Épisodes

  • Lake Erie Cleveland Fishing Report: Mixed Spring Bite Heats Up

    Lake Erie Cleveland Fishing Report: Mixed Spring Bite Heats Up
    Apr 16 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie Cleveland fishing report for April 16, 2025.

    We’re kicking things off with a mixed spring pattern. The lake and rivers are in great shape for anglers today. Sunrise was at 6:47 AM and sunset’s coming up at 8:02 PM, giving plenty of daylight to chase fish. Weather-wise, we started chilly at around 45 degrees, but highs near 55 are expected, with a light southwest breeze and a chance of afternoon showers, so bring your rain gear just in case[3].

    The bite in Cleveland’s part of Lake Erie is lively. Walleye action is hot along the nearshore zones and around local reefs, thanks to several strong year classes from recent years. Anglers are reporting 15–24 inch walleye pretty routinely, with trophy fish over 28 inches in the mix. Husky Jerks, jigging spoons, and Z-Man minnow plastics have been the ticket for walleye. Stick to the bottom around structure, especially as the day warms up[3][2][10].

    Smallmouth bass are on the move, staging near the mouths of the Rocky and Chagrin rivers and hugging rocky breakwalls. Blade baits like Silver Buddies, Hopkins spoons, and slow-rolled crankbaits or jerkbaits are producing. As the water creeps into the upper 40s, these bass get more aggressive. Tube jigs, Ned rigs, and small hair jigs are also solid choices right now[8][1][3].

    Steelhead are tapering off as the spring run winds down, but there are still some in the rivers and at their mouths. Try spawn sacks, jigs with maggots, or minnow-shaped cranks for your best shot. The white sucker run is also going strong in the Rocky River for those interested in targeting them[1][4][5].

    Yellow perch are being caught in Cleveland’s artificial reefs and off the breakwalls. The bite’s best with drop-shot rigs or spreaders tipped with live minnows or worms. Sizes up to 13 inches have been reported, though the central basin population is down, so expect lower numbers compared to the western basin[3][7].

    For hot spots, focus on:

    Gordon Park and Edgewater Park breakwalls for consistent walleye, perch, and bass action[3][1].
    The mouth of the Rocky River, especially near Emerald Necklace Marina, for smallmouth and the last of the steelhead[3][1].
    Cleveland’s artificial reefs for perch and walleye[9].
    Afternoon showers might add a little color to the water, which often helps the bite, but be cautious if the wind picks up.

    Reminder: daily limits are unchanged for now, but starting May 1, the yellow perch limit in the east zone (Fairport to Conneaut) drops to 20. Walleye and bass limits hold steady, but always double-check current regs before heading out[7].

    With conditions primed and fish biting, today’s a stellar day to get after it. Tight lines, Cleveland!
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    3 min
  • Lake Erie Fishing Report: Smallmouth, Walleye, and More Biting Strong on April 14, 2025

    Lake Erie Fishing Report: Smallmouth, Walleye, and More Biting Strong on April 14, 2025
    Apr 14 2025
    Good morning anglers! Today, April 14, 2025, promises excellent fishing opportunities in the Lake Erie and Cleveland areas. Here’s your up-to-date narrative fishing report to help you make the most of your outing.

    The weather this morning started crisp at around 45°F, with highs expected to reach 55°F. Winds are coming in from the southwest at 10-15 mph, which might create some chop on the water, but overall conditions are fishable. Sunrise was at 6:47 AM, and sunset is at 8:02 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for a productive day on the lake.

    Fish activity is strong across the region. Smallmouth bass are particularly active as they move into shallower waters near the mouths of the Rocky and Chagrin rivers for the spawning season. Walleye fishing remains outstanding, with reports of anglers catching fish ranging from 15 to 24 inches, and occasional trophy-sized catches over 28 inches. Yellow perch are also biting well, especially near Cleveland’s artificial reefs and Ruggles Reef, with catches up to 13 inches. Steelhead trout are still hanging around in good numbers, particularly in the tributaries, though the spring run is tapering off.

