• 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
  • Fishing Report for Lake Erie, Cleveland - Feb 9, 2025
    Feb 9 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 9, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The weather is 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. According to the latest reports, the streams have thawed out, and ice fishing is not recommended at this time due to the lack of solid ice[3].

    ### 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[3].

    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[3].

    ### 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[3].

    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[2].

    ### 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[3].

    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[2][4].

    ### 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[2][3].

    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
  • Icy Angling Insights: Navigating Lake Erie's Frozen Fishing Hotspots
    Feb 8 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 8, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather is quite chilly, with frigid temperatures dominating the scene. This has resulted in most of the Lake Erie tributaries being locked up with ice, making steelhead fishing a significant challenge. However, there are some open water patches here and there, and the Niagara River, though impacted by moving ice, still offers some opportunities for shore anglers, especially in the State Parks within the gorge. Be cautious, though, as the shorelines are icy.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for species like walleye and steelhead that are more active during dawn and dusk.

    ### Fish Activity
    Currently, steelhead are the predominant catch in the lower Niagara River, along with some brown trout, lake trout, and walleye. In the Lake Erie tributaries, there is limited open water, but you can still catch a few steelhead and brown trout below the dams on Eighteenmile and Oak Orchard Creeks, though the fishing has been slow[1].

    ### Ice Fishing
    For those into ice fishing, the Buffalo Boat Harbor is a good spot. The inner harbor has about 8 inches of ice, and anglers are catching a mix of yellow perch, sunfish, and crappie. Tip-ups with large shiners are producing the occasional northern pike. Silver Lake and Honeoye Lake also have decent ice cover, with Silver Lake offering better catches of yellow perch at depths over 20 feet[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For steelhead, using spawn bags, salmon eggs, flies, minnows, and worms can be productive, especially in pools with deep water and some current. In the Niagara River, shore anglers should use caution but can try their luck with spoons or jigs tipped with maggots[2].

    For walleye, jigging lures tipped with shiners while ice fishing or using bottom bouncing lures and casting weight forward spinner tipped with a nightcrawler are effective methods. Pre-dawn, dusk, and cloudy days are the best times to fish for walleye[2].

    For yellow perch, spreaders with minnows, shiners, worms, or cut bait fished near the bottom are recommended. Ice fishing often produces some of the best catch rates for yellow perch[2].

    ### Hot Spots
    If you're looking for some hot spots, here are a few recommendations:

    - **Niagara River**: Despite the challenges with moving ice, the State Parks in the gorge offer some ice-free opportunities for shore anglers. Be cautious of the icy shorelines.
    - **Buffalo Boat Harbor**: The inner harbor has good ice cover and is a great spot for catching yellow perch, sunfish, and crappie.
    - **Silver Lake**: The shallower ends and weedy mid-lake margins are good spots to target a mix of sunfish and yellow perch.
    - **Maumee River and Sandusky River**: These are known hot spots for walleye, especially during the spring months, but they are currently locked up with ice. Keep an eye on them as the weather warms up[3].

    In summary, while the conditions are challenging due to the cold weather, there are still opportunities to catch some great fish in and around Lake Erie. Stay safe, and happy fishing
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    4 mins
  • Frosty Fishing on Lake Erie: Walleye, Perch, and Steelhead Await the Brave Angler
    Feb 7 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing around Lake Erie, particularly in and around Cleveland. As of today, February 7, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather is quite chilly, with frigid temperatures locking up most of the Lake Erie tributaries. However, this doesn’t mean the fishing is off-limits. For those brave enough to face the cold, there are still some great opportunities.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for species that are more active during these periods.

    ### Fish Activity
    Despite the cold, there are a few species that remain active. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

    - **Walleye**: While the recent hatch results were below average, the overall population of walleye in Lake Erie remains healthy due to the robust hatches from 2018 to 2023. You can still catch walleye, especially in the western basin, but the odds are average this time of year[1][5].

    - **Yellow Perch**: The yellow perch fishing has been excellent, particularly in the western basin. The 2024 hatch was above average, and you can expect good catch rates in this area. The central basin also saw encouraging hatch results, although the east zone was below average[1].

    - **Steelhead**: For those targeting steelhead, the tributaries are mostly locked up due to ice, but there are sparse open water patches where you can still catch them. Steelhead are the predominant winter catch in areas like the Niagara River and some Lake Erie tributaries[4].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For the species mentioned, here are some recommendations:

    - **Walleye**: Use techniques like trolling with planer boards, drifting with harness rigs, or vertical jigging. Lures such as jigs, crankbaits, and spinner rigs can be effective. For bait, minnows and nightcrawlers are good choices[5].

    - **Yellow Perch**: Minnows and worms are popular baits for perch. Small jigs and perch rigs can also work well[5].

    - **Steelhead**: For steelhead, use medium to large shiners on tip-ups or jigging spoons in the open water patches.

    ### Hot Spots
    Here are a few hot spots to consider:

    - **Western Basin**: For walleye and yellow perch, areas like the Maumee River, Sandusky River, Sandusky Bay, and the Bass Islands are excellent. Kelleys Island and Marblehead are also known for good perch and walleye fishing[3].

    - **Central Basin**: For walleye, try the breakwalls at Huron, Huntington Beach, and Fairport Harbor. For yellow perch, nearshore areas around Ruggles Reef, Vermilion, and Fairport are good spots[3].

    - **Steelhead Alley**: This area from the Cattaraugus Creek to the mouth of the Vermilion River is a hotspot for steelhead, especially during their spring and fall runs[2].

    In summary, while the cold weather presents some challenges, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species in and around Lake Erie. Make sure to bundle up, choose the right lures and bait, and head to the hot spots for a successful fishing trip. Tight lines
    Show more Show less
    4 mins