Excellent Fall Walleye and Perch Bite on Lake Erie's Western Basin

As of November 28, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Erie, particularly around the Cleveland area, is quite vibrant despite the chilly weather. ### Weather and Tidal Conditions The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 35°F. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Tides are not a significant factor for Lake Erie, but water levels are currently stable. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:49 PM, giving anglers a decent window to get out on the water. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw a hot shoreline bite, with anglers targeting walleye and steelhead. The walleye activity has been strong, especially in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Anglers reported catching numerous walleyes, with many in the 24 to 26 inch range and some trophy fish up to 30 inches. ### Types and Amounts of Fish The primary catch has been walleyes, with some anglers also catching yellow perch and smallmouth bass. The perch fishing has been excellent, with many limits caught, including fish over 12 and 13 inches. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes, trolling bandits on the outside shelf break in 24 to 30 feet of water has been highly effective. Casting spinners in shallower waters around the reef complexes, such as West Reef, Gull Island Shoal, and Kellys Island Shoal, has also yielded good results. For perch, using small jigs and minnows around areas like A Can, L Can, and Crane Creek has been successful. ### Hot Spots - **Western Basin Reef Complex**: Areas like West Reef, Gull Island Shoal, and Kellys Island Shoal are producing limit catches of walleyes. - **Outside Shelf Break**: Trolling bandits in this area has been very effective for catching larger walleyes. - **A Can and L Can**: These areas are great for perch fishing, especially when using small jigs and minnows. - **Crane Creek and Toledo Light**: These spots are also good for both walleye and perch fishing. Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Erie, with plenty of fish to be caught and the fall bite in full swing. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the day on the water.