    For lures and bait, walleye are responding well to Husky Jerks, Z-Man minnows, and jigging spoons, especially when worked near the bottom. For smallmouth bass, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinners are highly effective. If you’re targeting yellow perch, use drop-shot rigs or spreaders tipped with minnows or worms. Steelhead anglers should try spawn bags, jigs tipped with maggots, or minnow-shaped crankbaits.

    If you’re looking for hot spots, consider the breakwalls near Gordon Park and Edgewater Park, which are yielding good numbers of walleye, perch, and bass. Additionally, the Rocky River near the Emerald Necklace Marina is a prime spot for smallmouth and steelhead. The Chagrin River is another excellent location for steelhead action.

    As for the tides, while tidal influences are minimal on Lake Erie, water clarity and slight wind-driven currents may play a role in fish behavior today. Winds from the southwest should create favorable conditions for nearshore fishing.

    Don’t forget rain is forecasted for later in the afternoon, so pack your rain gear. With active fish, favorable conditions, and ample daylight, today is shaping up to be a fantastic day to hit the water. Tight lines, and best of luck out there!
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    3 min
  • Anglers' Report: Lake Erie Fishing Heats Up with Walleye, Perch, and Smallmouth Action

    Anglers' Report: Lake Erie Fishing Heats Up with Walleye, Perch, and Smallmouth Action
    Apr 13 2025
    Good morning, anglers! Today is shaping up to be an exciting day for fishing in and around Lake Erie near Cleveland. Whether you’re venturing into the lake’s Central Basin or casting lines from nearby rivers and breakwalls, there’s plenty of action to look forward to.

    The weather today in Cleveland started cool but will warm up to the mid-50s with partly sunny skies, moderate winds from the southwest, and no significant rain predicted. Sunrise occurred at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 8:01 PM, giving you ample daylight for fishing. The current water temperature in Lake Erie is hovering in the low 40s, and while the water remains a bit cool, activity is heating up for several species.

    Steelhead fishing is still lingering in the tributaries like Rocky and Chagrin Rivers, though numbers are modest as the spring run winds down. With smallmouth bass actively moving into the rivers to spawn, you have a chance to score that sought-after “silver and bronze” combination by targeting both species. Jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms, crankbaits, and spinners are great choices for these conditions.

    On Lake Erie itself, walleye and yellow perch are proving consistent for boat anglers. Walleye are responding well to Husky Jerks and other jerkbaits like the DHJ-12 in various colors. Jigging with Z-Man Minnows and jerk shads is also effective, along with trolling medium-sized spoons. Yellow perch are being caught in good numbers at depths of 50-60 feet, especially near Cleveland’s artificial reefs and breakwalls—live minnows rigged near the bottom are a go-to tactic.

    For those looking to fish hotspots, the breakwalls along Cleveland Harbor, Edgewater Park, and E72nd Street have been hot locations for steelhead, smallmouth bass, and rock bass. Meanwhile, anglers seeking perch and walleye offshore should try near Ruggles Reef, Lorain, or Perry. If you prefer rivers, the Rocky and Chagrin Rivers remain strong options for smallmouth and steelhead.

    Recent catches include steelhead in the 28-29 inch range during local tournaments, with plenty of smallmouth bass starting to show up in catches near the river mouths. Yellow perch have been abundant, especially in the Central Basin, with decent sizes reported.

    As for bait, live minnows, waxworms, and nightcrawlers are versatile choices for various species. Meanwhile, artificial options like Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms and drop-shot rigs continue to prove invaluable for smallmouth and walleye.

    Wherever you decide to fish today, make sure to stay flexible and adjust tactics based on water clarity and conditions, which may vary with recent wind patterns. Tight lines and good luck out there!
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    3 min
  • Walleye, Bass, and Steelhead Bite in Cleveland's Lake Erie Fishery - April 2025 Update

    Walleye, Bass, and Steelhead Bite in Cleveland's Lake Erie Fishery - April 2025 Update
    Apr 12 2025
    Fishing Report for Lake Erie, Cleveland – Saturday, April 12, 2025

    Good morning anglers! Today is shaping up to be an exciting day for fishing around Lake Erie and the Cleveland area. Here’s your detailed fishing report to get you ready for a productive outing.

