to May. Cant be much tougher I don’t think. Stay tuned...



Capt. Walt

We managed to get back out Wednesday with icy decks and muddy water. The rest of the week the weather improved dramatically except for a hick up on Saturday where a very stubborn persistent cold north east wind kicked in and just would not back off all day creating a chilly, choppy and a slower fishing day for us. Somehow, we got through it all though and even had a few respectable catches mixed in this strange week. Port Clinton in April is a very tough place to be at times. Especially if you make your living on the water!

There is not much going on in the traditional beachy areas that we like to fish this time of year as of yet. Just way too many blows keeping the water clarity very chocolaty. Although I mark real good on the fish finder, catching in the darker near shore water is another story. The reefs and the surrounding slightly deeper waters is where we ended up doing most all of our damage. The very shallow and treacherous Crib Reef was probably the most popular and most productive area. Water depths slightly to the sides of the reef anywhere from 7 to 11 feet were the best for us aboard “The Trophy”. The same old hair jig jigging program was our technique of choice once again this past week. This should still be the case for the next week to 10 days.

Finally, I would like to take a moment and reflect on a very tragic boating accident that happened mid week here in the western basin. Details are still sketchy but a 21 foot fishing boat was found capsized and four fishermen are presumed dead with two of the bodies recovered including a 17 year old girl and the other two still missing. The search and rescue operations were executed right where we were all fishing on Thursday and it was a very sad event to witness. Although I did not know any of the people involved in this accident personally, I join all my other fellow fishermen in this area that have very heavy hearts over this terrible event. It definitely puts things in perspective when you think you’re having a bad day. Stay safe everyone...


Capt. Walt

Where: Fishing was excellent this past weekend. Anglers trolling caught large fish outside of the reef complex, mostly south of "F" and "G" cans of the Camp Perry firing range, and also along the east buoys of the firing range. Anglers jigging caught fish on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range and also in 8 to 15 feet of water along the shoreline west of the firing range.
How: For trolling using deep diving crankbaits such as Rapala deep husky jerks and Reef Runners caught fish primarily in the middle of the water column at speeds around 1 mph. Hair jigs tipped with emerald shiners are the most popular jigging lures.

The Lake Erie water temperature is 45 off Toledo and 40 off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

“The Trophy” slipped into the Portage River on March 30th this spring, a full week later then any other year that I have trailered her up here in the past. And in reality, it was still a week too early this year! Although I was able to launch and fire the motors up, there was just no going anywhere. The lake itself was still froze as far as you could see. Although the river where the marina that launched me was open, there was no going back to even my own dock for another full week as the lagoon off the main river where I dock was still frozen as well! I spent the first week upriver, babysitting the boat and going nowhere. Pushing away icebergs from the boat as they flowed down the river and cancelling trips. Not the usual start to the season around here, that’s for sure. But when you have one of the worst and longest winters in decades if not ever, then I suppose that should be expected.

But we finally got some badly needed wind and rain and just about overnight the lingering ice did disappear and things settled back to a more normal early spring like condition. And in a matter of a couple few days thereafter, the fishing went quickly from bad, to so-so, to about as good as it gets! All the normal presentations that have worked in past seasons did the job for us after the fish started to cooperate. Aboard “The Trophy” we have been jigging our purple and John Deere green hair jigs with their accompanying trailering stinger treble hooks. Either 5/8 ounce or 3/4 ounce. No bait. And although casting the jig out and letting it settle to the bottom and hopping it back to the boat usually works very well, we have actually done better just vertical jigging off the boat with the windward side having the edge as to being the best spot on the boat.

So, I have been in the water for two weeks now, fishing one week and already looking at this coming weeks dismal forecast. Not too good for a few days from what it looks like. Winter or at least a strong cold front is supposed to re-visit us by Tuesday. They are even talking some S-N-O-W-! Yikes! Is it this winters final gasp? Will this be the last of it? Will it screw up the fishing? I don’t know, I don’t know, and I don’t know. What I do know is that if the weather permits, I will be back out there every day possible trying my very hardest for all the guys as I always do and then sadly let fate once again determine who is going to have a so-so day, a good day, and who is going to have a great day. I just have to SMH (shake my head) and wait and see myself how it all plays out. Stay tuned and welcome back to my little fishing blog!



Capt. Walt

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

The daily bag limit for walleye on Ohio waters of Lake Erie is four fish per angler from March 1 through April 30. The minimum size limit for walleye is 15 inches.
The daily bag limit for yellow perch is 30 fish per angler on all Ohio waters of Lake Erie.
The trout and salmon daily bag limit is 2 fish with a minimum size limit of 12 inches.
The black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) daily bag limit is five fish per angler with a 14-inch minimum size limit.

Walleye
Where: Ice anglers have been catching walleye west and northwest of Catawba Island, south and west of Green Island, and 4 to 8 miles north of Magee Marsh. Be cautious when ice fishing offshore areas of Lake Erie, as ice conditions can change quickly due to water currents and wind. Travel with caution and regularly check ice conditions before proceeding.
How: Most Lake Erie ice anglers targeting walleye are using jigging spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in East Harbor.
How: Most panfish have been caught on ice jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in East Harbor.
How: Most panfish have been caught on ice jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics.

Where: Ice anglers have been catching walleye west and northwest of Catawba Island, 3 miles north of Crane Creek, and west of South Bass Island around Green and Rattlesnake Islands. Be cautious when ice fishing the offshore areas of Lake Erie, as ice conditions can change quickly due to water currents and wind.
How: Most Lake Erie ice anglers targeting walleye are using jigging spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Panfish
Where: Panfish have been caught in East Harbor.
How: Most panfish have been caught on ice jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Where: Ice anglers have been catching walleye, primarily west and northwest of Catawba Island, and west of South Bass Island around Green and Rattlesnake Islands. Fish have also been caught in front of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Be cautious when ice fishing the offshore areas of Lake Erie, since ice conditions can change quickly due to water currents and wind.

Where: Ice anglers have been catching walleye, primarily west and northwest of Catawba Island, and west of South Bass Island around Green and Rattlesnake Islands. Be cautious when ice fishing offshore areas of Lake Erie, since ice conditions can change quickly due to water currents and wind.

How: Most Lake Erie ice anglers targeting walleye use jigging spoons tipped with emerald shiners.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

There have been some walleye caught by ice anglers, primarily west and northwest of Catawba Island, prior to the weekend of Jan. 11. However, above freezing temperatures, rain and wind have made ice conditions extremely dangerous since then. Be cautious when ice fishing the offshore areas of Lake Erie.

The daily bag limit for walleye on Ohio waters of Lake Erie is six fish per angler. The minimum size limit for walleye is 15 inches.
The daily bag limit for yellow perch is 30 fish per angler on all Ohio waters of Lake Erie.
The trout and salmon daily bag limit is 2 fish with a minimum size limit of 12 inches.
The black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) daily bag limit is five fish per angler with a 14-inch minimum size limit.

Lake-wide

Winter weather has ended open water fishing on Lake Erie. There have not been any reports of fishing over the past week as of Jan. 7, 2014.

Before we look forward to this upcoming new season, let’s quickly review last year’s fishing. April started out at Port Clinton with both great fishing and early season weather woes which are to be expected that early in the season. May was very pleasant for us and the fishing was good. June back in Ashtabula, my home port was just FABULOUS! It was the best June fishing that I had ever experienced! July and August had good fishing but we saw a lot of windy days. And in the fall, Sept. & Oct. were beyond fabulous! The great Walleye fishing hung in there well into Oct. and the Perch fishing was consistently awesome. It was probably the nicest fall weather that we had to work with in a long time.

