It’s hard to believe we’re already into November.
October was a little different on Lake Erie this year. We had some beautiful weather, warmer than normal temperatures, relatively stable conditions for a couple of weeks, and very little rain.
I’m certainly not complaining about the weather!
But from a fishing standpoint, it’s made things pretty interesting.
Water temperatures have been hovering in the low 60s for quite a while now. Typically, we’re starting to see more significant cooling by this point, along with some additional color in the water from wind and weather events.
Instead, we’ve had some exceptionally clear water in places, and the fish have been acting accordingly.
The good news? The smallmouth fishing has been really solid since late September, with plenty of beautiful, healthy fish getting heavier as we work our way toward winter.
The challenging part is that no two days seem quite the same.
Thankfully, I still think some of our best fall fishing is ahead of us.
Fall Smallmouth Fishing on Erie
We’ve enjoyed some really good smallmouth fishing over the last month.
The fish are healthy, feeding and putting on weight, and we’ve been catching plenty of quality bass.
The recent warmup seemed to make them a little more finicky for a stretch, but the fish haven’t disappeared. They’re still there, and they’re still eating.
Some days they’re aggressive and willing to chase.
Other days, you can put a bait right in front of a beautiful fish and watch it follow, inspect, and turn away.
Then the next day, under what seem like similar conditions, they’ll eat it.
That’s fishing.
And it’s a big part of why I enjoy figuring these fish out.
One thing I’ve learned after spending so much time on Lake Erie is that finding fish and catching fish are two very different things.
Especially when the water gets as clear as it has been.
Clear Water, Stable Weather and Why the Fish Change
One of the more interesting things about this past October has been the combination of stable weather, limited rainfall and exceptionally clear water.
We haven’t had the same amount of wind-driven mixing and stained water that we often experience during this part of the season.
In clear water, bass can often inspect a presentation from farther away. They have more opportunity to follow a bait, examine it and decide whether they’re going to commit.
That can make certain presentations more challenging, especially when fish aren’t actively feeding.
But there’s another side to it.
When the lake remains relatively stable for an extended period, baitfish and predators can settle into productive areas without being repeatedly displaced by major temperature changes or wind events.
That doesn’t mean every fish is concentrated in one spot. But when forage, favorable temperatures and suitable habitat overlap, you can find some pretty impressive groups of fish.
And those groups may include more than just bass.
We’ve been seeing smallmouth, walleyes, lake trout, and even some steelhead using similar areas lately.
That’s one of the fascinating things about Lake Erie. Different species can take advantage of the same forage and environmental conditions, even though they may feed and position differently.
What Happens When the Water Finally Cools?
I’m really looking forward to seeing water temperatures move more consistently into the 50s (hopefully, this coming week).
Not because fish suddenly become active at one magic temperature, but because sustained cooling can change the entire picture.
Forage begins shifting, seasonal habitat becomes more attractive, and fish adjust their positioning and feeding behavior.
It’s important to remember that fish are cold-blooded. Their metabolism is influenced by water temperature, but that doesn’t mean colder water automatically produces more aggressive fish.
What matters is how temperature interacts with forage, habitat, water clarity and the conditions those fish have recently experienced.
A gradual, consistent cooling trend can create some tremendous fall fishing opportunities.
If we get several days of heavy wind, dramatic water movement or unfavorable water color, things can change in a hurry.
But give me water in the 50s, some reasonable stability and fish that are starting to feed heavily ahead of winter, and I’m a happy guy.
Power Fishing, Finesse and Getting Fish to Commit
I love power fishing.
Anybody who’s spent much time in my boat knows that.
There’s something about making a fish react to a bait that I enjoy far more than simply waiting for one to decide it’s hungry.
And we’ve had some very good power-fishing opportunities in October.
A-rigs, swimbaits, blade baits and crankbaits have all been part of the equation.
But there have also been days when slowing down and getting more subtle has made a significant difference, particularly for some of our bigger fish.
