Fresh Erie Fishing Reports

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Fresh Fishing Reports from Erie

Erie May Wrap Up and June Report
Erie May Wrap Up and June Report
May 20, 2025
As May winds down and June rolls in, Lake Erie smallmouth bass are finally getting that signature spunk back. After a brief cooldown, we’re seeing water temps in the mid-to-upper 50s on the main lake and low 60s in Presque Isle Bay—perfect for active bass. Right now, we’ve got fish in all three phases of the spawn. In the Bay, postspawners are showing up in offshore areas, but prespawn and spawning fish are still around. Out on the main lake, the spawn is going in some areas, with many fish still waiting to go—especially in the cooler zones away from the Bay. When fish are spread across all phases, it opens the playbook. Look for them shallow, mid-depth, or deep—on beds, guarding fry, fattening up before or after the spawn. Forage is plentiful right now, too: emerald shiners, baby perch, gobies, shad, craws, and more. Pay attention to what they’re eating. Feel their bellies—if they’re soft, they’re feeding on baitfish; if they’re crunchy, it’s craws. Match the hatch with size and color. Hard baits like jerkbaits, spy baits, A-rigs, cranks, and hair jigs are excellent. For soft plastics, try drop shots, tubes, Neds, swimbaits, grubs, or Senkos. Watch the weather and moon phases—a warming trend during a full or new moon often triggers a new push of spawners. That said, full moons can make for tougher daytime bites, as non-spawning fish feed more at night with the extra light. Other Species Updates: Walleye – Evening bite is still best around creek mouths. Expect walleye bite to to heat up as the migration from the west continues. Lake Trout – Anglers are still doing well trolling near “The Mountain” around the NY line in 100’+ depths. Perch – We are getting sporadic catches of postspawn perch in the Bay while bass fishing. Most big schools have moved back to the lake, so focus there. Memorial Day Special & June Availability We just had Memorial Day and May 27th open up due to a client’s knee surgery. I’m offering a 2-day, 8-hour guided trip special for just $1200 — a $100 savings! June is filling up fast in the past couple of weeks, with limited dates remaining: June **hidden content** If you want to get in on the summer deep bite (July–early September) or secure a prime fall trophy smallmouth spot (October–November) or lake trout jigging/scoping big fall walleye, now’s the time to get on the books, as many of my prime fall dates are already filling. Tight lines, Captain Destin DeMarion Big Fat Bass Guide Service
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Mid-May Erie Fishing Report
Mid-May Erie Fishing Report
May 12, 2025
Warm weather has finally arrived in Erie, Pennsylvania, with air temps hitting the 70s this week. Combine that with the recent full moon, and you know what that means—love is in the air for the bass. Current Conditions Presque Isle Bay is sitting right around 60°F, which is prime spawning temperature. Meanwhile, the main lake is still a bit behind, with temps in the low to mid 50s, and slightly warmer water around the mouth of the Bay. We’re in that transitional window—prespawn, spawn, and postspawn fish are all present, especially in the Bay. The main lake is largely in prespawn, but warming quickly and not far off from a major spawn wave. Other Species Notes Walleye: Anglers are catching them at night near creek mouths, while others are finding success trolling during the day—from the shallows out to deeper drop-offs. The bite is picking up with the warming water and is only going to get better. Lake Trout: There are still good reports of lakers being caught while trolling near “The Mountain”, east of Erie, close to the New York line. If you’re targeting trout, this zone remains a solid option. Perch: We’ve landed some big, sporadic postspawn perch in Presque Isle Bay, but most of the larger schools have pushed back into the main lake after their spawning cycle. What to Look For In the Bay: Spawning fish are locked onto shallow flats and marina areas. Fry guarders and postspawn fish are hanging around and just outside the shallows, feeding up. Prespawn fish are still staging too—look for 5-20’ drops and hard spots adjacent to spawning grounds. Find the right area, and you can really get into a pile of fish. In the Main Lake: Mostly prespawn fish, but signs of change are coming fast. Focus on chunk rock flats and subtle depressions—perfect staging zones. Warmer water is pushing activity around the Bay mouth. Try Thompson Bay flats and the Hammermill stacks. Prespawn fish may range from the shallows out to about 30 feet. Tight lines, Captain Destin DeMarion Big Fat Bass Guide Service
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Hefty Smallies Being Caught on Erie
