lake erie

[droptine]

Planning a trip to ERIE in the spring,port clinton area,
what part of what month would you recommend?
THANKS,

[FreeByrdSteve]

Your best bet - IF you can be flexible is to come when the weather forecast is decent. On Eriethe weather always plays a part in a successful trip - but this is magnified in the spring. If you need to plan it far in advance in order ot schedule vacation time from work, etc, then I would recommend the middle of the month. I always try to spend April 15 tax day on Erie - and have had some of my best trips within a few calendar days of tax day. You could luck into to some great weather and fishing in late march- early april but your odds for better conditions will improve if you wait till mid month. You can catch them about any way you like to fish then too - jigging, blade baiting, the reefs for the little fish with a few bonus big fish possible and also trolling cranks in the deeper water north and east of the reefs to target teh postspawn big fish.
This board will be full of reports once it starts.
Good Luck,
Steve

[Seaswirl Paul]

If this coming spring is anything like last spring anytime from april to may you will do good. Although a lot of people fish the reefs at this time I did really well in the Kellys/Middle island area last spring. Trolling bottom bouncers 3oz. off the inline boards was very effective. A little later the spoon bite started up and I had a great time with that. So end of March to end of April I reccomend highly. Paul

[3 LIMIT]

JUST KEEP IN MIND THERE WILL BE A THREE FISH LIMIT IN THE SPRING AND THEY WILL BE WATCHING TO PINCH YOU .. GOOD LUCK

[Trophy]

Droptine:

I would recommend mid to late May myself. The fishing is hot, and the weather is a little more stable. Since it sounds like you may have to plan this in advance, consider the week of Memorial day weekend. Port Clinton hosts their Walleye Festival, and that will give you something to do in the evenings if the family comes along.

Trophy
ch79

[B Thomas]

we did well when the water was about 53-60 degrees this spring- April-May was best especially at night up on the rocks trolling shallow divers behind boards for the post spawners.

[Mich angler]

Last year the end of May was great. Just look at the results of the RCL tournament. There were some 5 fish limits between 45 and 47 pounds.

I fished the area east of Kelleys the first week in June and we caught a 11.5 pound walleye. So if you like it warm I would recommend the end of May for your trip. There are still some impressive fish around and tons of 3 to 5 pound fish for keeping.

Now if you like jigging I would recommend early to mid April. Tons of 2 to 3 pound males on the reefs. When you bring one up there may be two or more following him to the boat. Numerous times we netted fish and had more than one in the net. Makes for an easy catch and release when you don't even have to unhook them! But it can be cold and nasty that early in the year. Dress warm and have good quality rain gear to keep you dry.