Episodes

  • Lake Erie Fishing Update: Walleye, Perch, and Steelhead Bite Improving with Spring Transition

    Lake Erie Fishing Update: Walleye, Perch, and Steelhead Bite Improving with Spring Transition
    Mar 14 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie fishing report for March 14, 2025.

    The weather's looking decent today with partly cloudy skies and highs around 45°F. We've got light winds out of the southwest at 5-10 mph. Sunrise was at 7:36 AM and sunset will be at 7:32 PM.

    Lake Erie's water level is about average for this time of year. No significant tides to report since it's a lake, but keep an eye on those wind-driven water level changes.

    Fishing activity is starting to pick up as we transition into spring. Walleye are still the main attraction, with good numbers being caught in 20-30 feet of water. Most fish are in the 15-24 inch range, with some real trophies over 28 inches mixed in. Yellow perch fishing has been hit or miss, but should improve as the water warms up.

    For walleye, bandits and reef runners in blue/chrome or purple/chartreuse have been hot. Don't forget about the classics like Husky Jerks and Hot N' Tots either. If you're after perch, spreaders with shiners are your best bet.

    Steelhead are starting to show up in the tributaries too. Egg sacs, jigs, and flies are all producing fish. The Rocky River and Chagrin River have been fishing well lately.

    For bait, emerald shiners are always a good choice this time of year. Nightcrawlers and soft plastics are worth a try too.

    As for hot spots, the area off Cleveland's East 72nd Street has been producing some nice walleye. The Wildwood Marina area is another good bet. For shore anglers, try your luck at Edgewater Park or the East 55th Street Marina.

    Remember to bundle up and be safe out there. Tight lines, everyone!
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    2 mins
  • Lake Erie Fishing Report March 2025: Walleye Bite Blazing, Perch and Steelhead on the Move

    Lake Erie Fishing Report March 2025: Walleye Bite Blazing, Perch and Steelhead on the Move
    Mar 12 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie fishing report for March 12, 2025.

    The weather's been a bit unpredictable lately, but things are looking up for the weekend. We're expecting partly cloudy skies with highs around 45°F and lows in the mid-30s. Winds will be light and variable, perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:38 AM and sunset at 7:24 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with.

    Now, onto the fishing! The walleye bite has been absolutely on fire lately. Anglers are reporting limit catches of 6 fish per day, with many in the 20-24 inch range. These fish are hungry and aggressive as they prepare for the spring spawn. The best action has been in 15-25 feet of water, with fish suspended about 5-10 feet down.

    For lures, you can't go wrong with a classic purple and gold Bandits or Reef Runners. Jerkbaits like Husky Jerks and Ripsticks are also producing well. If you're fishing after dark, try glow-in-the-dark colors for some real excitement.

    Yellow perch fishing has been decent, with most catches coming from 30-35 feet of water. Spreader rigs tipped with emerald shiners are the ticket here. Some jumbo perch over 12 inches have been reported, so it's worth putting in the time.

    Steelhead are starting to make their spring run up the tributaries. The Rocky and Chagrin rivers are good bets right now. Spawn sacs, jigs tipped with maggots, and small spoons are all working well.

    For you shore anglers, try casting from the East 55th Street pier or Edgewater Park. These spots have been producing some nice walleye in the evenings.

    Remember, ice fishing is no longer safe on Lake Erie, so stick to open water tactics. Always check conditions before heading out and wear your life jacket.

    That's all for now, folks. Get out there and tight lines!
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    2 mins
  • Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye Frenzy and Perch Bonanza Before Season Closure

    Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye Frenzy and Perch Bonanza Before Season Closure
    Mar 11 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie fishing report for March 11, 2025. Let me tell you, the bite's been heating up around Cleveland despite the chilly weather.

    First off, we've got partly cloudy skies today with a high of 45°F and winds out of the northwest at 10-15 mph. Sunrise was at 6:42 AM and sunset will be at 6:23 PM. As for tides, Lake Erie doesn't have traditional tides, but we're seeing some minor water level fluctuations due to wind and atmospheric pressure.

    Now, let's talk fish! Walleye fishing has been absolutely on fire lately. Anglers are reporting limit catches of 6 fish per day, with many in the 20-24 inch range. These fish are actively feeding as they prepare for the spring spawn. Yellow perch are also starting to show up in good numbers, especially in the 30-40 foot range.

    For walleye, trolling with deep-diving crankbaits like Bandits or Reef Runners in blue and chrome patterns has been the ticket. Don't be afraid to go deep - 26 to 38 feet of water has been the sweet spot. If you're more of a jig fisherman, try bouncing a 3/4 oz jig tipped with a soft plastic minnow imitation along the bottom.

