Lake Erie’s waters have calmed with southerly breezes this week, sparking an early summer walleye fishing bonanza, especially in the Western Basin around the Lake Erie Islands and east of Kelleys Island. Anglers trolling the area have noticed the crankbait bite shifting to smaller and medium-sized spoons, trolled about six feet behind Size 40 Luhr-Jensen Jet Divers set between 50 and 60 feet from the rods. After a windy and chilly spring that muddied the waters, the shoreline is finally clearing, improving fishing conditions considerably.
Large walleye are now aggressively feeding on baitfish just below the surface, and smaller Jet Divers in Sizes 20 and 30 are proving to be most effective. Recently, with Ohio’s Lake Erie waters still stained or muddy, some anglers ventured north to the clearer waters off Pelee Island. There, they drifted and cast spinner rigs tipped with nightcrawlers near the lake bottom, using 3- and 4-ounce barrel sinkers to handle the rough waves, and landed some exceptional walleye. The spinner rigs featured gold and custom-painted Tommy Harris blades, which added to the success.
Even party fishing boats from the Western Basin traveled all the way to Ontario waters last week to enjoy the drifting and casting action. However, this week’s warming weather and south winds have improved local conditions, allowing anglers to save fuel by fishing closer to home. Popular spots now include waters 30 to 40 feet deep east of Kelleys Island, 20 to 30 feet around the Niagara Reef complex, and 30 to 40 feet near the Huron River.
For those fishing from small boats near shore, success is being found in 10- to 25-foot depths by casting weight-forward spinners and spinner rigs equipped with barrel sinkers, swivels, and 4- to 5-foot leaders tipped with nightcrawlers. Some walleye are also being caught using jigs, swim baits, hair jigs, and crankbaits like the shallow-running Dead Eye Baby, which is also effective for smallmouth bass in shallow waters. Anglers are reminded to protect themselves from the sun by bringing long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Meanwhile, trophy channel catfish have moved into Sandusky Bay this month to spawn and are actively feeding on raw shrimp, nightcrawlers, marinated chicken livers or gizzards, and cut shad. Shore fishing has been good, especially near Marblehead and Bay View on the Old Bay Bridge. However, concerns have been raised about some anglers leaving trash, trespassing on private property, or improperly disposing of fish waste. To help, Bay’s Edge Fishing Cleaning is located near the Old Bay Bridge, and a free fish cleaning station is available at Mazurik Fishing Access on Marblehead.
Finally, for those planning to head out on Lake Erie, it is important to have life jackets of the proper size for all aboard. If needed, life vests can be borrowed for free at the Ohio State Watercraft & Parks loaner kiosks located at Catawba Island, Kelleys Island, and South Bass Island state parks.
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