Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Lake Erie, Cleveland. As of today, February 12, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.
### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather is still mild for this time of year, with temperatures hovering around the mid-40s to low 50s. This mild spell has significantly impacted our local streams and ice conditions. Unfortunately, ice fishing is not recommended at this time due to the lack of solid ice.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for those targeting species like walleye and yellow perch, which are often more active during dawn and dusk.
### Fish Activity
Currently, anglers are having success in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers, where steelhead are active. The recent thaw has made these streams fishable, but be cautious of treacherous ice slabs along the banks, especially near the Rocky River boat ramps.
In addition to steelhead, recently stocked trout are a big draw at several lakes and ponds within the Cleveland Metroparks. Lakes such as Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Ranger, and Judge’s have been stocked with a mix of rainbow, brook, brown, golden rainbow, and tiger trout. These fish are biting well on small baits and jigs under small ice floats or on the shore where the water drops quickly into deeper areas.
### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Recent catches include a variety of trout species from the stocked lakes. Anglers have reported catching rainbow trout, brook trout, and even some trophy-sized tiger trout. In the rivers, steelhead are the main target, with anglers catching both fresh and overwintering fish.
For those fishing in Lake Erie, walleye and yellow perch remain popular targets. The Western Basin, particularly around the Maumee River, Sandusky River, and Sandusky Bay, is known for its walleye hotspots. Yellow perch are abundant near Catawba, Marblehead, and the Bass Islands.
### Best Lures and Bait
For steelhead in the rivers, drifting dime to nickel size spawn sacks, smaller marabou/hair jigs tipped with maggots, and egg mimicking beads under floats are effective. For trout in the lakes, small baits and jigs under small ice floats, or small to medium size jigging spoons tipped with maggots, waxworms, or small minnows are recommended.
For walleye in Lake Erie, night fishing with lures that mimic baitfish or using live bait like minnows and nightcrawlers can be very effective. For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or crickets work well.
### Hot Spots
If you're targeting steelhead, the Rocky and Chagrin rivers are your best bets right now. Be sure to check the river flow data and be aware of the ice conditions along the banks.
For trout, head to Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Ranger, or Judge’s lakes within the Cleveland Metroparks. These lakes have been recently stocked and offer good opportunities for shore fishing where the shoreline drops quickly into deeper water.
If you're looking to fish in Lake Erie, consider the Western Basin around the Maumee River and Sandusky Bay for walleye, and the areas near Catawba and Marblehead for yellow perch.
Stay safe, and tight lines Remember to always check the latest fishing reports and follow safety guidelines, especially when dealing with icy conditions. Happy fishing