    Perch have been hitting on spreaders baited with emerald shiners or small minnows. Some anglers are also having luck with small jigs tipped with waxworms.

    As for hot spots, the area just west of the Cleveland Harbor has been producing consistently. Another good bet is the waters off Wildwood State Park, especially if you're after those jumbo perch.

    Remember, walleye season closes on March 15th and reopens on May 1st, so get out there while you can! And don't forget your 2025 fishing license - it's a new year, folks!

    That's all for now. This is Artificial Lure, signing off and wishing you tight lines!
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    2 mins
  • Fishing Report for Lake Erie, Cleveland: Steelhead, Trout, Walleye, and Perch Hotspots

    Fishing Report for Lake Erie, Cleveland: Steelhead, Trout, Walleye, and Perch Hotspots
    Feb 15 2025
    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 15, 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 great 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.

    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.

    ### 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.

    In Lake Erie, walleye and yellow perch are the stars of the show. The Western Basin has yielded several impressive walleye catches, while the areas around Catawba and Marblehead have been teeming with yellow perch.

    ### 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
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    4 mins
  • Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye, Perch, and Lure Recommendations for Cleveland Area

    Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye, Perch, and Lure Recommendations for Cleveland Area
    Feb 14 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for Lake Erie, particularly around the Cleveland area.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. As of February 14, 2025, we're looking at a chilly but manageable day with temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. The skies are partly cloudy, which is ideal for fishing. There's a light breeze out of the northwest, so make sure to dress warmly.

    Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:45 PM, giving us a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Recent surveys by the Ohio Division of Wildlife indicate that while the 2024 walleye hatch was below average, the overall population of walleye in Lake Erie remains healthy thanks to six consecutive above-average hatches from 2018 to 2023. This means you can still expect excellent walleye fishing, especially in the western basin[1].

    For yellow perch, the news is even better. The western basin saw an above-average hatch in 2024, with an index of 673 young-of-year yellow perch per hectare, which is significantly above the average. This bodes well for perch fishing in the western half of Lake Erie[1].

    ### Best Spots and Lures

    If you're targeting walleye, head over to the western basin hot spots like the Maumee River, Sandusky River, Sandusky Bay, and the Reef Complex. Breakwalls around Huron, Huntington Beach, and Fairport Harbor are also great spots in the central basin[3].

    For yellow perch, focus on areas like Catawba, Marblehead, Bass Islands, and Kelleys Island in the western basin. In the central basin, try nearshore areas around Ruggles Reef, Vermilion, Fairport, Perry, Ashtabula, and Conneaut[3].

    ### Lures and Bait

    Given the current conditions, I recommend using a mix of artificial lures and live bait. For walleye, try using jigs with minnows or nightcrawlers. Artificial lures like crankbaits and spinner rigs can also be very effective, especially if you're looking to cover more ground quickly[4].

    For yellow perch, small jigs with minnows or maggots work well. If you prefer artificial lures, small soft plastics or tiny crankbaits can mimic the baitfish that perch are feeding on.

    ### Recent Catches

    Recent fishing has been good, especially for yellow perch. Anglers have been reporting great catch rates and excellent fish size in the western basin. Walleye fishing has also been consistent, with many anglers catching their limits, especially during the late fall and early winter months[1].

    In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on Lake Erie. With the right gear and knowledge of the hot spots, you should be able to land some impressive catches. Stay warm, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report Lake Erie Cleveland Feb 2025 - Mild Weather, Steelhead, Trout & Walleye Hotspots

    Fishing Report Lake Erie Cleveland Feb 2025 - Mild Weather, Steelhead, Trout & Walleye Hotspots
    Feb 12 2025
    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
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    4 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Cleveland's Waterways: Steelhead, Trout, and More - Conditions, Hotspots, and Gear Tips

    Fishing Forecast for Cleveland's Waterways: Steelhead, Trout, and More - Conditions, Hotspots, and Gear Tips
    Feb 12 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Lake Erie, particularly in the Cleveland area. As of today, February 12, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather has been quite mild lately, which has led to the thawing of our local streams. However, be cautious as treacherous ice slabs are still piled up along the river banks, especially near the Rocky River boat ramps. Check the river flow data for the Rocky and Chagrin rivers before you head out, as conditions can change quickly with rainfall[4].

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Today, sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, especially if you're targeting species that are more active during these periods.

