LAKE ERIE

Fishing report: Bite should pick up if weather improves

Kristina Smith
mksmith@gannett.com

PORT CLINTON – Heavy rains throughout last weekend and earlier this week have slowed Lake Erie and Sandusky River fishing, sources said.

If the weather forecast holds, the bite could pick up this weekend.

The mayfly hatch also has hampered fishing somewhat because the insects, which hatch from the lake, are readily available food for the fish, said Mark Evans, employee at Herb's Sportman's Supply on Catawba Island.

Despite the issues, anglers still have caught yellow perch and walleye, Evans said.

Perch have been caught southeast of Kelleys Island, southwest of Green Island and northwest of Catawba Island, he said. Good baits have been perch spreaders or crappie rigs with shiners fished near the bottom, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Fish Ohio Report.

Walleye have been caught around Crib Reef and in Canadian waters south of Middle Sister Island, Evans said. Anglers need a Canadian fishing license to fish Canadian waters.

Those casting have used worm harnesses, he said. Those trolling have had success with spoons behind divers on worm harnesses with inline weights or bottom bounces, according to ODNR.

Meanwhile, the Sandusky River remains high from recent rains, although the water is receding, said Bernie Whitt, owner of Anglers Supply in Fremont.

"The water should be boatable and fishable by the end of the week without any more rain events," Whitt said in his store's fishing report.

mksmith@gannett.com

419-334-1044

Twitter: @kristinasmithNM