Hefty Smallies Being Caught on Erie
April 29, 2025
Lake Erie Fishing Update – Spring Transition in Full Swing The last few weeks on Lake Erie have been classic spring transition. Here’s what’s happening: Perch have mostly finished spawning around Presque Isle Bay and are pushing back into the main lake. Walleye are migrating through the islands in the Western Basin, with postspawn fish heading east. Lake Trout are showing up strong near “the mountain” offshore, mostly caught trolling. Bass are sliding into Presque Isle Bay and other prespawn staging areas. Even a few steelhead have been caught near creek mouths—bonus catches while bass fishing! Water temps are hovering in the mid to high 50s, with Presque Isle Bay warming slightly faster than the main lake. Some areas in the lake are still touching the high 40s. This variety in temps has fish in different phases: some spawning, some staging, and others still deep. In the Bay, big females are getting ready to spawn in the shallows, while fat prespawners are cruising deeper looking for a few last big meals. On the main lake, it’s a mix—some fish are still in their deep winter zones, while others are transitioning to spring areas. Trophy Season Is On! This is prime time to land a true Lake Erie giant. My clients have already boated 24 smallmouth over 20 inches in the past few weeks, with many personal bests shattered. Whether you’re chasing that trophy bass or just want a fun day with good numbers, we can make it happen. We use a variety of baits this time of year, including: Swimbaits Blade baits Jerkbaits Spoons Crankbaits A-rigs Hair jigs Tubes, Ned rigs, and more Smallmouth School – Learn How to Break Down a Fishery We’re now booking for May and June (some weekdays still open), and already looking ahead to summer trips, including a special Smallmouth School. This is a multi-day session where we take you to a fresh area, teach you how to break it down, find fish quickly, and dial in how to catch the biggest bass possible—all in real time. Whether you’re a weekend angler or someone trying to step up to tournament-level efficiency, this is a fantastic opportunity to fish with a pro who’s done it at the highest level. Spots are limited! Message us to book your bass, perch, or walleye trip and come experience this world-class fishery firsthand. Tight lines, – Captain Destin DeMarion
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Spring Smallies are Biting
Spring Smallies are Biting
April 14, 2025
Presque Isle Bay & Lake Erie Fishing Report – Week of April 13th, 2025 Spring is slowly but surely taking hold here in Erie, PA on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. We’ve had some beautiful days teased in between those classic reminders that winter isn’t quite ready to let go—yeah, that “unnamed” white stuff still flying around here and there. But you know what really tells us spring is here? Big prespawn Lake Erie smallmouth bass showing up hungry and ready to eat. The last couple of weeks on guide trips have turned up some thick, healthy prespawn females and plenty of fired-up bucks, too. This time of year brings some of my absolute favorite ways to fish, and clients have been loving every minute of it. Blade bait jigging (can’t beat the Fish Sense Lures Binsky), swimbaits in shad patterns, and treble-hook favorites like jerkbaits and cranks have all been putting fish in the boat. We’ve seen a ton of personal bests lately—21 to 21.5” smallmouth that are ridiculously fat and clearly not skipping meals. One trip that really stood out was with Destiny and her boyfriend Chris. I honestly don’t know who had more fun—her catching fish, or me watching her light up with every smallie she hooked. That pure joy is what it’s all about. Check it out here. Big thanks as always to all of my awesome clients: Destiny and Chris, Jeff, Brian, Randy, Crist and crew. Some are longtime regulars, some brand new, and I appreciate every one of them for jumping aboard the Big Fat Bass Guide Service Phoenix 21 XE. Looking ahead, the fishing is only going to get better as the weather settles and the water warms. Expect fresh waves of fish moving into the Bay, and big Lake Erie smallmouth starting to show up in force as the main lake catches up temperature-wise. Perch fishing is still solid too, with a chance at some last-round “Jumbolinas” before they head back out. Availability Update: We still have April 18th (1:30pm–7:30pm) and April 23rd open if you want to get in on the early spring action. May is filling up fast with just a few early-to-midweek slots left. Don’t wait—contact us today and come fish with a pro this spring on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay! Tight lines, – Captain Destin DeMarion
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Smallmouth Flooding into Presque Isle
Smallmouth Flooding into Presque Isle
April 9, 2025