This coming year should be no different. If we can get half way decent weather, our remarkable Walleye fishery should once again deliver remarkable catches and wonderful memories. Although there may be snow on the ground outside, right now is the time to make your fishing plans and firm up those dates that I may be holding for you. This is the least favorite part of this business for me: the scheduling and trying to accommodate everyone's wants and needs. You can help by please promptly replying with your date confirmations and deposits. Every year I get burned somewhere along the way because I generously hold dates for people longer then I should have.

There are no major changes for 2014. We will once again be in Port Clinton in the spring for the exciting April hands on jigging season and Mays casting/trolling trips. June will find us back home in Ashtabula, OH for the remainder of the season. Dock locations will be in the same exact spots where we have been for years now. Most charter rates will remain the same EXCEPT the summer trolling rates for people that come in a group of 5. We have modestly increased rates here in an attempt to raise revenue without punishing my smaller group sizes that so faithfully comply with my wishes of having mostly 4 man charters for the offshore summer trolling trips.

I urge everyone to inspect the new brochure and websites pricing and if you’ve always come in a larger party size to consider trying my suggestion of 4 people. It’s a win, win situation for everyone. It’s not so crowded and is a much more personal experience. When trolling your turn comes around so much sooner and the odds of limiting the boat out increases dramatically. And if we don’t limit out you’re only splitting your fillets up 4 ways instead of 5. It makes a BIG difference. It also makes things a bit easier on me and I am not getting any younger.

In review, there are no changes to the spring trips rates. 1 to 5 people is all the same as last year in Port Clinton as are the fall Perch trips for 1 to 5 people. No change for my summer 4 man trips. No changes in the spring and summer schedule or dock locations. And as far as I know, no changes in fish limits or anything like that. So please check your dates and get back to me ASAP. Best dates go fast so if you need to change something, call soon. Deposits should be sent out in the next few weeks to insure your spot. Also check out the new pictures up on my websites home page slide show and the album page with some of 2013 seasons catches. See if you made the cut! I hope to see everyone once again for “Just another day on The Trophy”!

Capt. Walt

Winter weather has limited fishing opportunities on the main lake as frozen harbors have restricted access to open water.

Water Temperature
The water temperature is 33 degrees off Toledo and 38 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Walleye
Where: Walleye fishing has been excellent for anglers trolling around the Huron dumping grounds and also north of Cranberry Creek. Night fishing has been good on many of the western basin piers, especially the Huron pier.
How: Trollers are using crankbaits such as Reef Runners, Ripsticks, Rogues or Deep Husky Jerks. The best action has been in the upper portion of the water column. Anglers casting off the piers are primarily using stick baits.

Water Temperature
The water temperature is 35 degrees off Toledo and 42 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye
Where: MostFishing has been good from Cedar Point to Vermilion in less than 35 feet of water, and to a lesser extent around Kelleys Island and night trolling around Cleveland harbor. Night shore fishing has occasionally been good on piers at Catawba, Marblehead and Huron.
How: Trollers are using crankbaits such as Reef Runners or Deep Husky Jerks, fished in the top half of the water column.

Water Temperature
The water temperature is 40 degrees off Toledo and 46 degrees off Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye: Recent weather has limited fishing opportunities.
Where: Most walleye anglers have been fishing nearshore from Catawba Island to Kelleys Island and Cedar Point to Vermillion. Fish have also been caught off traditional fall pier locations.
How: Troll using deep diving crankbaits such as Reef Runners or Deep Husky Jerks, fished in the middle portion of the water column or higher. On the piers, anglers are using traditional techniques.

Yellow perch
Where: For some of the biggest perch of the year try traditional fall spots such as the green buoy off Catawba State Park; Green and Rattlesnake Islands; Ballast Island; Kelleys Island shoal; east of Kelleys Island airport; between Kelleys Island and Lakeside; the Marblehead Lighthouse; north of Cedar Point; the south end of the sandbar offshore between Vermilion and Lorain; and just off most of the ports from Huron to Conneaut.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners, near the bottom.

Smallmouth bass
Where: Bass start moving shallow to feed as water temperatures drop. Try fishing rocky areas along both island and mainland shorelines to find feeding smallmouth bass. Areas with gizzard shad, shiners or gobies will be best.
How: Tube jigs, drop shots with goby imitations, and crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Walleye: Recent weather has limited fishing opportunities.

Where: Most walleye anglers have been fishing nearshore from Ruggles Reef to Cedar Point.
How: Troll using deep diving crankbaits such as Reef Runners or Deep Husky Jerks, fished in the middle portion of the water column or higher.

Yellow perch

Where: For some of the biggest perch of the year try traditional fall spots such as the green buoy off Catawba State Park; Green and Rattlesnake Islands; Ballast Island; Kelleys Island shoal; east of Kelleys Island airport; between Kelleys Island and Lakeside; the Marblehead Lighthouse; north of Cedar Point; the south end of the sandbar offshore between Vermilion and Lorain; and just off most of the ports from Huron to Conneaut.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners, near the bottom.

Smallmouth bass

Where: Bass start moving shallow to feed as water temperatures drop. Try fishing rocky areas along both island and mainland shorelines to find feeding smallmouth bass. Areas with gizzard shad, shiners or gobies will be best.
How: Tube jigs, drop shots with goby imitations, and crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Walleye
Where: Most walleye being caught have come from around Kelleys Island; from Cedar Point to Lorain within 5 miles of shore; and in or around Cleveland harbor at night.
How: Troll using deep diving crankbaits such as Reef Runners or Deep Husky Jerks, fished in the middle portion of the water column or higher.

Yellow perch
Where: For some of the biggest perch of the year try traditional fall spots such as the green buoy off Catawba State Park; Green and Rattlesnake Islands; Ballast Island; Kelleys Island shoal; east of Kelleys Island airport; between Kelleys Island and Lakeside; the Marblehead lighthouse; north of Cedar Point; the south end of the sandbar offshore between Vermilion and Lorain; and just off most of the ports from Huron to Conneaut.
How: Perch spreaders with shiners, near the bottom.

Smallmouth bass
Where: Bass start moving shallow to feed as water temperatures drop. Try fishing rocky areas along both island and mainland shorelines to find feeding smallmouth bass. Areas with gizzard shad, shiners or gobies will be best.
How: Tube jigs, drop shots with goby imitations, and crankbaits or jerkbaits.

Walleye: As temperatures drop expect fishing to improve as migratory walleye return to the islands and also nearshore areas. Trolling crankbaits behind planer boards is a popular method for catching fall walleye.

The water temperature is 48 degrees off of Toledo and 56 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye fishing effort has been low recently. There have been a few reports from “A” can of the Camp Perry firing range, NE of Crib Reef, and Green Island. As temperatures drop expect fishing to improve as migratory walleye return to the islands and also nearshore areas. Trolling crankbaits behind planer boards is a popular method for catching fall walleye.

Yellow perch fishing improved over the past week. The best areas have been the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, the gravel pit, NE and NW of West Sister Island, “C” can and “F” can of the Camp Perry firing range, Northwest Reef, SW of Green Island, Rattlesnake Island, the green buoy NW of Catawba State Park, Gull Island Shoal, and E of Kelleys Island and Kelleys Island Shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead, and also in Sandusky Bay. Some smallmouth bass have been reported around Kelleys Island.

The water temperature is 61 degrees off of Toledo and 66 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.

Walleye fishing effort has been low recently and there have been very few reports from the western basin. As temperatures drop expect fishing to improve as migratory walleye return to the islands and also nearshore areas. Trolling crankbaits behind planer boards is a popular method for catching fall walleye.

