It’s officially spring on Lake Erie, and like always, it’s been a mix. Some really warm days, some cold ones, and everything in between.
The good news is the water temp is moving the right way.
The main lake is now in the low 40s, which is a key trigger for fish to start moving and transitioning. Over in Presque Isle Bay, it’s a few degrees warmer, especially in those shallow, dark-bottom areas.
Over the last week, I’ve seen more fish starting to show up. The only thing slowing it down has been those quick hits of near-freezing temps. Once we get a stable warm stretch, it’s going to go in a hurry.
Jumbo Perch
Earlier in the week we spent some time on perch and panfish with clients and landed a true giant. 15 inches, 2.05 lbs on the Bubba scale.
I think Logan (dad) might’ve been more fired up than his son Cayden, which tells you how big that fish was.
We’ve been mixing plastics in with small jigs, and that one ate a 2” plastic slowly dragged on a drop shot. It’s funny how often the biggest fish will eat artificial, even when live bait can make things easier some days. This one made the right choice.
Smallmouth Are Starting
As the week went on, the shift toward smallmouth started to show.
At the beginning of the week, there just weren’t a lot of fish in the bay yet. After a few warmer days, that changed. By the weekend, you could see more fish moving in, which is exactly what you want to see this time of year.
Most of what we’re seeing are good, solid fish. The true Erie giants haven’t fully pushed in yet, but I’d expect that to change soon. Probably by the end of this week or next.
Current Patterns
Water is still cold, so we’re in that early-season mode:
- Blade baits
- Dragging tubes and Neds
- Swimbaits
- Jighead minnow presentations
- Jerkbaits starting to come on
All of that is only going to get better. As temps stabilize, we’ll start mixing in more power fishing techniques too. Side note: Doc’s Tackle just had a shipment of the ever elusive Hideup Coike baits. If you are looking for them, give them a shout to see what’s left.
Pay Attention to Water Color
This is a big one right now.
Watch how the wind is moving dirty water around. If you can find slightly cleaner water in the right areas, it can completely change your day. That goes for both perch and bass.
Open Dates
I had a client tear up his knee and had to cancel two days during a really good window:
I’ve already pushed a lot of people into May and June, so this doesn’t happen often. In my opinion, that mid-April stretch is one of the best shots at great prespawn smallmouth bass fishing.
If you’ve been thinking about getting out, or want to move up from a later trip, this is first come, first serve.
Appreciate everyone who’s been part of this first real stretch back on the water. It’s just getting going.
Book a Trip with Big Fat Bass Guide Service
If you’re looking for a Lake Erie fishing guide this season, whether it’s for smallmouth bass, perch, walleye, or lake trout, we’d love to get you out on the water.
Big Fat Bass Guide Service is built around helping you learn, catch more fish, and experience Lake Erie the right way.
Reach out now to plan your trip.
Tight lines,
Captain Destin DeMarion
724-790-4232 (4BFB)
Big Fat Bass Guide Service
DestinDeMarion.com
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Lake Erie Fishing Report FAQ
What is the water temperature in Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie right now?
Water temps are on the rise. Lake Erie is in the low 40s, and Presque Isle Bay is a few degrees warmer, especially in shallow, dark-bottom areas. This is a key trigger for fish to begin moving and feeding.
Is smallmouth bass fishing good on Lake Erie right now?
It’s just starting to turn on. Fish are beginning to move into the bay, and numbers are increasing with each warm stretch. The bite will improve quickly with stable weather, making this one of the best early prespawn windows. April is typically a great chance at a trophy caliber smallmouth bass in the 6-7 pound range.
What are the best baits for early spring smallmouth on Lake Erie?
Cold water patterns are still dominant. Blade baits, tubes, Ned rigs, swimbaits, and jerkbaits are all producing, with jerkbaits improving as water temps rise.