As consistent as the sun rising and setting each day, each spring, big Lake Erie smallmouth make their pilgrimage to their temporary home in Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania. The timing largely depends on the severity of the winter. If the winter is mild and the water begins warming sometime in February, smallmouth usually arrive in the Bay in good numbers by March. However, if it’s a harsh winter with heavy ice coverage that lingers, it can be early April before we see a strong push of smallmouth into Presque Isle Bay. This year fell into the latter category. Over the past week, though, smallmouth bass from the main body of Lake Erie have started to funnel in to feed up and prepare for their spawning rituals, which will take place over the next couple of months. April is generally the most consistent month for fishing; when you find them, they usually have quite a few friends with them. During this prespawn period, smallmouth bass group up around structures like hard-bottom areas and flats near drop-offs. It’s a great time of year not only to catch good numbers of fish, but also to have a real shot at landing a trophy bass. The big females are carrying extra weight with their eggs and, just like in the fall during the pre-winter feed, this is when they weigh their heaviest. In Presque Isle Bay, a six-pounder is a big fish, but there’s definitely potential for seven-pound-class bass and even larger. The fishery is loaded with three- to four-pound fish, with plenty of five-pounders mixed in as well. It’s truly a world-class smallmouth fishery—and often one of the first places in the Northeast to warm up and become fishable, thanks to its shallowness and relatively southern location. It also offers some wind protection from spring’s volatile weather patterns, but like any cold or big water, always use caution and check resources like NOAA before heading out. We just wrapped up a trip with one of our favorite clients, JD from Ohio. The action started fast—we quickly boated ten fish up to five pounds and kept at it until we tallied sixty bass for the day. The air temps were cold with some scattered flurries early on, but the winds were light, and the sun eventually broke through, making for excellent fishing conditions. Some of the most effective presentations during this time include swimbaits, jerkbaits, blade baits, spoons, tubes, and a variety of other plastics and hard baits as the water warms. If you're looking to get in on some of the most exciting early-season smallmouth fishing around, come join us at Big Fat Bass Guide Service! We still have availability on April 18th (1:30 p.m. to dark), April 23rd, April 30th, and select weekdays in May. Come experience what Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay have to offer—book your trip with us today! Tight lines, – Captain Destin DeMarion
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Erie Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Erie

Erie is an amazing fishery! Salmon, Stealhead, perch, Smallmouth bass and Walleye. You have to experience it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Erie is an amazing fishery! Salmon, Stealhead, perch, Smallmouth bass and Walleye. You have to experience it!
Dirty 30 Lake Erie Charters
Dirty 30 Lake Erie Charters
If you are planning on a trip in oct wait until it’s a little cooler outside you want water temps to be in the low 60s the second or third week is prime
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are planning on a trip in oct wait until it’s a little cooler outside you want water temps to be in the low 60s the second or third week is prime
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Waves were 4-6 foot. If you get seasick take medication as directed. Listen to your captain, he knows what’s best.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Waves were 4-6 foot. If you get seasick take medication as directed. Listen to your captain, he knows what’s best.
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Bring a cooler and drinks, if your out of state get a 1 day Tourist Fishing Licence. Walleye bite best in July but still plenty in August
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a cooler and drinks, if your out of state get a 1 day Tourist Fishing Licence. Walleye bite best in July but still plenty in August
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Capt Matt is awesome He took us out farther than any Capt would and put us on the fish in a hurry. We limited out by 0840 and back to shore by noon. Making plans for next year same week same Capt. Outstanding!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Capt Matt is awesome He took us out farther than any Capt would and put us on the fish in a hurry. We limited out by 0840 and back to shore by noon. Making plans for next year same week same Capt. Outstanding!
