Perch near Toledo: Ohio Lake Erie forecast July 25

Finally, some upbeat reports of perch in Lake Erie. And still plenty of walleye.

It’s looking like lovely weather for a fishing trip!

Here’s the full Lake Erie fish report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources:

Western Basin

Walleye  
Where: The best bite has been 3 to 6 miles east of Kelleys Island, out of Huron and Vermillion in 28 to 32 feet of water, or Lorain in 45 to 55 feet of water. North and west of West Sister Island near the Canadian line continues to provide some fish, but catch rates are falling with the increasing water temperatures. 
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. 

Catfish  
Where: The bite in Sandusky Bay continues to be good, with many fish weighing over ten pounds. Shoreline access to the bay is available at the old Route 2 bridge in Bay View and Port Clinton, the Dempsey Fishing Access, and various locations in downtown Sandusky. 
How: Anglers have been fishing the bottom with shrimp, night crawlers, and cut bait. 

Central BasinWalleye 
Where: Excellent fishing continues in 40 to 55 feet of water north-northwest of Edgewater Park, in 35 to 55 feet of water north of Wildwood Park, in 40 to 55 feet of water north-northwest of Fairport, and in 55 feet and deeper water north-northwest of Geneva. Fish are suspended and anglers are targeting fishing depths of 15 to 40 feet. 
How: Walleye have been caught trolling using crankbaits or spoons with planer boards, dipsy and jet divers. Anglers are also casting and drifting worm harnesses and weight forward spinners. Try using bright colors including lemon, chartreuse, orange, green, and pink and purple. Anglers fishing from shore are catching fish off the piers in Cleveland using spinners and stick baits. 

Smallmouth Bass  
Where: Good fishing reported in 17 to 22 feet of water around harbor areas and rock piles in Cleveland, Fairport Harbor, Geneva, Ashtabula, and Conneaut. 
How: Anglers are using crank baits, tube jigs, drop shot rigs tipped with night crawlers, golden shiners, leeches, and crayfish. 

Catfish  
Where: Anglers are catching fish off the Cleveland and Fairport Harbor piers.
How: Most anglers fish the bottom or drift with baits on the bottom. Common baits include nightcrawlers, cut bait, and frozen shrimp.