Yellow perch fishing was fair over the past week. The best areas have been around West Sister Island, near the N end of the Toledo shipping channel, 9 miles out from the Toledo water intake, West Reef, W of Green and Rattlesnake islands, between Kelleys Island and Lakeside, NW of Kelleys Island, E of Kelleys Island, and off of Kelleys Island Shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead, and also in Sandusky Bay. Some smallmouth bass have been reported around Kelleys Island.

The water temperature is 64 degrees off of Toledo and 67 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye fishing effort has dropped recently and there have been very few reports from the western basin. The best areas have been Northwest Reef, West Reef, and “F” can of the Camp Perry firing range. As temperatures drop expect fishing to improve as migratory walleye return to the islands and also nearshore areas. Trolling crankbaits behind planer boards is a popular method for catching fall walleye.

Yellow perch fishing improved over the past week. The best areas have been N and E of West Sister Island, near the N end of the Toledo shipping channel, N of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, West Reef, W of Green and Rattlesnake islands, NW of Kelleys Island, and Kelleys Island Shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead, and also in Sandusky Bay. Some smallmouth bass have been reported on the reefs of the Camp Perry firing range.

The water temperature is 63 degrees off of Toledo and 67 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye fishing effort has dropped recently and there have been very few reports from the western basin. As temperatures drop expect fishing to improve as migratory walleye return to the islands and also nearshore areas. Trolling crankbaits behind planer boards is a popular method for catching fall walleye.

Yellow perch fishing was fair over the past week. The best areas have been West Sister Island, “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, West Reef and Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island), W of Green and Rattlesnake islands, 1 mile SW of Kelleys Island, and S of Kelleys Island Shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead, and also in Sandusky Bay.

The water temperature is 63 degrees off of Toledo and 68 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye fishing effort has dropped recently as there have been very few reports from the western basin. The best reports from the past week have been near “L” can of the Camp Perry firing range, Northwest Reef, and NW of Green Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are casting mayfly rigs or weight-forward spinners tipped with worms.

Yellow perch fishing was slow over the past week. The best areas have been the Toledo harbor light, NE of West Sister Island, “A” and “B” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, NE of Niagara Reef, 1 mile SW of Kelleys Island, and on the dumping grounds E of Marblehead . Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead, and also in Sandusky Bay.

Walleye fishing was best at the Gravel Pit (between West Sister Island and the Toledo harbor light), 3 miles off of Wild Wings marina, near “L” and “C” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, and W of Green Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are casting mayfly rigs or weight-forward spinners tipped with worms.

Yellow perch fishing was best at the Gravel Pit (between West Sister Island and the Toledo harbor light), 2 miles S of West Sister Island, near “A” and “B” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, the dumping grounds E of Marblehead, N of Kelleys Island, E of Kelleys Island Shoal, and off of Cedar Point . Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth and Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead, and also around Kelleys Island.

Walleye fishing was best NE of Niagara Reef and “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, NW of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, NW of Green Island, and along the Canadian border NE of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are casting mayfly rigs or weight-forward spinners tipped with worms.

Yellow perch fishing was best 2 miles N of the Toledo water intake, near the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, NE of West Sister Island, NW of “A” can of the Camp Perry firing range, on Northwest Reef, NW of Green Island, on the dumping grounds E of Marblehead, off of Cedar Point, and 1-5 miles E of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week. The best areas were E of West Sister Island, around “L”, “C” and “E” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, NW of North Bass Island along the Canadian border, on West Reef, W of Rattlesnake Island, and along the Canadian border NE of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are casting mayfly rigs or weight-forward spinners tipped with worms.

Yellow perch fishing was best 1-2 miles N of the Toledo water intake, near the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, off Little Cedar Point, both SE and W of West Sister Island, around “B” and “C” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, NW of Rattlesnake Island and Green Island, on the dumping grounds E of Marblehead, off of Cedar Point, and 1-5 miles E of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing was best N of the Toledo water intake, around West Sister Island, 3 miles N of Crane Creek, and N of “C” can of the Camp Perry range. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are casting mayfly rigs or weight-forward spinners tipped with worms.

Yellow perch fishing was best around “B” can of the Camp Perry range, N of “C” can of the Camp Perry range, near the Canadian border S of East Sister Island, E of the Kelleys Island airport, and on the dumping grounds E of Marblehead. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead.

Walleye fishing was best around the Toledo water intake and West Sister Island, W of North Bass Island, and at American Eagle shoal. A hit-or-miss bite has been between North Bass Island and Gull Island shoal. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was best around the Toledo water intake, West Sister Island, SE and E of Kelleys Island, and at Kelleys Island shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Largemouth bass fishing has been good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/23). The best areas were NW of West Sister Island, around the Toledo water intake, and to a lesser extent SW of Kelleys Island on American Eagle Shoal. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/23). The best areas have been the Toledo water intake, “A” can of the Camp Perry firing range, and within 1 mile of the SW corner of Kelleys Island and the SE corner of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/16). The best areas were between West Sister Island and Middle Sister Island, off of Crane Creek, Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island), and between Kelleys Island Shoal and the Canadian border. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/16). The best areas have been the gravel pit, “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, between Rattlesnake Island and West Reef, between Kelleys Island and Lakeside, and E of the Kelleys Island airport. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass fishing has been very good around South Bass Island. Anglers are using soft-craws, tube jigs, and crankbaits. Largemouth bass fishing has also been good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/9). The best areas were N of West Sister Island, S of Middle Sister Island along the Canadian border, “B” and “C” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, and Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island). Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/9). The best areas have been 1 mile N of Metzger’s Marsh, “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, between Rattlesnake Island and West Reef, around Starve Island, and around Gull Island Shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week until recent windy weather limited fishing opportunities (as of 7/2). The best areas were N of West Sister Island, Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island), and American Eagle Shoal (SW of Kelleys Island). Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week until recent windy weather limited fishing opportunities (as of 7/2). The best areas have been around the Toledo water intake, NE of West Sister Island, “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, between South Bass Island and Green Island, and 1 mile E of the Kelleys Island airport. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass fishing has been very good around South Bass Island. Anglers are using soft-craws, tube jigs, and crankbaits. Largemouth bass fishing has also been good in harbors and nearshore areas around Catawba and Marblehead.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 6/25). The best areas were N of West Sister Island, “B” and “C” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island), and 2-4 miles E of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week (as of 6/25). The best areas have been around the Toledo water intake, NE of West Sister Island, “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, between South Bass Island and Green Island, and 1-3 miles E of the Kelleys Island airport. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass fishing has been very good around South Bass Island. Anglers are using soft-craws, tube jigs, and crankbaits.

Walleye fishing was excellent over the past week (as of 6/18). The best areas were West Sister Island, West Reef and Northwest Reef (W of North Bass Island), E of Gull Island Shoal, and Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week (as of 6/18). The best areas have been around the Toledo water intake, the northern cans (A, B, and C) of the Camp Perry firing range, SW of Green Island, 4 miles off of East Harbor, around Kelleys Island Shoal, and 2 miles E of the Kelleys Island airport. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing was excellent over the past week (as of 6/11). The best areas were W of West Sister Island, S of Middle Sister Island, around the northern reefs and also “A” and “B” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, around Rattlesnake Island, south of Middle Island in Ohio waters and Gull Island Shoal along the border, and E of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch has been picking up, with good catches over the past week (as of 6/11). The best areas have been around West Sister Island, near Rattlesnake Island, and between North Bass and Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Smallmouth Bass fishing has also been very good in 10-20’ of water around the Bass Islands. Anglers are using soft-craws, tube jigs, and crankbaits.

Channel catfish catches have been good throughout the western basin, with anglers catching several during each outing.

