Lake Erie Fishing Report  8/16/2024

Fishing on Lake Erie is winding down as winter approaches, and with the end of the Division’s seasonal creel surveys that provide angling information, this will be the final fishing report until spring walleye fishing picks up. Fishing can still be productive during winter months when conditions allow, so here are a few things to consider if you are making a late-season, open-water trip to Erie.

Walleye fishing will remain good in areas from Port Clinton to Lorain as walleye move to these areas to overwinter. Trolling shallow- or deep-diving stickbaits at slow speeds will be the most common tactic, although some will find success vertical jigging once fish are located. Fishing after dark can be a fun and successful tactic, but ensuring safety should be a primary concern. Shore anglers will find success on piers and breakwalls casting shallow-diving stickbaits, especially after sunset. Locations with overhead lighting can attract baitfish and increase your odds of catching active walleye. Remember the daily limit is 6 fish with a minimum size of 15 inches.

Yellow Perch fishing may be good in the Lake and harbors from Toledo to Cleveland, with a good chance of catching large fish. Spreaders or crappie rigs baited with emerald shiners are best. Remember the daily limit is 30 fish in the West and East Zones, and 10 in the Central Zone.

Steelhead trout will be good in nearshore areas and harbor mouths around tributaries. Trolling or casting stickbaits and spoons, as well as drifting spawn or maggots under a float are common tactics. Don’t be surprised to catch a lake trout while steelhead fishing, especially from Fairport Harbor to Conneaut. Remember the trout/salmon daily limit is 2 fish with a minimum size of 12 inches.

• The daily 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 limit for yellow perch is 30 in the West and East Zones of Ohio waters of Lake Erie. The daily limit is 10 in the Central Zone of Ohio waters of Lake Erie.
• The trout and salmon daily limit is 2 fish per angler and the minimum size limit is 12 inches.
• Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass): The daily limit is 5 fish per angler with a 14-inch minimum size limit.

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