Hefty Smallies Being Caught on Erie
April 29, 2025
Erie
5 photos




Bass (Smallmouth)

Bass (Largemouth)
Trip Summary
Trip Summary
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