Walleye fishing was excellent over the past week (as of 6/4). The best areas were W of West Sister Island, around the northern reefs and also “D” can of the Camp Perry firing range, around Rattlesnake Island, between North Bass Island and Gull Island Shoal along the border, American Eagle shoal (SW of Kelleys Island), and E of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Walleye fishing was excellent over the past week (as of 6/4). The best areas were W of West Sister Island, around the northern reefs and also “D” can of the Camp Perry firing range, around Rattlesnake Island, between North Bass Island and Gull Island Shoal along the border, American Eagle shoal (SW of Kelleys Island), and E of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Walleye fishing was excellent over the past week (as of 6/4). The best areas were W of West Sister Island, around the northern reefs and also “D” can of the Camp Perry firing range, around Rattlesnake Island, between North Bass Island and Gull Island Shoal along the border, American Eagle shoal (SW of Kelleys Island), and E of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Walleye fishing was excellent over the past week (as of 5/28). The best areas were from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island, “D” can of the Camp Perry firing range, N of Kelleys Island, and E of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on worm harnesses or with divers and spoons. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch was good over the past week (as of 5/28). The best areas have been “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, E of Kelleys Island shoal, and E of Kelleys Island airport reef. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 5/21). The best areas were from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island, Niagara Reef, W of Rattlesnake Island and Green Island, and N of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on crankbaits and worm harnesses. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch have been caught N of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Then we spent a couple of days fishing around Sugar Island on the west side of the Islands doing pretty good before things cleaned up enough to move out well to the west of the Islands in some of the favored traditional trolling areas between Niagara reef, Rattlesnake & Green Island. That’s where things really heated up with really good numbers of fish caught by us and most everybody working in that general area. The numbers of fish was real good but I must admit that the size was a bit smaller on average then some of the hawgs that we were pulling in some of our earlier trolling trips north of Kellys Island clear to the Canadian line. Our Saturdays catch still averaged 3.72 pounds per fish. Not wall hangers but just PERFECT eaters !

The weather this past week was like a yo yo. We had everything from dead calm and hot conditions to howling NE winds and cold on Friday that we still toughed out in and somehow managed to do quite good. Saturday was very choppy as well and a real zoo out there with every weekend warrior all out there all trying to fish where the charters were working. Man, I won’t miss any of that after I leave for Ashtabula next weekend. Best set ups for us once again was the Tru Trip jet divers fished anywhere from 40 to 60 feet back with the little stinger Spoons off the big planer boards. Colors for us were all over the map and I really don’t think that it mattered all that much. When its good, it’s good...

So this upcoming week will be my last week fishing here in the western basin for this spring and this will be my final fishing report from out here as well as I will be very busy next weekend moving my entire operation back to my home port of Ashtabula, OH for the summer. Fishing reports on my website will be seamless but if you’ve enjoyed following along with my weekly little blogs on www.fishlakeerie.com , my summer reports from out east can be found in their eastern Ohio section of lake & stream fishing reports. Its probably just as easy to just bookmark my website www.trophycharters.com and follow along on there in my “News” section and keep racking up my hit counter ! lol ! OK, finally this final week I find myself with some open dates that I would like to fill including next Friday, May 24th which I really would like to fill. Fishing is very good up here right now and the weather looks like its going to hold right on through. Anybody wanting a spur of the moment Walleye trip with me can call, text, e-mail or even send smoke signals to me at any time of day or night and I will be more then happy to set you up. lol! And if not, well I’ll just see everyone back home. So that’s it. Over and out from the western basin for another year...

Capt. Walt

Walleye fishing was fair over the past week (as of 5/15). The best areas were from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island, from Rattlesnake Island to Green Island, E of South Bass Island, and N of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on crankbaits and worm harnesses. Drifters are using worm harnesses with bottom bouncers or are casting mayfly rigs.

Yellow perch have been caught N of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

We had another week of fabulous weather up until the weekend where we slipped back to unseasonable cool and raw conditions. But most of this past week it was just simply delightful. And that’s exactly what we need to get this trolling bite to really fire up around here and back home. Nothing gets these suspended big fish going more then just stable weather with high pressure sitting over us and no really big waves to disturb the water temperatures that are now trying to stratify the water column. Also the water clarity is right where we want it with just a nice perfect stain to the water. I am so used to crying about the water clarity being bad up here in the western basin that it seems unusual to say that it’s perfect ! lol

“The Trophy” spent the entire past week way up north fishing around the famous Bass Islands. Many may not be familiar with that term but most have heard of Put-in-Bay. Well, we were not too far from there on each outing. Seems weird to be in the middle of the lake 12 to 14 miles from the mainland and my dock and yet be at times within a few hundred yards of land. It’s a beautiful and very scenic area to spend the day fishing and some of my favorite trips of the year minus the boat traffic. It does tend to get a bit hectic up there with everyone all locked into the trolling program. Nothing much has changed otherwise with our program. Big planer board with the Tru-Trip jet divers and pulling the little Stinger Scorpion spoons. We had a very strong week with the big Dipsey Divers as well with them pulling some real monsters for us. I just love it to see the Dipsey rods taking a big time hit !

Walleye fishing was excellent at times over the past week (as of 5/7). The best areas were W of South Bass Island, between Middle Bass Island and North Bass Island, N of North Bass Island, and N of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been catching fish on crankbaits and worm harnesses. Jigging has slowed down on the reefs and W of the reefs as the spawning season is ending.

Yellow perch have been caught N of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

And that’s the way it goes around here this time of year. It seems like its awful hard to get everything just perfect. You either have great fishing in less than desirable conditions or you get a knock out gorgeous day and then the fish decide to go on a hiatus! But we still caught fish on all of our outings so I guess we can be thankful for that. I believe the spike in the water temperature coupled with the extremely bright warm sunny days this past week is what has put the nail in the coffin for this final part of our jigging season. It was going pretty strong while the weather was lousy and many times unfishable. Now with the spawn all but over with, the easy and fun jigging part of our season that so many look forward to is just about all over with for this year in my opinion finished off by this really nice weather.

That prompted me to blow the dust and cob webs off the old trolling gear and give it a shot on Friday to get back to our winning ways. And we were not disappointed. After a long run from downtown Port Clinton, we went to work and set up North of Kelly's Island in the 30 foot plus foot of water. It seemed really strange after fishing in 10-12 foot of water for the spawning fish for so long. Although the marks on the sonar were scarce, we started to pick away at them and when it was all said and done, we ended up with a incredible box full of mostly spawned out female Walleyes. Tru Trip Divers 60 foot back off the big planer boards with Scorpion Spoons did most of the damage for us. We did a few on the big Dipsys but not very many. All and all a very enjoyable and productive day.

And we kept it going the following day. I had one of my long running groups of Amish guests up for their first ever drift trip. Their first ever with me out here at Port Clinton after trolling only with me for many untold years back home out east. I had been telling them for years how much fun this type of fishing can be. Thankfully the fishing continued just as strong as the day before for us and this time we took six limits of very nice Walleyes again by the noon hour or so. No pictures with this particular group but what a fine mess of fish that they had. My goodness was there a lot of hooping and hollering going on that fun day with the boys just knocking the snot out of those fish. Nothing but smiles all around ! I was soooooo very happy for them (and myself !). Now imagine that, they don’t want to troll no more and have already scheduled next years DRIFT fishing trip! LOL, I hope it works out as well for them next year

Wednesday and Thursday were pretty much unfishable days with us getting chased off the lake early with the roller coaster weather once again when a strong cold front reared its ugly head. Friday was back to nice and the gem of the week with calm winds and the Walleyes having a suicidal death wish. With a full party of 6 anglers this time and myself, we went on to easily catch 7 limits of Walleyes and picking up right where we left off before we had the hiccup with the weather Wed. & Thur. The weekend however proved slower for us and we came up short of limiting completely but everyone still went home with plenty of fish for some real nice dinners. We are still on the jigging program aboard “The Trophy” and nothing else is really new. We are still using our purple and green jigs. Water temps are up to around 50 degrees now and we are even seeing the occasional Small Mouth Bass show up in some of our catches. What a fun and explosive surprise they are when they strike!

