Fishing Report: Walleye and Perch Biting Strong on Lake Erie's Cleveland Waters

As of November 30, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Erie, particularly around the Cleveland area. ### Weather and Tidal Conditions Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 35°F. The winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. The water temperature is around 43°F, which is typical for this time of year. Tides are not a significant factor on Lake Erie, but wave heights are expected to be around 2-3 feet due to the wind. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset is at 4:47 PM, giving anglers a decent window to get out on the water. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw a decent bite for walleye and yellow perch. Walleye are still being caught in the deeper waters, particularly in the Central Basin. Anglers reported catching them in about 40-60 feet of water off Lorain and Vermillion, and even deeper waters between Fairport and Conneaut. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Walleye catches were steady, with many anglers reporting limits of 6 fish per angler, with the majority of kept walleye ranging from 16 to 20 inches. Yellow perch were also active, especially in clear waters near the Camp Perry firing range and around the Bass Islands in 26-28 feet of water. Anglers were catching them using spreaders with minnow bait. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleye, trollers did well with divers running spoons and deep-running crankbaits at speeds of about 2.5-3.0 mph. For yellow perch, spreaders with minnow bait on or just off the bottom were highly effective. ### Hot Spots - **Off Cleveland Shoreline**: The walleye bite has been hot along the Cleveland shoreline, particularly in the deeper waters. - **Camp Perry Firing Range**: This area has been good for both walleye and yellow perch. - **Bass Islands**: Clear waters around the Bass Islands are ideal for catching yellow perch. If you're heading out today, make sure to bundle up and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. The fish are there, and with the right gear and knowledge, you should have a successful day on Lake Erie.