Smallmouth Flooding into Presque Isle
April 09, 2025 Erie 6 photos
Bass (Smallmouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Perch (Yellow)
Perch (Yellow)

Trip Summary

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
Destin DeMarion
Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
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Looking for a serious Lake Erie fishing experience guided by a true professional? Climb aboard with Big Fat Bass Guide Service, led by Captain Destin DeMarion — a former Bassmaster Elite Series pro with over a decade of experience guiding on Lake Er...

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Late July Erie Fishing Report
Late July Erie Fishing Report
July 30, 2025
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Hot Walleye Bite on Erie
Hot Walleye Bite on Erie
June 25, 2025
I’ve been fully embracing the shorts-and-sandals weather lately — and here in Erie, PA, we know to cherish every warm, sunny day we get. With this warm-up, Lake Erie’s main lake temperatures have climbed into the low 70s, and fish are responding. The bass are wrapping up their spawn and transitioning into more classic early summer patterns. We’re seeing smallmouth start to slide off into deeper water, which only gets better as we move into July. Bass Update Presque Isle Bay is thinning out as more fish migrate to the main lake. Right now, productive depths range from 10 to 35 feet, with fish gradually heading deeper as water temps continue to climb. Look for them near rock, contour breaks, and transitions. Best baits right now include: Drop shots with minnow, goby, or perch imitations Ned rigs, tubes, and swimbaits Spy baits, crankbaits, and hair jigs (especially in clearer water) Walleye Bite on Fire The walleye fishing is red hot in PA waters right now — and yes, it’s possible to get in on the action without trolling or burning much gas. I’ve been casting and jigging for quick limits, using a mix of Humminbird and Lowrance electronics (360 Imaging + Active Target 2). It’s an efficient and fun way to catch them. On a recent trip, I took out a young guy named Micah, who had never caught walleye this way. After watching me dial in a quick limit, he turned around and landed his own. It was awesome to see him adapt, learn to read the electronics, and trigger bites from finicky fish. If you want a more interactive experience than traditional trolling or bottom bouncing, this is it. And for those with their own boats, I also offer instructional trips — I’ll show you exactly how to replicate this approach with the right tools and strategy. Where to Find Fish Smallmouth Bass: Depths: 10–35′, gradually trending deeper Areas: Main lake points, offshore structure, deeper breaks Presentation: Match the forage – gobies, shiners, perch Walleye: Depths: 40–65′ holding the biggest numbers Zones: Just outside the peninsula, east toward Shades Beach, and west of Walnut Techniques: Most guys trolling or bottom bouncing worm harnesses (still very effective) I’ve had best luck casting with jigheads + minnow/crawler imitations We’re loading freezers — and you can too! Trip Options & July Availability Want the best of both worlds? We can mix trips — a few hours of bass fishing, followed by walleye casting. It’s an awesome way to explore what Lake Erie has to offer. Bass trips are filling in July, but I still have a few open spots. If you want in on this walleye bite or learn how to do it yourself, now’s the time to reach out. Tight lines, Captain Destin DeMarion Big Fat Bass Guide Service
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