Here we are now a month deep into spring and yesterday I woke up to everything being covered in friggin snow out here ! I’m like, REALLY ? And we did have a warm day finally here on the lakeshore last Wednesday where we cracked the 70 degree mark. BUT... IT CAME WITH 40 MILE AN HOUR PLUS SOUTH WINDS ! Seems like we just cant catch a break this year. Thursdays weather on the lake surprised everyone. The National Weather Service idiots were calling for 1-3 ft. waves. In reality, we were greeted with gusty north east winds and waves running at least 3-5 ft. and probably bigger offshore. Nobody fished. And Friday ? Forget it. Gale warnings were up with winds gusting out of the west to near 50 mph at times. Holy cow was it bad. Saturday a few boats got out late in the day. Most did not go including me. Of the ones that went, very few fish were caught while some even had the big Goose egg. Zero ! Just nuts for this time of year and the peak of our supposed Walleye run.

I did manage to get a couple of trips in though this week with the one day us catching about a dozen fish. And today, Sunday after the multi day nasty blow we struggled to catch a handful of Walleyes in the still brisk, cold northeast winds out there and dingy water. We seen very few other fish being netted amongst all the other boats that we fished around all day. It wasn’t just us. I ended up doing the fuelish circle tour yet once again hopping around from spot to spot including hitting the furthest out reefs in hopes of trying to get something going for my guys. It was pretty much dead everywhere we went with us only able to pull about a fish per stop everywhere we tried. I guess I should have just made more stops today in more different areas ! lol !

It started out OK. Last Monday I took my boys right back to where we fished last Sunday in close because of the strong south winds and we did even better having 5 limits of Walleyes before 11am. Nice! Tuesday with me knowing that the Walleyes were biting and the weather still being nice, sadly I had no trip. All along now the forecasts started slowly changing with hints of impending deteriorating weather to come. Wednesday was the beginning of the end. Inland they were calling for 70’s. On the lake we were greeted with very raw stiff northeast winds, cold rain and thunder storms. It’s a good thing I had a good group of very talented jig fisherman onboard because it was not pretty out there. Still they went on to pull 6 limits of Walleyes before the conditions went from bad to worst. Nice work guys !

Then came Thursday and it was all over. By now small craft advisories had been posted and in reality I think it should have been gale warnings. My group in for two days ended up sitting in the hotel hoping for the following day. It didn’t happen. The wind changed directions overnight to the west and once again began to howl ending any hopes of getting out. So on Saturday with a slightly better then the forecasted marine forecast, we stuck our noses back out there to find a fine muddy mess of the lake in the heels of the passing weather. With still rough seas, cold and rain and sleet the fishing was dramatically tougher. We caught a couple of handfuls of Walleyes before finally cold and wet we got chased off the lake early with the wind and waves once again building even further. A tough day but somehow we got it in. Sunday was the gem of the week. Overnight the winds calmed and we were greeted with a surprisingly flat lake. After a bit of searching I found a patch of clean water and we went on to catch another 6 limits of nice Walleyes once again. Awesome!

I put a lot of miles on chasing fish on Friday that weren't really interested in any of our stuff. I pretty much did the entire reef complex with only a few fish to show for it. I burned a LOT of gas trying to get something going for the guys. I’m glad I got that out of my system for this spring. lol ! The following day I just stuck to one spot and we ground it out. We did much better but far from great. Sunday we were greeted with very stiff southwest winds which narrowed our choices down to just beach fishing. And it went well. Maybe it would have been super had the wind not really started to scream as the morning progressed. We did 9 on our very first drift and then just went on to slow picking on the subsequent following drifts the rest of the day but still ended up good.

The old stand by purple hair jig with the trailering stinger treble hook and no bait did all the damage for us but one fish which was caught on a fire tiger blade bait. It was not real easy to keep your bait on the bottom but everyone ( but me, lol ) worked very hard at it and got er done. The boys pitching downwind got a real work out as the boat drifted about as fast as you could reel back in at times. You get a few jigs in and next thing you know you’re sucking way too far under the boat and you have to reel up and cast out again. Wash, rinse and repeat. Over, and over and over ! lol ! I chose the easy job. Most of the day I just stood back and drank coffee and netted fish. Not a bad job !

For steelhead fishing reports visit: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/FishingSubhomePage/
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**** All reports are based on fishing information before the major storm hit on Monday October 29, 2012.

Walleye: There have been very few reports over the past week. As temperatures drop walleye will return to the islands area. Most walleye are caught in the fall by trolling crankbaits off of planer boards.

Yellow perch fishing has been good when the weather has allowed. The best areas have been 1 to 3 miles off Little Cedar Point, E of West Sister Island, N of “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, N of Green Island, E of Kelleys Island, and between Kelleys Island and Marblehead. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye: There have been very few reports over the past week. As temperatures drop walleye will return to the islands area. Most walleye are caught in the fall by trolling crankbaits off of planer boards.

Yellow perch fishing has been good when the weather has allowed. The best spots have been 1 to 3 miles off Little Cedar Point, around West Sister Island, N of Green Island, E of Kelleys Island, and between Kelleys Island and Marblehead. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye: There have been very few reports over the past week. As temperatures drop walleye will return to the islands area. Most walleye are caught in the fall by trolling crankbaits off of planer boards.

Yellow perch fishing has been good when the weather has allowed. The best spots have been 2 to 3 miles off Little Cedar Point, N and W of West Sister Island, N of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, W of Green Island, S of Rattlesnake Island, N of North Bass Island, the green buoy W of Catawba, and between Kelleys Island and Marblehead. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye: There have been very few reports over the past week. The best reports have come from NE of “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range. Trollers have been using divers with spoons, or crankbaits off of planer boards.

Walleye: There have been very few reports over the past week. The best reports have come from N of “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range. Trollers have been using divers with spoons, or crankbaits off of planer boards.

Yellow perch fishing has been good, with the best spots being N of the Toledo water intake, 2-4 miles off of Little Cedar Point, N and W of Niagara Reef, E of Middle Bass Island near the Canadian border, between South Bass Island and Kelleys Island, E of Kelleys Island, and E of Kelleys Island shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye: There have been very few reports over the past week. The best reports came from around West Sister Island. Trollers have been using divers with spoons, or crankbaits off of planer boards.

Walleye fishing has slowed and there have been fewer reports over the past week. The best fishing was still from West Sister Island to Rattlesnake Island. Trollers have been using divers with spoons, or crankbaits off of planer boards.