Tubes, drop shots and other finesse presentations have certainly earned their keep.
In clear water, a fish may follow a moving bait without committing. Sometimes a change in speed, direction or action is enough to trigger it.
Other times, that fish simply isn’t willing to chase.
That’s when a slower, more natural presentation can be the difference between watching a 5-pounder swim away and putting it in the boat.
I still prefer to make them react.
But conditions don’t always let us fish exactly how we’d like.
The fish get the final say.
Looking Forward to the Binsky Bite
One presentation I’m particularly excited about as the water cools is the Binsky blade bait.
Myself and my clients have caught a pile of big Lake Erie smallmouth on these over the years, including plenty of 5 and 6 pound fish.
Personally, I really start enjoying that bite around 60 degrees and below.
There’s something about the pulse and vibration of a Binsky blade bait that’s different from a lot of other presentations.
That tight vibration, combined with the ability to change speed, cadence and fall, can be incredibly effective on fish that are feeding or reacting around bait.
And it isn’t just smallmouth that like them.
Walleyes, lake trout and other species will eat them, too.
I think the blade bait bite has plenty of room to get better as we now move into November.
Walleye Are Showing Up Around Presque Isle
We’ve also been seeing more walleyes around Presque Isle lately.
Some have been mixed in with our bass fishing, and we’ve spent time targeting them when conditions and opportunities line up.
It’s been nice to put some quality fish in the boat and send a few clients home with some fresh Lake Erie groceries. We had a recent walleye trip with Chet and Wayne that produced some really good quality fish casting for them, which is a lot of fun.
As fall progresses, forage movements and cooling water can bring walleyes into areas that weren’t nearly as productive earlier in the season.
Some are resident fish that remain in our region throughout the year, while others make larger seasonal movements around the lake.
That doesn’t mean every walleye is headed to the western basin or that they all move at the same time.
Lake Erie is a big, complicated system, and different groups of fish can behave differently.
That’s one reason paying attention to bait, water temperature and current conditions matters so much.
And with the Fall Brawl and Walleye Slam underway, this is the time of year when everybody starts dreaming about those giant fall walleyes.
Lake Trout Are Starting to Show Up
This is another fishery I’m watching closely.
We’ve begun catching a few lake trout, and they’re starting to push into some of the areas where we typically target them later in the fall.
But they haven’t really turned on heavily yet for us casting folk.
At least not consistently.
I expect that to change as we get more significant cooling.
Lake trout are a coldwater species, and their fall movements are closely tied to seasonal spawning behavior, habitat and temperature.
As the lake cools, fish that have spent much of the warmer season in deeper, colder water begin using shallower areas and reefs.
For us, that creates some incredible casting and jigging opportunities.
And when those fish get fired up, it can be an absolute blast. We have tagged into a couple high teener fish this past week.
November Lake Trout Fishing on Lake Erie
Late October through November is generally our prime window for lake trout.
Some of our best fishing often happens around Thanksgiving, provided the weather allows us to get out.
Many of the fish we catch are in the 8- to 12-pound range, with high teens and 20-pound class fish always possible (some 30s are even caught at times here).
These things are incredibly strong.
They’re built differently than a bass or walleye, and fighting a big lake trout on relatively light tackle is quite an experience.
I’ve introduced a lot of my regular smallmouth and walleye clients to lake trout fishing over the years.
It’s always fun watching somebody hook their first big one.
They’re usually not expecting quite that much power.
And there’s something special about fishing shallower reefs on Lake Erie in November, knowing there could be a genuine dinosaur swimming underneath you.
We’re Booked Through Thanksgiving, and I’m Thankful
Our calendar is essentially slammed through Thanksgiving and the rest of our season.
That’s something I’m incredibly thankful for.
We’ve had a lot of people wanting to get out this fall, and I appreciate every one of you who has spent time in the boat, booked a trip or reached out about fishing.
With the schedule where it is, there isn’t much opportunity to add more trips this season.