    ### Fish Activity
    Currently, anglers are pursuing steelhead in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers. The recent thaw has made these streams fishable again, although the water is still quite cold, which means the steelhead activity might be moderate. Additionally, trout fishing is excellent at the five lakes and ponds that were recently stocked with a mix of rainbow, brook, brown, golden rainbow, and tiger trout. These lakes include Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Ranger, and Judge’s lakes[4].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Steelhead are the main target in the rivers, with a daily limit of 2 fish and a minimum size of 12 inches. For trout, the daily limits vary by location: 3 trout at Wallace, Ranger, Ledge, and Judge’s lakes, and 5 trout at Shadow Lake and the Ohio & Erie Canal. Recent catches include a mix of dark and fresher steelhead, as well as a variety of trout species, including some impressive trophy largemouth bass and tiger trout[4].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For steelhead, drifting dime to nickel size spawn sacks, smaller marabou/hair jigs (1/32-1/64 oz) tipped with a few maggots, and egg mimicking beads under floats are good options. For trout, small baits and jigs under small ice floats, or medium size (1.5-3”) jigging spoons, can be very effective. These spoons can be worked at various depths and sometimes tipped with maggots, waxworms, or a small minnow for added attraction[4].

    ### Hot Spots
    If you're looking to catch walleye, the Port of Cleveland is an excellent spot. Try fishing in 26-38 feet of water, and consider using Bandit Lures in blue-and-chrome while trolling. The best time for walleye here is after dark[5].

    For steelhead and trout, the Rocky and Chagrin rivers are your best bets. The Rocky River has receded in level and is offering fishable conditions, despite the treacherous ice slabs. The stocked trout lakes, such as Wallace and Shadow lakes, are also producing great catches[4].

    ### Additional Tips
    Keep an eye on the weather and river conditions, as they can change quickly. Be careful navigating the icy river banks, and make sure to check the local fishing regulations to stay informed and prepared.

    Good luck out there, and tight lines
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    4 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Lake Erie, Cleveland: Mild Weather, Open Streams, and Stocked Trout Bonanza

    Fishing Forecast for Lake Erie, Cleveland: Mild Weather, Open Streams, and Stocked Trout Bonanza
    Feb 10 2025
    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 10, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather has been quite mild lately, which has significantly impacted our fishing conditions. Following the recent thaw, our local streams, such as the Rocky and Chagrin rivers, have opened up and are now offering fishable conditions. However, be cautious of treacherous ice slabs piled up along the river banks, especially near the Rocky River boat ramps. Today’s forecast shows partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s, which is ideal for getting out on the water.

    Sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM, giving you a good window to catch some fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    Currently, anglers are actively pursuing steelhead in the Rocky and Chagrin rivers. These streams have receded in level and are offering good fishing conditions, although the weekend’s prospects depend on the amount of rain we receive. For steelhead, you can expect a modest number of fresh fish mixed in with those that have been overwintering in the streams.

    In addition to steelhead, recently stocked trout are another target. Lakes such as Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Ranger, and Judge’s have been stocked with a mix of rainbow, brook, brown, golden rainbow, and even tiger trout. These fish are biting well on small baits and jigs under small ice floats, although ice fishing is not recommended at this time due to the lack of solid ice.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For steelhead, drifting dime to nickel size spawn sacks, smaller marabou/hair jigs (1/32-1/64 oz) tipped with a few maggots, and egg mimicking beads under floats are all good options. If you’re targeting the recently stocked trout, small to medium size (1.5-3”) jigging spoons worked at various depths can be very effective. These spoons can be tipped with a few maggots, a waxworm, or a small minnow to elicit more bites. A dime size ball of PowerBait on a bare hook or molded on a small jighead is also a reliable choice.

    ### Hot Spots
    If you’re looking to catch some steelhead, the Rocky and Chagrin rivers are your best bets right now. Be sure to check the flow data links to ensure the rivers are at a safe and fishable level.

    For those targeting trout, Wallace Lake and Shadow Lake have been producing some excellent catches. These lakes have good opportunities for fishing from the safety of solid ground where the shoreline drops quickly into deeper water.

    If you prefer fishing in Lake Erie itself, the Cleveland Lakefront Metro Parks and Headlands Beach State Park are excellent spots. At the Cleveland Lakefront, you can catch a variety of bass, salmon, and carp from the piers without venturing out into the open lake. Headlands Beach State Park offers the federal break wall where you can game for bass, salmon, grass carp, and yellow perch.

    ### Safety Tips
    Remember, safety is paramount. Always check the ice thickness if you decide to venture out onto the ice, and ensure it is at least 4 inches of solid ice. Use a spud bar to check the ice near shore and around inlets and outlets. Carry emergency ice picks and a length of rope, and always fish with a friend.

    That’s all for now, folks. Tight lines, and I hope you catch some big ones out there
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    4 mins