Ohio Lake Erie fish report Nov. 1

Walleye are in their traditional fall spots, and perch fishing has picked up.
Here’s the full Ohio Department of Natural Resources fish report.
Western Basin
Walleye
Where: Walleye are starting to show up in their
traditional fall feeding grounds as they follow shad nearshore. The best bite
during the day remains offshore in 30-45 feet of water of Huron and Vermillion,
and 45-55 feet of water in Lorain. Shore anglers are having success after dark
with “Clown” colored stickbaits.
How: Trolling stickbaits has been the best
presentation at speeds 1-8 to 2.8 mph. Slower presentations have been better
after dark. Shore bound anglers can start picking up walleye near and after
dark casting crankbaits and lipless crankbaits that imitate shad.
Yellow Perch
Where: Yellow Perch fishing has picked up
slightly, however limits are still tough. The best reports coming from west of
Catawba in 18-22 feet of water, North and Southwest of Kelleys Islands, and
between Huron and Vermilion in 28-32 feet of water.
How: Vertical crappie rigs seems to be producing
better where baits can be presented at different depths. Anglers are reporting
that small lifts and long pauses between lifts have been triggering the most
bites.
Smallmouth Bass
Where: Fish are being caught around the reefs and
islands areas in 10-14 feet of water, especially around Middle Bass,
Rattlesnake, and South Bass Islands.
How: Tubes and dropshots in rocky areas continue
to produce the best.
Central Basin
Walleye
Where: Good fishing in 30-55’ of water northwest
of Edgewater Park and in 30-50’ of water north-northwest of Gordon Park. Some
fish are being caught in 20-35’ of water northwest of Fairport Harbor and in
50-65’ of water north-northwest of Lakeshore Park in Ashtabula. Shore anglers
are catching walleye off the Cleveland Piers and the Fairport Harbor short pier
in the evenings.
How: Most anglers are trolling using planer
boards, dipsy and jet divers with crankbaits, worm harnesses and spoons. Try
using bright colors including blue, silver and chrome. Shore anglers are using
crank baits.
Yellow Perch
Where: A few reports of yellow perch being caught in 30-35’ of
water off the East 72nd St. lighthouse in Cleveland. Shore anglers are catching
a few fish in the mornings and evenings off the breakwalls in Cleveland.
How: Try minnows on spreaders and crappie rigs
near the bottom.
Smallmouth Bass
Where: Best spots have been in 20-30’ of water in
the harbor areas and rock piles in Cleveland, Fairport Harbor, Geneva,
Ashtabula and Conneaut.
How: Anglers are using crank baits and drop shot
rigs tipped with night crawlers.
The Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 54 degrees, off Cleveland 58
degrees and off Erie 57 degrees.