Yellow perch fishing has been good, with the best spots being the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, N and E of the Toledo water intake, West Sister Island, N of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, W of Green and Rattlesnake Islands, E of Kelleys Island, and E of Kelleys Island shoal. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing has been good in the western basin. The best fishing has been NE of Niagara Reef and “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range, and W of Rattlesnake Island. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing has been good, with the best spots being the Toledo harbor light, buoy 13 of the Toledo shipping channel, around “B” and “C” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, W of Green and Rattlesnake Islands, and between Lakeside and Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing has been fair in the western basin. The best fishing has been around West Sister Island. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing is improving and has been best near buoy 13 of the Toledo shipping channel, N of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, between Green and Rattlesnake Islands, and N of Cedar Point. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing has been fair in the western basin. The best fishing has been around West Sister Island and N of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing is improving and has been best around the Toledo water intake, near the Toledo lighthouse and also buoy 13 of the Toledo shipping channel, S of “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, between Green and Rattlesnake Islands, and between Kelleys Island and Marblehead. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing has been fair in the western basin. Fish have been caught by trolling or casting N of West Sister Island and N of “C” can of the Camp Perry firing range. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing has been best from 1 to 4 miles offshore between Metzger’s Marsh and Crane Creek, around “A”, “B”, “C”, and “H” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, between Green and Rattlesnake Islands, and NE of Kelleys Island. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Walleye fishing has been fair in the western basin. Recent winds have slowed the fishing down. Fish have been caught by trolling or drifting and casting around north of West Sister Island, and around the Toledo Channel marker “Sputnik”, north of “C” can in the Camp Perry firing range, and on the Canadian border W of Gull Island Shoal. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Walleye fishing has been fair in the western basin. Fish have been caught by trolling or drifting and casting around West Sister Island, 4 to 6 miles off of Crane Creek, N of Niagara Reef, and on the Canadian border W of Gull Island Shoal. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Walleye fishing has been fair in the western basin. Fish have been caught by trolling or drifting and casting N of West Sister Island, at the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, and W of Green Island to Rattlesnake Island. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Walleye fishing has slowed due to the rough lake conditions. Fish have been caught by trolling or drifting and casting NW of West Sister Island, at the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, and along the Canadian border from North Bass Island to Gull Island Shoal. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing has been best around Gull Island Shoal, off of Niagara Reef, off of Marblehead, N of Cedar Point, and in the south passage off of West Harbor.

Walleye fishing has slowed due to the rough lake conditions. Fish have been caught by trolling or drifting and casting around West Sister Island, around “D” can of the Camp Perry firing range, and along the Canadian border from North Bass Island to Gull Island Shoal. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing has been slow, but fish have been caught on shiners off of Niagara Reef and in the south passage off of West Harbor.

Walleye fishing has been good over the past week (week of 5/21/12). Fish have been caught by trolling or drifting and casting from West Sister Island to the Gravel Pit, off of “A” and “D” cans of the Camp Perry firing range, between Green Island and “D” can, and SW of Kelleys Island. Trollers have been using worm harnesses with inline weights or divers, and also divers with spoons.

Yellow perch fishing has been slow, but fish have been caught on shiners off of the Toledo water intake, Marblehead, and Kelleys Island.

Seems like everybody out here feels that they own the lake and no matter how hard I try to just keep to myself and be as courteous as I can when caught in boat traffic, I’m always the one that ends up being the bad guy. Whatever. I long for my offshore days soon to come back home where many a day I will not see another boat all day long as I net fish one after another just as fast as I can go. It’s not that the fishing wasn’t any good here this spring. Quite contrary to that. It was quite fabulous many days this spring. It’s just the crazy amount of boaters and the constant up hill battle with the weather here in the spring even in a good year like this one. And then just like here as of late, fighting the insane amount of junk fish that have turned on while trying to catch these Walleyes is another thing that will drive you crazy.

Speaking of junk fish, HOLY WHITE BASS BATMAN ! Man, while trolling this past week, we must have caught a MILLION little White Bass! Well, maybe not quite a million but imma telling you, we just could not get away from them no matter where we went, what part of the water column that we targeted or how fast or how slow we trolled. Just terrible. We certainly were busy little boys and girls ! I don’t know what year these things hatched out in but it must have been a record White Bass hatch that year. They are all like twins in size too around 7 inches. Just like they were all stamped out of the same mold. But in spite all of that grief and work, we still pulled limits of really nice Walleyes although I am now seeing more and more smaller fish in the mix. We are actually getting a handful of throw back under size ones each day now. Really good to see that ! You catch one 14 incher and then the very next one might be 29 inches ! We still seen plenty of 28–29 fish caught this past week aboard “The Trophy”. We just had to weed through all of the White Bass and Sheaphead. Oh, did I mention Sheephead ? Don’t get me started... lol !

“The Trophy” is on record pace for miles logged this spring sadly enough though. It seems like all of the best action for me this year is always a long way from port. Starting with the long runs that we were making to the very best jigging spots last month and now making long runs to areas like Kelly's Island and such to troll. All pretty good hauls coming out of the Portage River. With marina gas on the river still stuck at $4.60 a gallon, this has taken a bit of the sweetness out of even the most successful trolling days for me. It just should not be that expensive to go fishing. Lord knows all the other expenses are bad enough. But if that’s what I have to do to position ourselves for what I feel is the very best chance on any given day for a successful outing, that’s what I’ll do. It just seems and is more painful when you are trolling because you are always using even more gas doing that then just the running from point A to point B.

We are basically trolling Dipsy Divers and using Jet Divers off of the big planing boards when we do arrive at these long distance hotspots. This past week the fish were rather high in the water column and best lead lengths were around 45 to 50 ft. Shorter yet on the Dipsy Divers. Pretty amazing when I think about the lead lengths that we will be running off of Ashtabula later this summer. Planer board lines sometimes in the many hundreds of feet back home. Just crazy different ! And although the fish in the central basin tend to run a bit larger in the deep water, this past week aboard “The Trophy” we saw plenty of 28 and 29 inchers caught! Pretty dramatic seeing those big Walleyes slowly wallowing behind the divers as I get ready to scoop them up for another excited guest ! I guess that’s what makes it all worth while including the added expense and work on my part when we do go trolling.

It was like old home days as we set the planer boards out for the first time this year and ran the Jet Diver rods and the Dipsy rods out to precision settings that had worked for me in past years here in the basin. For my first troll of the year I chose to fish the deeper water to the east of the big range markers east of all the reefs. It wasn’t long before the first rod went off. A NICE Walleye ! And then another one. And another one... One by one we picked off the 24 needed Walleyes for a 4 man limit for my party of four that day and the first trolling limit of this season. No real fire drills. Just a slow steady pick. And no wall hangers but just a very nice grade of fish. I liked it and the guys LOVED it. Everyone gets super involved on my trolling trips. I run no first mate. Everybody gets plenty of hands on experience aboard “The Trophy” as we work together as a team to fill the box. So, one trolling trip down now and about a hundred or so more to go this year! lol

I didn’t have too many other trips this past week. On Mondays outing we still jigged and after what seemed like forever and actually did turn out to be a very full day, we did manage to capture a 4 man limit of Walleyes for my four guests that day. Everyone worked very hard at it all day and I was very impressed the way everyone hung in there. Friday as I mentioned we trolled and on Saturday with a howling northeaster blowing (again) we tried bottom bouncing with some crawler harness up around the islands to try and get out of the big wind somewhat. It did not go very well. We caught a couple few fish and with lake conditions deteriorating very fast and a 4 to 6 footers forecast it was an early quit and back to the safety of port. That makes it three Saturdays in a row that it’s been a wash out up here. What is it with the weekends? Sunday started out half way decent but by mid morning it was blowing pretty good once again. We sucked it up and I cranked it out the furthest that I’ve run from Port Clinton harbor this year, about 18 miles to the west to fish west of A can where I heard they were still were having a jig bite in the deep water out that way. We did not limit but we pulled 17 super nice fish on one oz. purple jigs in that area. The first fish to the boat was about 28 inches and most of the others were no slouches. A very, very nice box full !

