■ Lake Erie/Ohio: The crew over at Netcraft reports some of the better walleye fishing of late has taken place in the waters between Middle and North Bass islands, with anglers using spoons and harnesses with a No. 1 Dipsy on a No. 3 setting, fished 35-40 feet back at speeds of between 2.1-2.4 mph. The anglers working out of the Rocky River area report that the walleye fishing is hot in 45-52 feet of water, with spoons the top trolling lure. On the perch fishing front, the waters 24-29 feet deep around South Bass Island have been producing fish, as well as the area off Little Cedar Point in 14 to 17-feet depths. The water about 1.5 miles out from Perry’s Monument has also been a productive perch site, in 27 to 30-feet depths. The standard Lake Erie perch rig is a weighted spreader or a top-and-bottom setup, tipped with emerald shiners.
■ Catawba boat ramp: Anglers are reminded that the boat ramps at Catawba Island State Park will be closed for construction through the end of the year. The Mazurik boat access area on the north side of the Marblehead Peninsula and Dempsey boat access area on the south side of the Marblehead Peninsula are alternatives.
■ Lake Erie/Michigan: The MDNR reports there have been walleye limits coming in from 15 feet of water off Luna Pier, for anglers working the evening hours and using stinger spoons. There has also been good walleye fishing in Brest Bay and off the River Raisin in 24-26 feet for trollers dragging crawler harnesses 50-65 feet back. The best colors have been green, chartreuse, lime, copper, and purple.
■ Maumee River: The river level has settled into the summer pattern, which puts a priority on fishing the deeper holes and runs that will hold most of the fish. The catfish anglers have done well in the low-light hours, tight-lining worms and shrimp off Orleans Park and the Rossford Marina. Upstream, the Weirs Rapids area has produced some smallmouth bass and sheepshead for the bait castersand carp for the fly fishermen.
■ Sandusky River: The best fishing has been found in the waters where the river opens up to meet the bay, with catfish readily taking cutbaits and night crawlers fished on the bottom in the current. A few panfish have been caught around the brushy edges of the waterway, by boat angler using wax worms and crickets.
■ Detroit River: Anglers pursuing yellow perch have had the most success in 8-12 feet of water near Sugar Island, according to the MDNR, while fishermen are taking walleye in the deeper waters of the shipping channels, fishing near the bottom with jigs tipped with minnows.
■ Lake St. Clair: The walleye fishing has been strong throughout the lake, with the channels offering the best action for anglers using crawler harnesses or crankbaits. The best smallmouth bass fishing has been taking place in the deeper water near the North Channel and along Anchor Bay, with anglers casting tube baits or using drop-shot rigs in the early morning hours.
■ Upper Peninsula: The St. Mary's River, which links Lake Superior and Lake Huron in its approximate 75-mile run forming the international boundary between Canada and the United States, is also the home to walleye, pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Mike Perkins from River’s Edge Resort in Barbeau, on the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, reports that the walleye fishing has been outstanding, with worm harnesses the top approach. Anglers at his camp also are taking northern pike around the weed beds on crankbaits and spoons, and bass are being fooled with spinner baits. Perch anglers are taking fish on worms and minnows.
Contact Blade outdoors editor Matt Markey at mmarkey@theblade.com or 419-724-6068.
First Published July 19, 2018, 9:48 p.m.
