lake erie fishing report 2017

Introduction

Lake Erie Fishing Report 2017

Lake Erie is located in the northern part of the United States and is surrounded by four states, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. It is a popular destination for recreational anglers as it is home to numerous species of fish, including walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass.

Each year, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife releases a Lake Erie fishing report which provides a comprehensive overview of the current fishing conditions in the lake. This report includes information such as water temperatures, fish populations, and the best places and techniques to catch different species of fish.

The 2017 Lake Erie Fishing Report

2017 Lake Erie Fishing Report

The 2017 Lake Erie fishing report showed that overall, fishing conditions were excellent in the lake. Walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass populations were all healthy and abundant, providing ample opportunities for anglers to catch their limit.

For walleye, the report indicated that the best areas to fish were the Western Basin and the Central Basin near Cleveland. Anglers had success trolling with worm harnesses or using crankbaits in depths of 20 to 40 feet of water. The population of walleye in the lake was estimated to be around 19 million fish, the second highest on record.

The perch population in the lake was also strong in 2017, with anglers having success in the Western Basin near the islands and in the Central Basin near Lorain and Ashtabula. Perch were found in depths of 25 to 45 feet of water, and the best technique was using small minnows or jigs. The perch population was estimated to be around 80 million fish, the highest on record since the 1980s.

Smallmouth bass were another abundant species in the lake in 2017, with anglers finding them in the rocky areas of the islands and the Eastern Basin near Buffalo. The best techniques for catching smallmouth bass were using live bait or soft plastic lures in depths of 10 to 20 feet of water.

The 2017 Lake Erie fishing report also noted that the water temperature was cooler than usual for much of the summer, which helped to prolong the prime fishing season. Overall, the report indicated that Lake Erie was a great destination for both novice and experienced anglers in 2017.

In conclusion, the 2017 Lake Erie fishing report showed that the lake was home to healthy populations of walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass, and provided numerous opportunities for anglers to catch their limit. With its abundance of fish and beautiful scenery, Lake Erie remains a popular destination for recreational fishing in the United States.

Salmon


Salmon fishing in Lake Erie 2017

Salmon fishing in Lake Erie during 2017 was a great experience for anglers, from seasoned pros to beginners alike. The numbers tell the story; many large catches were reported, making it a very successful season overall.

There is something thrilling about catching a giant salmon, and on Lake Erie, the chance to do so was fantastic. Anglers were enjoying reeling in both Chinook and Coho species, which ranged in weight from three to over thirty pounds! It was a treat to see the size of these monsters in person, and it’s not surprising that people keep coming back for more year after year.

There are many different ways to fish for salmon on Lake Erie, including trolling, casting, and jigging, among others. Each method has its own set of techniques to be successful, but most anglers agree that trolling is the most popular and effective option. Trolling allows for covering a large area of water quickly, and using downriggers can get your bait to the right depth. Another effective method is “drift fishing” with egg sacks or minnows, which can work well in much of the lake’s habitat.

As with all types of fishing, success can depend on numerous factors, including weather conditions, water temperature, and time of day. However, many anglers found that salmon fishing in Lake Erie was relatively easy overall; if you are willing to put in the effort, you can get rewarded with some giant fish. There were some “hot spots” throughout the lake that produced better than others, but many anglers reported success in several areas.

One of the best things about fishing for salmon on Lake Erie is the opportunity to catch other fish species as well. It was not uncommon for anglers to also reel in walleye, steelhead, and lake trout during their outings. These “bycatch” fish are a testament to the diversity of the lake’s ecosystem and make every trip even more exciting.

In conclusion, 2017 was a great year for salmon fishing on Lake Erie. Anglers found success using different techniques to catch both Chinook and Coho species, ranging from three to over thirty pounds. There are plenty of “hot spots” throughout the lake to try, and the variety of species anglers can catch makes it a trip worth taking. So, grab your fishing gear and head to Lake Erie for some unforgettable salmon fishing!

Walleye


Walleye Fishing Lake Erie

Walleye fishing in Lake Erie in 2017 was a mixed bag. While overall, it was considered a successful year, with some areas experiencing slower activity, there were some factors that influenced the overall success of the walleye fishing. For one, the weather played a big role in the fishing season, particularly in the early months. The cold and wet spring made for a later start to the fishing season and overall slower activity. However, as the weather warmed up, the walleye activity increased. Another factor that influenced the walleye fishing was the level of the lake. In the beginning of the season, the water level was high, but it eventually stabilised, allowing for better fishing conditions. Overall, the walleye fishing activity was considered good in most parts of the lake.

