It finally happened — the S-word.
No, not that one. Snow.
Mid-November around Lake Erie usually brings our first taste of winter, and this year was no different. Thankfully, the warm lake and ground temps melted it fast, and we’ll be back on the water soon — just in time for one of the best fishing windows of the year, if the conditions cooperate.
The gales of November have been no joke lately. I’ve been glued to the forecast trying to line up guide trips between windstorms. I’ve fished in 6–8 footers before, and trust me, it’s not enjoyable. Whether you’re fishing with a Lake Erie guide service or heading out solo, respect the lake. This time of year, safety and planning are everything.
Lake Erie Water Temps and Fish Behavior
Surface temperatures are just dipping below 50°F — and that’s when some of the best Lake Erie fall fishing of the year happens. Bass, walleye, perch, and trout are all feeding heavily before winter sets in.
Coldwater species like lake trout and steelhead are built for these conditions. As they move into their spawning cycles, steelhead head into the tributaries while lake trout spawn right out in the main lake. You can still catch both on lures, often from an aggression strike rather than feeding. One thing holds true across both species: they often love shiny or bright presentations.
Lately, we’ve been catching a ton of lake trout — with some brutes mixed in. Many anglers don’t realize how strong the lake trout population in Lake Erie really is. As I just told my buddy Andy from Full Fishing Guide Service earlier, the fishery is thriving. Roughly 50% of all Great Lakes fish live in Lake Erie thanks to its shallowness, warmth, and fertility. It’s perfectly designed to grow big fish of every species.
Bass Fishing on Lake Erie in November
Even though I’m a bass guy at heart, the crossover between smallmouth bass and lake trout tactics has made for some awesome multi-species days lately. The transition from targeting bass to lake trout or walleye is surprisingly seamless.
When the wind lets us reach key areas, the Lake Erie smallmouth bass bite has been excellent. Power fishing remains our go-to, but slower presentations are getting more effective as the water cools.
One of my favorite late-fall baits is the Fish Sense Binsky blade bait. It’s versatile — perfect for bass, walleye, and trout.
Here’s a quick setup guide for anyone experimenting with where to put the snap on top of blade baits:
- Front hole: Best for horizontal retrieves
- Second hole: Great all-around for aggressive jigging or casting
- Third/Fourth holes: Traditional vertical-only jigging setups
Mix it up — sometimes small changes in vibration or action make all the difference.
Lake Erie Fall Brawl: Late November Outlook
The annual Lake Erie Fall Brawl is entering its final stretch, and weights continue to climb as trophy walleye fatten up. The tournament runs through November 30th, and my money’s on the Cleveland-to-Huron corridor producing the winner again this year, as that’s where migrating giants tend to stage.
That said, we still have plenty of quality fish right here out of Erie, PA, and 10–12 pounders aren’t out of the question. If the weather holds, I’ll be getting out for another couple of Brawl days between Lake Erie bass, perch, and lake trout guide trips. It’s such a cool event each year and a great reminder of just how special this fishery is.
Weather Outlook and What’s Next
The forecast shows a rebound this week, with normal late-fall temps likely to extend the open water Lake Erie bite a bit longer. I’ll be fishing until the lake locks up, so if you’re after trophy bass, walleye, lake trout, or yellow perch, now’s the time to get in a last trip before winter.
We’re already booking into March and April for early-season Lake Erie bass and jumbolina perch adventures. That early window is also perfect for anyone wanting to dial in their electronics setup. Whether you’re running Humminbird, Lowrance, or Garmin (all brands I’ve owned and used a ton), I offer one-on-one boat sessions to help you maximize your investment — from sonar tuning to mapping and forward-facing sonar setup.
Book Your Lake Erie Fishing Trip
If you want to experience Lake Erie fishing with a pro, I’ve be able to squeeze in a couple trips before ice-up — and we’re already booking for spring. Come enjoy a world-class fishing experience!
Happy early Thanksgiving to you and your family — and tight lines this fall!
Captain Destin DeMarion
724-790-4232 (4BFB)
Big Fat Bass Guide Service
DestinDeMarion.com
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