Lake Erie and Maumee River Report – 16 June 17

Maumee River

Condition haven’t changed much in the last week or so.  Its great weather to head out and wade out to the Blue grass , Button wood or Jerome rd areas-Grand Rapids as well.  The catfish bite has been very good all through the day and night. Just about anything is triggering their bite, spinners small minnow crank-baits, craw fish and night-crawlers.  We have also  seen a few walleye caught in the faster waters of Bleugrass, and Jerome rd rapids.

Lake Erie

Perch are typically a schooling fish, which move from place to place seeking food sources. When found, they like to thrive in the bottom portion of the water column, especially at or near the bottom of the lake or river. Their natural diet consists of small fish, fish eggs, insects, crayfish, snails, leeches and worms. They are very active daytime feeders for most of the year, but tend to feed in short spurts. Moving often is suggested ,every 30 minutes or so.

Perch are also very attracted by color and flash. Use a spreader with colorful /flashig blades.The blade acts as a beacon to find the natural bait. This will increase catch rates greatly, especially in stained water. Another “old timer” trick is to add a colored plastic flag to the anchor rope. The current will wave the flag to attract the school of fish.

Equipment should be focused on light-weight gear. Nothing more than six-pound test line and in most cases a four-lb mono can be ideal. A light rod or ultra light is preferred to detect light bites. A stiffer composite rod can help set the hook. I prefer a Kahle offset hook while fishing perch as it has a higher hook-up percentage than a standard hook. Remember when fishing perch, use the lightest weight rod, hook, sinker, and line as conditions allow.

The  Walleye drift and trolling bite continue to be good
Surface Temp 75
Winds: SW 5~10 knots
Water Clarity: Good

Trolling
Fish are still out front and the shorts still out number the keepers by a long shot but there are pockets of big fish as well
East of Locust, Round and Crib reefs, and 11~13 miles out (past the Island) . Cone and Crib, are doing well. Bandits, 800’s, Bombers, Worm harnesses, Rattle Tots, and Flicker Minnows are also still pulling fish. Most are running 2.5 or faster.

Drifting
Reports of good fishing around K and L Cans, Locust, Flat Rock, Cone and Crib reefs. Crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers or casting weight forwards are working best, Lots of undersized walleye, but still great fun to catch

Perch:
Reports are getting better especially out near  A-Can, B Can and Niagara.

Have fun , be safe and good luck fishing.