Bait and Tackle

Bait and Tackle for Walleye Fishing

Choosing the right bait and tackle is crucial to successful walleye fishing on Lake Erie. One popular bait choice for walleyes is nightcrawlers, which can be effective when fished on a bottom rig or a jig. Crankbaits, such as Rapala Shad Raps and Smithwick Rogues, also work well in the right conditions. For tackle, a medium-heavy rod and reel combo with a sensitive tip will help fisherman detect even the slightest bite. Braided line is also a good choice for walleye fishing, but be sure to use a fluorocarbon leader to avoid spooking the fish.

Fishing Hotspots

Fishing Hotspots on Lake Erie

Lake Erie is famous for its walleye fishing, and there are a number of hotspots that are particularly popular among fishermen. One of the most productive areas for walleye fishing is around the Western basin, particularly around the islands of Kelley’s and Pelee. The fishing here is particularly good in May and June. Another popular area is the Central basin, which is known for its deep water. Walleye fishing here picks up in July and August, with the cooler temperatures of the fall providing a good opportunity for trolling.

Conclusion

Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie

Overall, walleye fishing on Lake Erie in 2017 was a successful season, despite some areas experiencing slower activity. Factors such as the weather and lake levels played a significant role in the fishing season, but fishermen who were prepared with the right bait and tackle were able to find success. With numerous hotspots to choose from and a variety of techniques to try, walleye fishing on Lake Erie remains a popular activity among fishermen.

Perch


Perch

Yellow perch fishing enthusiasts had a lot to smile about in 2017 as it turned out to be a great year for these fish. There were high populations and catch rates making it an excellent time for anglers to get out and catch some of these lake Erie favorites. Perch are typically found in the shallower waters during the fall and winter months but they tend to move to deeper waters when it gets hotter.

Knowing that 2017 was going to be an excellent year for Yellow Perch set the stage for an exciting fishing experience for the anglers. Lake Erie, being the tenth largest lake globally, is renowned for its abundant fish species. With so many lakes, it is usually hard to determine where to fish, but with the exceptional Yellow Perch population and catch rate, this was not a problem in 2017.

The ideal locations for catching Perch in 2017 were mostly towards the eastern and central basins of Lake Erie, but in some cases, Perch were caught all over the lake. It was apparent that Perch preferred cooler waters when the water temperature was around 60-65 F degrees. Yellow perch are known to be schooling fish, making it easy for anglers to find and catch their quarry.

Fishing for Perch is a relatively simple task, as they are not known to be picky eaters and will consume almost anything, including small minnows, worms, mousies, and maggots, so bait choice is not typically an issue. Once the school of Perch has been located, it’s suggested that anglers use smaller jigs or hooks since perch have tiny mouths. Anglers can reel in their lines at a relatively fast pace when perch are schooling, ensuring that they maximize their catch rate.

If you want to experience great Yellow Perch fishing, then Lake Erie is the place to be. With high populations and catch rates in 2017, catch records were being broken. Moreover, the unique characteristics of Yellow Perch being schooling fish and highly adaptable, make them relatively easy to locate and catch, even for inexperienced anglers. All you need to do is to find a good location and have the appropriate gear, and you are more than ready to make a great catch.

Bass


Bass

For those who enjoy fishing for bass, Lake Erie in 2017 provided a decent opportunity to try to snag some. According to reports from anglers, both smallmouth and largemouth bass were catchable over the course of the year. Numbers varied from location to location, but some people were successful in catching large numbers of bass throughout their trips on the lake.

One common location for bass fishing was the Lakewood area on the lake’s western end. This area was known to produce plenty of catches for smallmouth and largemouth bass alike, as well as other species such as walleye and perch.

Another place that was reported as a hotspot for bass was the islands located in the central part of the lake. Anglers could be found in this area throughout the year, with many of them targeting both smallies and lunkers.

As usual, the key to successful bass fishing was choosing the right bait for the specific species you were hoping to catch. Some reported that using live minnows or other live bait was the way to go, while others had good luck with soft plastic baits or jigs. The water temperature in Lake Erie can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the year, so it was important to keep that in mind when deciding which bait to use.

Overall, 2017 was a fairly successful year for bass anglers on Lake Erie. While numbers of catches varied depending on location and individual factors, many people reported having a great time out on the water and enjoying some good old-fashioned fishing.

