New York Fishing Report: Lake Erie

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Lake Erie Sponsored by
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Date	26-Jun-09
Water Condition
Water Temperature

Conditions : Lake Erie: Lake Erie and Tributaries Walleye were the main focus of many anglers over this past week with the beginning of the annual Southtowns Walleye Tournament that runs though June 21. With the exception of Monday, walleye fishing over the past week has been relatively slow for most anglers with cool temperatures and easterly winds. Barcelona east to Ripley remains the top spot at water depths of 65 to 80 feet with worm harnesses fished off jets, dipsies, and balls all connecting on walleyes that are scattered throughout the water column. Most of the walleyes are running 6 to 9 pounds with a few fish surpassing the 10 pound mark. A few anglers are also reporting success off Eagles Bay and Sturgeon Point at 50 foot depths, and at 45 foot depths at Seneca Shoal and Smokes Creek.

Perch fishing continues to be good off Cattaraugus Creek and Dunkirk. Anglers heading out of Cattaraugus Creek should begin looking for schools of ringbacks in 44-54 feet of water between Sunset Bay and Evangola State Park with the best catches occurring in the early morning hours. Good catches of yellow perch are also being reported from Dunkirk with the best action in the early morning or late afternoon on both sides of the red channel buoy just outside the harbor. Some scattered perch are being caught at 45-55 foot depths around Seneca Shoal and Sturgeon Point. As always on Lake Erie, live emerald shiners are best and are still available in the harbors. Salted shiners or live fatheads or golden shiners are productive as well.

With Lake Erie surface water temperatures nearing the 60F mark, many smallmouth bass have migrated out of the warmer harbors and streams following spawning. Nearshore reef, rock and rubble areas in water depths of 15-25 feet are your best bests to target hungry smallmouths looking for shiners, smelt and round gobies. Best bets include Seneca Shoal, Meyers Reef, Evans Bar, Battery Point, Van Buren Reef, Brocton Shoal, and DJ's Campground. Scented tube jigs in crayfish, motor oil, and black are good bets, but twisters, plastic baits, and crankbaits will catch their fair share as well. Dunkirk, Barcelona, and Small Boat Harbors as well as Cattaraugus Creek remain good bets as well, especially on windier days, but expect fish size and numbers to be lower than a few weeks ago. A wacky worm combination is a good choice in the shallow harbors, fished around any rocks and docks.

Reported by: NYDEC