It’s hard to believe we’re already into the middle of May here on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
This spring has been anything but consistent, with changing weather patterns, shifting winds, rain events, and fluctuating temperatures making things feel a bit all over the place. That said, water temperatures have continued to slowly warm both on the main lake and inside Presque Isle Bay, and fishing is steadily improving.
One of the questions I get asked most often this time of year is:
“What phase are the fish in right now?”
Honestly, on Lake Erie, that can be a loaded question.
Understanding the Spring Progression on Lake Erie
Because Lake Erie is divided into three major basins, Western, Central, and Eastern, fish can be in very different stages depending on where you’re fishing.
The Western Basin is much shallower and warms significantly faster than the Central and Eastern basins. As a result, many fish there are already well into spawning or even post-spawn phases.
Meanwhile, farther east, especially in cooler parts of the Eastern Basin, many fish are still largely in pre-spawn mode, with some just beginning to move toward spawning.
That’s one of the coolest things about Lake Erie. Even though it’s one lake, it often fishes like three very different fisheries.
Around Erie, PA, where I spend most of my time guiding in the Central and Eastern basins, areas like Presque Isle Bay have warmed into the upper 50s and even low 60s in some of the shallower fertile water. That has pushed more fish shallow, with some bass actively spawning, others staging nearby, and a few already beginning to slip into early post-spawn patterns.
At the same time, the main lake is still considerably colder, generally hovering in the low 50-degree range, keeping a lot of those heavily in pre-spawn mode all the way up toward Buffalo.
This time of year, wind can have a major impact.
A few days of hard wind can mix colder main lake water into warmer shallow areas and quickly slow the warming trend, especially around where we fish.
That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on:
- wind direction and intensity
- moon phases
- rain events
- air temperature trends
- water clarity changes
May is a month of transition, and success often comes down to paying attention to those details and adjusting daily.
The upside is that May can be one of the best months of the year to catch truly big smallmouth.
When those big female bass move in from deeper water, they are often at their heaviest of the entire year.
Over the past week, we’ve been catching a good mix of fish depending on location and water temperature, including:
- big pre-spawn females that are fat and full of eggs
- transitional fish in varying stages
- some leaner post-spawn fish as well
Best Baits for Lake Erie Smallmouth Right Now
Technique-wise, we’ve continued catching fish on a variety of presentations.
Productive baits lately have included:
- swimbaits
- jerkbaits/hard baits
- tubes
- ned rigs
- drop shots
We’ve also had fish spitting up both perch and gobies, so I’d definitely recommend trying to match the hatch as closely as possible.
Every trip has been a little different lately, which honestly is what keeps it fun and engaging. Conditions change fast, fish move constantly, and there is always another piece of the puzzle to figure out.
Lake Erie Walleye Season is Open
Walleye season is now open in Pennsylvania and New York waters!
We’ll begin mixing in more casting trips for walleye as that bite continues improving over the next few weeks and into summer and fall.
If you’re looking for something different from the traditional trolling program, casting for Lake Erie walleye on light tackle is an incredibly fun and active way to target them. It’s a completely different experience, and one many of our clients end up loving – even the bass guys.
Summer Fishing on Lake Erie
July through September is a great time to get on the water for both:
- deep water smallmouth bass
- Lake Erie walleye
Summer is an awesome opportunity to learn how to target offshore smallmouth using modern electronics and seasonal patterns, while also getting after some walleye to bring home for the table.
(Walleye are table fare. Bass are friends, not food. At least according to my daughter after recently watching Finding Nemo.)
June Availability
We have a busy schedule coming up, but still have some limited June availability remaining for bass and walleye trips.
Open June dates:
- June 6
- June 13 (6-hour trip)
- June 16 (8:00 AM start)
- June 19 (10:00 AM start)
- June 20 (6-hour trip)
- June 25-26
- June 29-30
If you’re interested in getting on the calendar in June or further ahead, now is a good time to lock in a date.
Fall Destination Opportunities
For those planning ahead, I’ll once again be spending the last week of September at the St. Lawrence River for the Doc’s Tackle Rumble on the River on September 26.
I’ve already had several anglers ask about trips while I’m there, so if that’s something you’ve been considering, now is a good time to start discussing dates.
I also plan to on the Buffalo portion of Lake Erie the week of October 4 for the Canadian Tire Open.
Fall is an excellent time to target giant smallmouth in these fisheries, so if you’ve been wanting to schedule a destination trip, it’s worth looking ahead at the calendar now.
If you’d like to book a trip for Lake Erie smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, or destination fishing opportunities, feel free to reach out through the website and let’s get something scheduled.
Tight lines,
Captain Destin DeMarion
724-790-4232 (4BFB)
Big Fat Bass Guide Service
DestinDeMarion.com
Gear Discounts for Clients & Blog Readers:
Doc’s Tackle: Contact me directly for exclusive discounts on rods, reels, and terminal tackle.
Douglas Rods: Ask me about deep discounts on any rod in the lineup.
Angler Tungsten: Use code “DD20” at AnglerTungstenCo.com
ShredFin Apparel: Use code “DEMARION15” at ShredFin.com
Amphibia Eyewear: 20% off with code “Destin” at amphibiaeyegear.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Erie Fishing
What is the best time to fish Lake Erie for smallmouth bass?
April through November offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie. Summer and early fall are excellent for targeting deep water/offshore smallmouth.
When does walleye season open on Lake Erie?
Walleye season is now open in both Pennsylvania and New York waters. Late spring through fall offers excellent opportunities to target Lake Erie walleye, with casting presentations becoming increasingly productive as water temperatures rise.
Do you offer guided fishing trips on Presque Isle Bay?
Yes. Big Fat Bass Guide Service offers guided trips on both Presque Isle Bay and the main lake out of Erie, Pennsylvania. Depending on conditions and seasonal patterns, trips may focus on smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, or other available species.
What should I bring on a Lake Erie fishing trip?
Clients should bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks/drinks, and a valid Pennsylvania fishing license if required. All rods, reels, tackle, electronics, and safety equipment are provided.
Do I need fishing experience to book a trip?
Not at all. Trips are customized for all experience levels, from beginners and families to tournament anglers looking to learn advanced techniques for Lake Erie bass and walleye.
What types of fishing trips do you offer on Lake Erie?
We offer guided trips targeting:
- Smallmouth bass
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Lake trout
Seasonal destination trips to fisheries like Lake Erie in Buffalo and the St. Lawrence River are also available as per schedule aligning.
How do I book a Lake Erie fishing trip?
You can book directly through DestinDeMarion.com or contact Captain Destin DeMarion directly to discuss available dates, trip options, and seasonal recommendations.