Overall Catch


Overall Catch Lake Erie Fishing Report 2017

The overall catch for Lake Erie fishing in 2017 was quite impressive. Anglers caught a wide variety of species, with walleye being one of the most popular catches. During the summer months, walleye catches reached their peak, and anglers were able to take advantage of this by landing some great catches. Other species caught during the year included yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and steelhead.

The fishing season for Lake Erie starts in April and ends in October. During this period, anglers are allowed to catch and keep certain species of fish, such as walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and trout. There are also restrictions on the number of fish that each angler is allowed to catch. This helps to ensure that the fish populations in the lake are sustainable.

One of the factors that contributed to the good fishing opportunities that were available in 2017 was the weather. The year was generally warm and dry, and this helped to create good conditions for fishing. The lake was also well-stocked with fish, with many of the species being present in large numbers. This meant that anglers had a good chance of landing a catch, even if they were not very experienced.

Overall, the total catch for Lake Erie fishing in 2017 was higher than in previous years. This bodes well for the future of the lake’s fish populations and for anglers who enjoy fishing in this location.

Walleye Fishing


Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie in 2017

Walleye fishing was one of the highlights of the 2017 fishing season on Lake Erie. Anglers caught a significant number of walleye throughout the year, with the peak season being during the summer months. Many anglers reported that the walleye were big and feisty, making for an exciting fishing experience.

One of the reasons why walleye fishing was so good in 2017 was due to the efforts of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The ODNR is responsible for managing the fish populations in Lake Erie, and they have been working hard to ensure that the walleye populations are healthy. They do this by stocking the lake with juvenile walleye and by monitoring the health of the fish populations.

A key aspect of successful walleye fishing is having the right equipment. Anglers need to use a sturdy rod and reel, as well as a good quality fishing line. Walleye have a reputation for being difficult to catch, so having the right equipment and techniques is essential if you want to be successful.

Yellow Perch Fishing


Yellow Perch Fishing on Lake Erie

Yellow perch fishing was also good in 2017, with many anglers taking advantage of the excellent opportunities available. The yellow perch are a smaller species of fish than the walleye, but they are still highly prized by anglers due to their tasty flesh.

One of the best things about yellow perch fishing on Lake Erie is that you don’t need to have a lot of experience to be successful. Yellow perch are relatively easy to catch, and they can be found in large numbers in certain areas of the lake. They are also a great fish for children to catch, as they are not too big or too difficult to handle.

Anglers who want to catch yellow perch should use small hooks and light tackle. They are bottom feeders, so you’ll want to fish close to the bottom of the lake. Some of the best locations for yellow perch fishing include the western basin of the lake and around the islands.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing


Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Erie

Smallmouth bass fishing was another popular activity on Lake Erie in 2017. The lake is home to some big smallmouth bass, with many of them weighing in at over 5 pounds.

One of the best times to go smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie is in the early morning or late evening. This is when the bass are most active and are more likely to bite. You can catch them using a variety of lures, including spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs.

Smallmouth bass are a fun fish to catch, and they provide excellent sport for anglers. They are also highly prized for their tasty flesh, so if you do catch one, it’s definitely worth keeping for the dinner table.

Steelhead Fishing


Steelhead Fishing on Lake Erie

Steelhead fishing is another popular activity on Lake Erie, particularly during the fall and winter months. These fish are a type of trout and are known for their acrobatic jumps and strong fighting spirit.

Steelhead can be caught using a variety of techniques, including fly fishing and spin fishing. Many anglers prefer to use artificial lures, such as spoons and jigs, while others use live bait, such as worms or minnows.

One of the best things about steelhead fishing on Lake Erie is that it can provide a great challenge for anglers. These fish are known for their powerful runs and their ability to jump out of the water, so you’ll need to be ready for an exciting fight if you manage to hook one.

Conclusion


Conclusion Lake Erie Fishing Report 2017

Overall, the 2017 fishing season on Lake Erie was a success. Anglers were able to catch a variety of species, including walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and steelhead. The weather was generally good, which helped to create favorable conditions for fishing. Additionally, the efforts of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources have helped to ensure that fish populations in the lake are healthy and that fishing opportunities are sustained for years to come.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, Lake Erie is a great place to go fishing. With so many species available, there’s always something new to catch, and the beautiful surroundings of the lake make it an enjoyable and relaxing place to spend a day on the water.

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