    The weather this morning starts chilly with temperatures around 45°F, but expect highs near 55°F later in the day. Winds are moderate at 10-15 mph out of the southwest, which could kick up some chop on the lake, so check conditions before heading out. Sunrise was at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 8:02 PM, offering plenty of daylight for your fishing adventures.

    Fish activity is promising across the region. Steelhead trout are still being caught in local tributaries, though the spring run is tapering off. Smallmouth bass are making a strong showing, particularly near the mouths of the Rocky and Chagrin rivers, where they are beginning to move in for spawning. Anglers are also finding success targeting yellow perch and walleye in nearshore areas and harbors.

    Recent catches have been impressive, especially for walleye, which remain plentiful due to robust hatches in prior years. Reports indicate anglers are hauling in 15 to 24-inch walleye, with occasional trophy-sized fish exceeding 28 inches. Yellow perch are also biting well, especially in areas like Ruggles Reef and Cleveland’s artificial reefs, with sizes up to 13 inches reported. Smallmouth bass action is strong near rocky shorelines and breakwalls.

    For bait and tackle, consider using crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinners for smallmouth bass. Steelhead are biting on spawn bags, jigs tipped with maggots, and minnow-shaped crankbaits. Walleye anglers are finding success with Husky Jerks, jigging spoons, and Z-Man minnows worked near the bottom. Yellow perch are striking drop-shot rigs and spreaders tipped with minnows or worms.

    For hot spots, try the breakwalls near Gordon Park and Edgewater Park, which offer excellent access to walleye, perch, and bass. Another prime location is the Rocky River, especially at its mouth and near Emerald Necklace Marina, where smallmouth and steelhead are active. The Chagrin River also continues to produce quality catches.

    With fishable conditions, active fish, and ample daylight, today is perfect for hitting the water. Don’t forget to check the latest water conditions and pack your rain gear as afternoon showers are forecasted. Tight lines and good luck out there!
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    3 min
  • Lake Erie Fishing Report: Steelhead, Smallmouth, and Perch Biting Strong

    Lake Erie Fishing Report: Steelhead, Smallmouth, and Perch Biting Strong
    Apr 11 2025
    Good morning, anglers. Here’s your April 11, 2025, fishing report for Lake Erie in the Cleveland area, brought to you by "Artificial Lure."

    The spring fishing season is shaping up nicely with a wide variety of species biting. Heading out today, expect partly cloudy skies with daytime highs reaching around 54°F. Winds are moderate from the southwest, so keep an eye on the lake's conditions for safety. Sunrise was at 6:52 AM, and sunset will be at 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to hit the water.

    Fishing activity is strong across the Cleveland shoreline and surrounding areas. Steelhead trout remain a key target, with some fresh fish making their way into the Rocky and Chagrin Rivers despite slightly rising water levels from recent rain. Expect modest steelhead numbers, but persistence can pay off with catches averaging 26 to 29 inches. Lake-run smallmouth bass are also abundant in the rivers and harbors, providing excellent action. Yellow perch and white suckers are biting well, especially in calmer nearshore and harbor areas.

    The best baits and lures right now depend on your target species. For steelhead, spinners, spoons, or jigs tipped with maggots or minnows work well, especially when drifted under a float. Anglers chasing smallmouth bass are having success with crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics like tube jigs or drop-shot worm setups. If you’re targeting walleye, the trusted Husky Jerk and jigging techniques are recommended—slow and steady often wins in these cooler early spring waters.

    Recent catches include excellent-sized smallmouth bass and sucker fish from the rivers, and steelhead have been consistently landed in harbors like Gordon Park and Edgewater. The yellow perch bite remains solid in the Central Basin, especially near artificial reefs and breakwalls in Cleveland and Fairport Harbor. These perch are hitting minnows on spreaders fished near the bottom.

    If you’re heading out, here are a couple of hot spots you should consider:
    1. **Edgewater Park and Breakwalls**: This area is prime for steelhead and bass fishing. Use spinners for trout and soft plastic lures for smallmouth.
    2. **Rocky River and East 72nd Street**: These spots offer good numbers of smallmouth bass and trout. Drift live minnows or jigs near deeper pools or structures for the best chance.