We managed to get a few trips in afterwards but the dirty water left in the heels of the big winds really took its toll on our productivity. Trying to get something going for the guys, I spent one day jigging way up north around the Islands. We found a few active fish in between Rattle Snake and Middle Bass Island in the deep water. The key word here however is “few”. We only laded a handful of Walleyes that day although they were all pretty nice sized spawned out females. I was really surprised at the amount of Sheephead that we caught up north also including a few real behemoth ones ! We had a few other Walleyes come off up there as well. I’m totally sure they were Walleyes because nobody in history has ever lost old rubber lips ! Man, every one of those creeps that we caught up there had every hook possible buried in that rubber like face and mouth. I could hardly get them out even with the darn pliers. How come all the Walleyes always come in just barely hooked and if you even look at them funny, the hooks fall out ! Just plain crazy.

The rest of my time was spent on my regular favorite reefs but with no great numbers of fish taken as we were doing before this blow. This was definitely the slowest week that I and most everyone else I believe have had this entire spring. One thing I have to say though. The water is cleaning up REALLY fast! I think there is a huge difference between when the river systems are pumping out the mud in to the lake because of flooding rains such as we had all of last spring and a strictly wind driven event like we had last week. I think in just a couple of more days, all of last weeks damage done to the water clarity in most areas will be completely undone. It’s literally cleaning up in front of your eyes in a lot of areas. Today, Sunday we managed about a dozen fish around Locust Reef and that area was almost too clean already ! Sadly though, there is no doubt in my mind that this springs spawning Walleye run is just about over. That coupled with the dirtier then we would like water still in a lot of areas is adding to the slower fishing for most at the moment.

Yellow Perch – some yellow perch have been caught near the Marblehead Lighthouse to the southeast corner of Kelley’s Island. Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

Monday I had my group on the boat ready to go and even with the very strong south wind, I thought surely we could still at least fish the beach in real tight and be protected. Wrong! As we tried to cast off, the gusting winds were so bad that I couldn’t even get off my friggin dock! And it only got worst. By mid morning winds were sustained at 20-30 mph with gusts to 52! After landing in the next slip over because I couldn’t get my boat turned around in the ridiculous wind, I just sent the guys away. It broke my heart. I cancelled Tuesdays trip outright Sunday night as a strong cold was supposed to replace Mondays gusty winds. Tuesday I woke up as did everyone else to a big change from the day before but not nearly as bad as predicted. Some fished, some did not. I just sat and sulked after already cancelling.

Wednesday was a great day for us although it was still very cool with a rather stiff east wind. I got my day in or should I say morning in as we went on to catch 6 limits of very fine Walleyes by 10:30am. A great day! Thursday actually was the real gem of the week. Calm, warm and guess what? My group cancelled ! Errrrrrr ! So we got back out yesterday, Friday to once again super gusty south winds. We sucked it up and headed out and worked around the Crib Reef area. The super fast drift did us no favors but we caught fish. After a certain point in the afternoon even I bailed and we headed for the beach seeking some reprieve from the southerly gusts. We went on to catch a few more in there but fell one short of getting my party's limit. Their main goal however was to catch enough fish for a fish fry on Sunday. I think we covered that ! Lol

Yellow Perch – some yellow perch have been caught near the Marblehead Lighthouse to the southeast corner of Kelley’s Island. Perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish.

As I left off last week, the weather was a bit slow to move in last week and we did get out Monday after all and smoked the fish. Staying close to port, we worked the beach on the east side of the firing range and the fish were in there as I had suspected after making a little drift in there on our way in last Sunday from the Reefs, Same program as off shore. Just bouncing the big lead head jigs vertically got us all the fish that we needed that day. We got back in early and just ahead of the wind which arrived precisely at 1:30 in the afternoon and blew straight through for the next two days big time.

Thursday after the two day blow, it was back to nice and once again fearing the muddy water conditions, we cranked it out to the Niagara Reef and it was on ! I had this particular group in for a two dayer and we went on to catch 180 pounds of Walleyes between both days out of one little pocket that I worked over and over. Just a real nice 4 pound average is what it worked out to be. It was probably the nicest load of fish that we have taken so far in this young season between both days.

With all the wind that we had almost all of last week, it was off to the Niagara Reef for us, the furthest northerly reef adjacent to the super deep waters of the flats to the north of there. I wanted to position ourselves in what I felt would be our best possible chance at halfway decent water clarity and catching a few fish in the first day out in the post blow conditions. Even if it was further out then I wanted to run. It ended up being a good decision and a pretty good day! It was not record fast by any stretch of the imagination out there but we caught one or two on each and every drift and eventually, my party of 4 had their limit ! We used 1oz. weight heavy big jigs because of the choppier water out there at first when we got there but they worked just fine. I even had one guy get his limit with some purple little ( but heavy ) jigging spoon ! Hey, maybe a new way to “skin the cat” ! lol

Saturday we woke up to dead calm and mirror like conditions on the lake. Having had a chance to have settled all night, I felt we could return to the more traditional closer to shore reefs where I have had so many superb trips over the years. Once again, we were not disappointed. Our stop on the Toussaint Reef started out kind of slow just like it had the afternoon before but with each short drift on the relatively calm lake, it just got better and better ! Pretty soon, it was a fire drill ! Using the lighter 5/8 oz. jigs on Saturday, we went on to catch 6 limits of really nice fish by 10:30am. Not bad ! The only thing that really sucked was when I stopped in at the fuel docks to top off at the end of the day and was greeted with $4.60 a gallon fuel price. WTH (what the heck) It pretty much sickened me. This first fill up was $436 dollars for not much time on the water. It’s going to be a long year at this rate. We have not raised our rates here at the western basin for years. We will hold the line yet again this spring, but if things don’t change, next year might be another story. This just plain sucks.

So I did the next best thing. I managed to get out 3 times for myself in the mean while on the nice days to get some fresh Walleyes to eat for myself and a few for the home freezer. Something I rarely get to do once I start running pretty steadily which will actually and hopefully begin with this coming Thursday. That leaves me with Mon., Tue. & Wed. open this week by the way should anyone be looking for a short notice trip. And judging by the 3 “fun” trips that I’ve gone out on so far, Walleye fishing is EXCELLENT with a perfect record of limit catches for myself and the friends that joined me.

Using the usual jigging techniques that have worked up here in the western basin for years, we caught our Walleyes easily on the 5/8 oz. lead head hair jigs with the trailering stinger treble hooks along with 1/4 oz. Heddon sonar jigging blade baits. Purple & green lures worked just fine. We caught fish both just vertical jigging straight up and down over the side of the boat and casting out and hopping the lures back to the boat. We fished the Toussaint Reef one day, Turtle Reef another and just off the beach around the K Can area the 3rd time out. Water depths ranged from 9 to 17 feet. When it’s good, it’s good. These are just a few of the areas that are all producing awesome fishing for everyone right now. Too bad everybody thinks it’s still way “too early”. Other years, maybe so. But with this years record early spring, everything is WAY ahead of schedule !

Yellow perch are being caught around Marblehead.

For Maumee River and Sandusky River updates please visit: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/FishingSubhomePage/FishingProspectsandReports/fishingfreportwalleyerunreport/tabid/6127/Default.aspx

The water temperature is 39 degrees off of Toledo and 36 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Upon returning to my home port for the summer in the deeper waters off of the port of Ashtabula, it was like another world. The summers weather for the most part straightened out quickly and the Walleyes came very good there after. Really nice sized fish all summer long as well ! The springs nightmare weather and fishing was soon forgotten and life was good once again ! One of the down sides of last summer however, at least for me was the horrific surge in fuel prices which did not ease till the season was over. For 2012, I have raised all the summers trolling trips rates up by $50 bucks. Hopefully everyone will understand and you will not have to listen to me harp about it again each week in the fishing reports when the prices spike again after Memorial Day as I am sure they will. This increase will only apply to the Ashtabula summer trips where my usage is off the charts with the long offshore fishing runs that we do there. The spring trips and the fall Perch trips will remain the same. At least for one more year...