But that doesn’t mean you need to wait until next fall.
In fact, now is a great time to start thinking about 2027.
Spring dates are already getting booked, and some of our most popular windows fill well in advance. Let’s go fishing in 2027!
Planning Your 2027 Lake Erie Fishing Trip With Us
If you’re trying to figure out when to come, here’s a quick breakdown of our typical seasons:
Yellow Perch: Ice-out through early April
Our perch fishing generally begins as soon as we can safely get on the water after ice-out and runs until approximately the second week of April.
Smallmouth Bass: Late March/Early April Through Fall
Smallmouth fishing usually gets started in late March or early April, depending on conditions, and continues throughout our entire season.
Spring is one of our most popular times, but summer and fall offer completely different opportunities and styles of fishing.
Walleye: Late May/Early June Through Early to Mid-Fall
Our casting and jigging walleye program typically gets rolling around late May or early June.
Summer offers excellent opportunities to target walleyes with light tackle and electronics, and we continue into fall as conditions allow.
No trolling. Just casting and jigging.
Lake Trout: Late October Through November
Our lake trout season typically begins developing in late October and continues through November, often around Thanksgiving or later if the weather allows.
It’s one of the most unique experiences we offer.
Whether you’re interested in spring trophy smallmouth, summer walleye, fall bass or November lake trout, there’s never a bad time to get on the calendar.
And if you’re not sure which window makes the most sense, reach out. I’m happy to help you choose.
Looking Into November
As we close out October, I’m excited about what’s coming in November.
Smallmouth have been solid for over a month and continue putting on weight.
Walleyes are showing up around Presque Isle..
Lake trout are making their push in.
And we’ve still been hanging around those low-60-degree water temperatures.
There’s a lot of potential for things to get even better as we move deeper into fall.
Of course, November on Lake Erie can be a different animal.
The same weather that’s been so enjoyable this October can turn into cold fronts, big winds and stretches when the lake simply won’t let us out.
We’ll take the windows we’re given, keep adjusting and hopefully enjoy some of the best fishing of the year.
Tight lines,
Captain Destin DeMarion
724-790-4232 (4BFB)
Big Fat Bass Guide Service
DestinDeMarion.com
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Lake Erie Fall Fishing FAQ
Is November a good month for Lake Erie smallmouth bass?
Yes. November can produce excellent smallmouth fishing, including some of the heaviest fish of the season. Cooling water, baitfish movements and weather conditions influence where fish position and how aggressively they feed.
When does the Lake Erie lake trout bite get good?
For our fishing around Erie, Pennsylvania, lake trout generally begin showing up more consistently in late October as water temperatures cool. November, especially around Thanksgiving, can provide some of our best lake trout jigging opportunities.
What water temperature is best for fall Lake Erie smallmouth?
There isn’t one perfect temperature. We often enjoy excellent fishing as temperatures move through the 50s, and some presentations, including blade baits, can become especially effective around 60 degrees and below.
Why are Lake Erie smallmouth harder to catch in clear water?
Clear water allows fish to see and inspect presentations from greater distances. Some bass may follow moving baits without committing, making changes in presentation, speed, lure profile or finesse techniques important.
Are walleyes still around Presque Isle in the fall?
Yes. Resident walleyes remain in the area, and seasonal movements of forage and fish can create additional opportunities around Presque Isle as water temperatures cool.
When should I book a 2027 Lake Erie fishing trip?
Spring smallmouth dates are already being booked, and popular fishing windows can fill well ahead of the season. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing preferred dates for smallmouth, walleye, perch or lake trout.
Does Big Fat Bass Guide Service troll for walleye?
No. We specialize in casting and jigging for Lake Erie walleyes using light tackle, electronics and active presentations.
What happens if November weather cancels a Lake Erie fishing trip?
Late-season trips are weather-dependent. If conditions prevent us from safely getting out, we’ll work together on rescheduling, potentially into the following spring or another part of the 2027 season.
