Lake Erie and Maumee River Report – June 13, 2017

Maumee River

Too many hot days in the summer can make fish in shallow lakes, ponds and rivers sluggish.Warm water temperatures make bait fish more active and available to game fish on cool early-spring days. On hot sunny days, fish move to cooler, deeper waters to stay comfortable. High-heat conditions make shallow and top water lures and fishing bait best only in the early morning and late afternoon when cooler temperatures and lower light levels allow fish to cruise the shallows for meals.

We have seen some very good catfish reports , the sheephead ( freshwater drum)are in there feeding as well . Some some rock bass caught along the banks and the Â smallmouth bite has begun to pick up. Still seeing a school of white bass here and there..have to do some fishing for them this time of year.

EARLY MORNING

Fishing is excellent from before sunup to just before mid-morning. At this time of year there is abundant food and cover for fish, so finding hungry fish can be a challenge.

LATE MORNING-EARLY AFTERNOON

Fishing is poor for most of the day. Fish move to deep water to cool off.

AFTERNOON-EARLY EVENING

Fishing is excellent from early sundown until dark as the waters cool and fish rise up from the depths.

Lake Erie

2017 Walleye forecast-click on todays “Blog” for some info on Walleye size and age relationÂ

Coming out of the Maumee River, male walleye from the strong 2014, 2003 and 2010 year classes will dominate the harvest in 2017. Fish from the 2003 year class will range from 22 to over 30 inches with most of the male walleye being around 23 inches, and the female walleye will be in the mid to upper 20 inch range. Smaller walleye in the harvest will most likely come from the 2010 and 2011 year classes. Trophy walleye this year that arenâ€™t from the 2003 year class will most likely be from 2001 and other large hatches from the 1990â€™s.
Large walleye in the 25 to 30-inch range will most likely come from the 2001 year class. Walleye over 30-inches may date back to good year classes from the 1990â€™s. Walleye harvested in past years have been as old as 26 years. Anglers are reminded that there is a 15-inch minimum size limit the entire season for walleye.

Surface Temp 71
Winds: Â Variable SW 5~15 knots forecast for today..
Water clarity is good and the visibility is the best so far this season.

Trolling
Very few reports yesterday with the wavy conditions.
East of Locust, Round and Crib reefs, and 10~11 miles out (past the Island) . Cone and Crib reefs are producing but there are a lot of undersized walleye to sort through. Â Bandits, 800’s, Bombers, Worm harnesses, Rattle Tots, and Flicker Minnows are also still pulling fish. Most are running 2.5 or faster. Look for stained water lines if you stay in close.

Drifting

Reports of good fishing around K and L Cans, Locust, Flat Rock, Cone and Crib. Crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers are still producing. The huge number of undersized walleye bodes well for the next few years when they grow.

Perch
Reports have gotten better,Â some good word from A-Can, B Can and Niagara reef, still not hearing of limits but some decent catches.

Have Fun, Be Safe and Good Luck Fishing

Mario Campos