We have not had a very strong Walleye hatch in a few years now so it’s anybody's guess as to how good the fishing will actually be this year. One thing is for sure though. Even at it’s worst, Lake Erie's world famous Walleye fishing is still the best on earth ! Period ! There will be plenty of fish caught and new memories made. There always is ! What we may lack for in numbers of fish is more then made up for in the shear size of Walleyes. The average size just seems to get bigger every year. We had no problem living up to our name last year, “Trophy Charters” ! WOW ! This year should prove to be the same. Have your local taxidermist on stand by ! Lol ! And the Perch fishing was as good as ever last fall and there certainly should be no change at all with this come fall. The weather was considerably better last fall then the previous year although the gale winds did rear their ugly heads a few weeks there in October. Again, you just never know how it will go.

Steelhead Trout: For the Steelhead fishing report see the ohiodnr.com web site: Go to - Wildlife - Fishing - Lake Erie - Steelhead trout fishing

The water temperature is 47 degrees off of Toledo and 51 degrees off of Cleveland according to the nearshore marine forecast.

Walleye: There have been very few walleye reports from the western basin. The best reports have come from Kelleys Island Shoal and Gull Island Shoal. Expect walleye fishing to improve as water temperatures drop and migratory walleye move back towards the west from the central basin.

Yellow perch: There have been very few reports from the western basin recently (as of 10/25). The best reports have come from off of the Moose Lodge in Port Clinton and E of the Kelleys Island airport. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners (emerald or golden) fished near the bottom.

*Western basin fishing was limited over the past weekend (as of 10/18) due to high winds. Information below is from the prior week.

Walleye: There have been very few walleye reports from the western basin recently. The best reports have come from Kelleys Island Shoal and Gull Island Shoal. Expect walleye fishing to improve as water temperatures drop and migratory walleye move back towards the west from the central basin.

Yellow perch: Fishing has been fair in the western basin. The best areas have been West Sister Island, Niagara Reef, off of Ballast Island, and N or E of Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners (emerald or golden) fished near the bottom.

Walleye: There have been very few walleye reports from the western basin recently. The best reports have come from Kelleys Island Shoal and Gull Island Shoal. Expect walleye fishing to improve as water temperatures drop and migratory walleye move back towards the west from the central basin.

Yellow perch: Fishing has been fair in the western basin. The best areas have been West Sister Island, Niagara Reef, off of Ballast Island, and N or E of Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners (emerald or golden) fished near the bottom.

Walleye: There have been very few walleye reports from the western basin recently. The best reports have come from Kelleys Island Shoal and Gull Island Shoal. Expect walleye fishing to improve as water temperatures drop and migratory walleye move back towards the west from the central basin.

Yellow perch: Windy weather limited fishing over the past weekend (Oct. 1-2). Prior to the wind the best areas had been NW of West Sister Island, E of Niagara Reef, around Rattlesnake Island, off of West Reef, off of Ballast Island, and E of Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners (emerald or golden) fished near the bottom.

Walleye: There have been very few walleye reports from the western basin recently. The best reports have come from Kelleys Island Shoal and Gull Island Shoal. Expect walleye fishing to improve as water temperatures drop and migratory walleye move back towards the west from the central basin.

Yellow perch fishing has been fair in the western basin when weather allows. The best areas have been NW of West Sister Island, E of Niagara Reef, around Rattlesnake Island, off of West Reef, off of Ballast Island, and E of Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners (emerald or golden) fished near the bottom.

Walleye: There have been very few walleye reports from the western basin recently. The best reports have come from the area around Kelleys Island Shoal. Expect walleye fishing to improve as water temperatures drop and migratory walleye move back towards the west from the central basin.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good in the western basin when weather allows. The best areas have been N of West Sister Island, around Niagara Reef, between Green Island and Rattlesnake Island, off of West Reef, and off of Ballast Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners (emerald or golden) fished near the bottom.

Walleye fishing remained slow with few reports coming from the western basin. The best reports came from the reef complex, N of West Sister Island and NW of Gull Island Shoal. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good in the western basin. The best areas have been W of West Sister Island around the gravel pit, NE of the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, around “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, SW of South Bass Island, off of Ballast Island, and N of Lakeside. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Walleye fishing remained slow over the past week. Some reports came from the reef complex, from N of West Sister Island, NW of Gull Island Shoal, and N of Kelleys Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good in the western basin. The best areas have been W of West Sister Island around the gravel pit, NE of the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, around “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, SW of South Bass Island, between Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, N of North Bass Island, and N of Lucy’s Point. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Walleye fishing slowed in the past week. Some reports came from the reef complex, from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island, NW of Gull Island Shoal, and N of Kelleys Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good in the western basin. The best areas have been W of West Sister Island around the gravel pit, around “B” can of the Camp Perry firing range, W of Niagara Reef, SW of South Bass Island, between Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, N of North Bass Island, and N of Lucy’s Point. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: Good catches of largemouth bass are still available around the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing slowed in the past week. Some reports came from the reef complex, from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island, NW of Gull Island Shoal, and N of Kelleys Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good in the western basin. The best areas have been the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, south of “H” can of the Camp Perry firing range, N of North Bass Island, N of Lucy’s Point, and around Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: Good catches of largemouth bass are still available around the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week. Most reports came from the reef complex, from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island, NW of Gull Island Shoal, and N of Kelleys Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good in the western basin. The best areas have been the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, “D” can of the Camp Perry firing range, SE of Kelleys Island, and SW of Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: Bass fishermen continue to have good catches of largemouth bass around the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week. Most reports came from the reef complex and from the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel to West Sister Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good over the past week in the western basin. The best areas have been the turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel, SE of Kelley’s Island, S of Green Island, and N of Ballast Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: Bass fishermen continue to have good catches of largemouth bass around the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 8/2). Most reports came from the reef complex, and north of West Sister Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing continues to be good over the past week in the western basin. The best areas have been southeast of Kelley’s Island, southwest of Green Island, west of South Bass Island, Ballast Island, between Lucy’s Point and Middle Bass Island, near Sputnik in the Toledo shipping channel and D & G Cans around the reef complex. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: Bass fishermen continue to have good catches of largemouth bass around the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing was good over the past week (as of 7/26). Most reports came from the east side of the reef complex around Niagara Reef and Crib Reef, and along the Canadian border from Gull Island Shoal to North Bass Island. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week. The best areas have been around the Toledo water intake, E of Ballast Island, N of Lucy’s Point (Middle Bass Island), Lakeside, and the SE corner of the Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: There have been good catches of largemouth bass reported from the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing improved over the past week (as of 7/19). The best reports came from NE of West Sister Island, “D” can and Niagara Reef of the Camp Perry firing range, and Northwest Reef (NW of North Bass Island). Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week. The best areas have been around the Toledo water intake, Lakeside, and the SE corner of the Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: There have been good catches of largemouth bass reported from the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.

Walleye fishing remained slow over the past week (as of 7/12). The best reports came from the Camp Perry reef complex including the eastern buoys of the range, and NW of Gull Island Shoal near the Canadian border. Fish have been caught by trolling with divers and spoons, and also on inline weights with worm harnesses. Fish can also be caught by casting mayfly rigs or drifting with bottom bouncers and worm harnesses.

Yellow perch fishing was good over the past week. The best areas have been around the Toledo water intake, Lakeside, and the SE corner of the Kelleys Island. Anglers are using spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom.

Bass: There have been good catches of largemouth bass reported from the harbors and nearshore areas from Catawba to Marblehead. Smallmouth bass have been caught around South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island.