    Finally, keep in mind the current regulations for Lake Erie fishing. Steelhead/rainbow trout have a daily limit of 2 fish with a minimum length of 12 inches, while yellow perch limits are 10 per day in the Central Zone. Walleye fishing remains strong, with a daily limit of 6 and a 15-inch size minimum.

    Whether you’re fishing from shore or venturing out with a boat, there’s plenty of action to be had. Best of luck, and tight lines!
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    3 min
  • Walleye, Perch, and Bass Abound: Spring Fishing Report for Lake Erie Near Cleveland

    Walleye, Perch, and Bass Abound: Spring Fishing Report for Lake Erie Near Cleveland
    Apr 9 2025
    The fishing scene on Lake Erie near Cleveland, Ohio, has been buzzing with activity this spring. Here’s the latest report as of April 9, 2025.

    The weather today has been brisk and occasionally windy, with temperatures hovering around the mid-50s Fahrenheit. Winds are out of the southwest, creating choppy waters, so anglers are advised to monitor wave conditions before heading out. Sunrise was at 6:57 a.m., and sunset will be at 8:02 p.m. The water along the Cleveland shoreline is starting to warm up, providing better fishing conditions.

    **Fish Activity and Recent Catches:**
    The walleye bite remains strong, with plenty of catches reported in the central basin, including near breakwalls and harbor areas around Cleveland. Most walleye are in the 16-24 inch range, with occasional trophy fish pushing the 28-inch mark. Yellow perch fishing also continues to provide action, though catch rates are moderate compared to western basin hotspots. Steelhead are winding down their spring run in tributaries and harbors, but anglers are still seeing success with fresh fish in clearer water conditions. Additionally, smallmouth bass action is picking up as water temperatures rise, especially around rocky areas and breakwalls.

    During the recent "Barbie Rod Steelhead Derby" fundraiser, a few notable steelhead were caught, including a stunning 29-inch steelhead that secured first place. Anglers have also reported good smallmouth bass activity in nearby rivers like the Rocky and Chagrin as conditions stabilize post-rainfall.

    **Best Baits and Lures:**
    For walleye, the Husky Jerk remains a standout lure, particularly in cooler water. Anglers have also had success with jigging setups, using Z-Man minnows or jerk shads. Scatter Rap jerkbaits are another excellent option for more aggressive techniques. For steelhead, egg sacs, minnows, and jigs under floats have been productive, especially in stained water. As for yellow perch, shiners on spreader rigs remain the go-to setup.

    **Hotspots Around Cleveland:**
    Two promising locations for today’s outing are:
    1. **E. 72nd Street Fishing Area and Gordon Park:** These spots are known for their accessible shoreline fishing and harbor structure, attracting walleye, yellow perch, and bass.
    2. **Rocky River and Breakwalls Off Edgewater Park:** These areas are producing a mix of steelhead, smallmouth bass, and walleye, particularly in the cleaner stretches of water post-rain.

    **Fishing Tips:**
    - With recent rains, water clarity may vary. Target slightly chalky, greenish waters for better results as fish tend to congregate there over clearer or overly stained areas.
    - Adjust your jigging cadence and weight to stay in contact with the bottom in windy conditions.
    - For a well-rounded trip, prepare gear for both nearshore species and those in deeper waters, as fish may spread across multiple depths.

    Overall, this spring is shaping up to be a fantastic fishing season on Lake Erie, particularly for walleye and smallmouth bass enthusiasts. Good luck out there, and tight lines!
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    4 min
  • Early Spring Fishing on Lake Erie Heats Up in Cleveland

    Early Spring Fishing on Lake Erie Heats Up in Cleveland
    Apr 4 2025
    Good afternoon, anglers! Here's your Lake Erie fishing report for April 4, 2025, focusing on Cleveland and surrounding waters.

    Today brings partly cloudy skies, with a high around 53°F and a low dipping to 37°F. Winds will blow from the northwest at 10-15 mph, so be prepared for some chop on the water. Sunrise was at 7:06 AM, and sunset will be at 7:52 PM. While there are no significant tidal effects on Lake Erie, water clarity is decent in areas, with cooler temperatures in the 40s—perfect for early spring fishing.

