Scorching Walleyes, Steelhead, and Bonus Catches on Lake Erie near Cleveland

Lake Erie out of Cleveland was sizzling today—both on and off the water. Locals woke up to another muggy July scorcher as Cleveland highs flirted with the low 90s under mostly sunny skies, while a humid, southwest breeze kept things interesting. The sunrise at 5:58 AM painted the downtown horizon, and sunset tonight will wrap up at 9:08 PM. Anglers smartly hit the water early to beat the heat and the approaching cold front, which is due to spark thunderstorms later tonight according to the National Weather Service marine forecast. Water temps were classic July: off Cleveland, the big lake read about 62 degrees, which means nearshore fish are more active at dawn and dusk. Winds ran 10 to 15 knots out of the southwest, keeping waves two feet or less for most of the day—a perfect recipe for both trolling and drifting. If you’re heading out tonight or tomorrow, keep an eye out for pop-up storms, which could make conditions dicey and ramp up wave action quickly. On the catch front, the summer walleye bite is at its peak. AA Charters, led by Captain Allen Weaver out of Vermilion, has put clients on steady limits of walleye, with typical fish running 18 to 24 inches. Slow-trolling harnesses in purple and chartreuse, as well as trolling spoons like Beaver’s Lures’ “bloody nose” and “pinky” patterns, have consistently produced fish. According to reviews from Beaver’s Lures regulars, these spoons have landed everything from walleye to lake trout and steelhead in similar Great Lakes conditions this season. Steelhead, although hit or miss day to day, have been coming out of 40- to 70-foot depths, particularly on Wonder Bread and Alien Breath spoons run on downriggers. A few anglers have reported bonus smallmouth bass and the occasional chunky perch when drifting with live emerald shiners around submerged structure. The 2025 Big Fish Friday “Summer Slam” up in Erie, PA, just east of us, recorded solid catches in both the walleye and “silverfish” divisions—proof that the central basin is firing on all cylinders for walleye, steelhead, and even the odd salmon. Local guides still recommend a mixed spread if you’re targeting a limit or looking for a trophy. Early mornings and late evenings remain the golden hours. If you’re looking for hotspots, try heading out of Gordon Park, especially the 50- to 60-foot contour between Cleveland Harbor and Euclid—the classic drift-and-cast walleye territory. Another reliable zone: the nearshore reefs off Wildwood, where both walleye and smallmouth are prowling, especially just after first light. Charter captains like Weaver recommend moving east toward Geneva for both consistency and bigger fish in July, but don’t overlook the Cleveland breakwalls for a quick after-work bite as sunset cools things down. Best lures today: - Silver, purple, or chartreuse crawler harnesses for walleye - Standard trolling spoons, especially Wonder Bread, Alien Breath, and Pinky patterns for steelhead and bonus trout - Crankbaits in shad and This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.