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
This was our first summer charter other than going out on the perch pirate. The bite was insane and fish were big! We hit our limit and had several 25-28 inch walleye.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was our first summer charter other than going out on the perch pirate. The bite was insane and fish were big! We hit our limit and had several 25-28 inch walleye.
Lucky Dog Sports Fishing
Lucky Dog Sports Fishing
I’m susceptible to getting seasick, so I took two “less drowsy” Dramamine. I also encouraged my two adult sons to do the same. We had no issues with getting seasick even though we rocked around on some waves because of a strong breeze. After we got back home though, we were very tired and slept through most of the rest of the day. If I were to do it again, I’d try either a single dose or maybe something else, like Bonine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I’m susceptible to getting seasick, so I took two “less drowsy” Dramamine. I also encouraged my two adult sons to do the same. We had no issues with getting seasick even though we rocked around on some waves because of a strong breeze. After we got back home though, we were very tired and slept through most of the rest of the day. If I were to do it again, I’d try either a single dose or maybe something else, like Bonine.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Lake Erie can be rough and different every voyage so be prepared for the worst hope for the best and remember that bringing Fish home is the icing on the cake
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Lake Erie can be rough and different every voyage so be prepared for the worst hope for the best and remember that bringing Fish home is the icing on the cake
Ciao Charters
Ciao Charters
Smallmouth in late April and May would be ideal. Largemouth in the summer months.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Smallmouth in late April and May would be ideal. Largemouth in the summer months.
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
May is the slower month for walleye but we did get 14 keeper's if u r looking g for more wait till middle of June the walleye bite even better
Excellent
5.0 / 5
May is the slower month for walleye but we did get 14 keeper's if u r looking g for more wait till middle of June the walleye bite even better
Ditch Chicken Charters
Ditch Chicken Charters
Yes, this time of year, bed fishing is very easy for beginners. We had a person on our crew that was new, and the captain helped him out and got him some big bass
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, this time of year, bed fishing is very easy for beginners. We had a person on our crew that was new, and the captain helped him out and got him some big bass
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
The weather is unpredictable, it could be showing great weather and can change in the blink of an eye. Prepare for that. Still a ton of fun
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The weather is unpredictable, it could be showing great weather and can change in the blink of an eye. Prepare for that. Still a ton of fun
Ciao Charters
Ciao Charters
Be ready for a truly off shore experience! My first time on a Great Lake and was totally in awe of its massive size!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for a truly off shore experience! My first time on a Great Lake and was totally in awe of its massive size!
Hammertime Sportfishing
Hammertime Sportfishing
Make sure you check weather conditions. Can change quick and doesn't always match the forecast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you check weather conditions. Can change quick and doesn't always match the forecast.
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing Irwin, Pennsylvania
If you go out with Capt Todd your arms will be very sore the next day. Non stop fish on. Best day of fishing in my life.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you go out with Capt Todd your arms will be very sore the next day. Non stop fish on. Best day of fishing in my life.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing Dallas, PA
Be mindful of the wind as too much wind will cause you not to be able to fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be mindful of the wind as too much wind will cause you not to be able to fish.
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing Amherst, VA
Be aware that the weather in July can be fickle. Unfortunately for our schedules the lake tells you when you can fish, but don't let that discourage you, the walleye are worth it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be aware that the weather in July can be fickle. Unfortunately for our schedules the lake tells you when you can fish, but don't let that discourage you, the walleye are worth it!
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters New Columbia, PA
This is the way to go. Nothing to stress about or supply. Just have your license in order and show up on time for a great day. We three limited out on walleyes and Jamie and James, his mate and son, filleted everything up afterwards.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is the way to go. Nothing to stress about or supply. Just have your license in order and show up on time for a great day. We three limited out on walleyes and Jamie and James, his mate and son, filleted everything up afterwards.
Riptide Fishing Charters
Riptide Fishing Charters
First timers better be ready to catch a lot of fish when fishing in Lake Erie!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
First timers better be ready to catch a lot of fish when fishing in Lake Erie!
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing Fombell, PA
A quality fishing experience for some the best eating fresh water fish anywhere.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
A quality fishing experience for some the best eating fresh water fish anywhere.
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters Shinglehouse, PA