    The walleye action is heating up as the spawn continues. Walleye are being caught in water depths between 8-20 feet near reefs and gravel shores, especially around the Cleveland Artificial Reefs, Rocky River, and the nearshore areas of Huntington Beach. Anglers are landing fish averaging 18-24 inches, with some trophies exceeding 26 inches. For bait, the Husky Jerk DHJ-12 has been a consistent producer, especially in colder water. Jigging with Z-Man Minnows or jerk shads near the bottom has also been effective.

    Yellow perch fishing is holding steady, particularly east of Cleveland at hotspots like Ruggles Reef and Lorain’s artificial reef areas. Catches have been solid, with many fish over 10 inches. For perch, traditional spreaders baited with emerald shiners are hard to beat. Schools are gathering in 20-30 feet of water, so watch your electronics!

    Steelhead trout are still hanging in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers, with anglers finding success drifting spawn sacs, jigs tipped with maggots, or brightly colored spoons. These chrome beauties are moving into swifter waters as the spawn progresses. Look for pools with at least 2 feet of depth for your best shot.

    For smallmouth bass enthusiasts, pre-spawn fish are starting to move into rocky nearshore zones and tributary mouths. Try drop-shot rigs with Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms in natural colors, or cast small crankbaits near structure.

    Hotspots to consider today include:
    1. Rocky River near the mouth for steelhead and walleye.
    2. Cleveland Artificial Reefs for walleye and perch.
    3. Ruggles Reef and Lorain for perch anglers.

    The lake is alive and kicking, with plenty of variety for any angler. Tight lines, and stay safe out there!
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    3 min
  • "Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye, Steelhead, and More Biting in Cleveland"

    "Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye, Steelhead, and More Biting in Cleveland"
    Apr 4 2025
    Fishing Report for Lake Erie, Cleveland - April 4, 2025

    Good morning, folks! Spring has sprung on Lake Erie, and the fishing is heating up. Today, Cleveland is experiencing a crisp start but promises a comfortable day for anglers with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low-50s. Expect a mix of clouds and sun with a light breeze out of the southwest—a perfect setup for a day out on the water.

    The walleye bite is off to a solid start this April. With Lake Erie being the “Walleye Capital of the World,” anglers have seen good action both from shore and on the lake. The nearshore areas, especially breakwalls at Cleveland Lakefront State Park and Huntington Beach, are worth trying right now. Troll with husky jerks, especially the DHJ-12 model in various colors, or cast crankbaits and spoons. For deeper waters, slow jigging with heavy heads to maintain bottom contact has proved successful. Most of the walleye being caught are in the 15 to 24-inch range, with occasional trophy catches from older hatches.

    Steelhead trout are also active in Lake Erie’s tributaries, including the Rocky and Chagrin Rivers. Anglers are reporting good catches of both fresh-run steelhead and drop-backs using egg sacs, minnows, jigs tipped with maggots, and trout beads. Shore anglers are having success at spots like the Dunkirk Harbor pier, using spinners or casting spoons. For the best results, focus on pools with at least two feet of depth.

    Yellow perch fishing, though not quite at its peak, has shown promise with good-sized catches coming from artificial reefs near Cleveland and Lorain. Spreaders with live minnows fished near the bottom work well. The 2024 perch hatch was above average in most zones, so expect these fish to keep biting through 2025.

    April is also a great time to target smallmouth bass, particularly along rocky shorelines and reef areas. Try casting small jigs, spinnerbaits, or tubes around the Vermilion and Grand Rivers. Bass are starting to move into pre-spawn patterns, making them more active and willing to strike.

    For lures, husky jerks remain the top choice for walleye, while Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms in "goby" or "green pumpkin" are excellent for smallmouth bass. Live minnows and shiners continue to be the go-to bait for yellow perch and steelhead.

    Hotspots to hit include Cleveland’s breakwalls, Huntington Beach, the Rocky and Chagrin Rivers, and artificial reefs near Lorain. If you’re up for a short trip, Vermilion and Fairport Harbor are also producing well.

    Sunrise today was at 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at 7:58 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reel in the big one. Just keep an eye on the wind forecast if you're heading out on the lake, as conditions can change quickly.

    Tight lines, anglers, and good luck out there!
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    3 min