Lake Erie Smallies

[Puggz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm from Ontario which means the Lake Erie bass season opens the last Saturday of June. I would like to attend a big fish derby that day but I've never hunted lunker smallies this time of year.

Where do the females go after they spawn?

Do you think the spawn will be late this year due to the colder temps so far?

Will the big fish be aggressive or will a finesse technique be in order.

 

TIA<

[Jleebesaw]

I've never fished lake Erie. Mostly lake champlain and the st lawrence. They will still be spawning on these bodies of water. I'm sure they will there too. It's a lot of water so it would be slow to warm. I'm just guessing really, but I think they'll be spawning still. There's people on here that fish there though. They will hopefully pitch in with a more educated resonse.

[gim]

I believe @Dwight Hottle was out there recently.  Maybe he can chime in and help you.

[Dwight Hottle]

@Puggz I was up to Erie out of PA waters May 1st-5th. There were some fish already post spawn. Most spawning occurs in between May 15-June 15 traditionally. Once the water temps hit 55-60 they start. I'm sharing this info based on living in Erie PA for 12 years & chasing smallies during that period. Once spawning is over the females start transitioning to deeper water. So look for them in 15-25 fow & if not there try 25-35 fow. You will find mostly aggressive fish by your time period of June 24th. Good luck with your trip.  

[Puggz]

18 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

@Puggz I was up to Erie out of PA waters May 1st-5th. There were some fish already post spawn. Most spawning occurs in between May 15-June 15 traditionally. Once the water temps hit 55-60 they start. I'm sharing this info based on living in Erie PA for 12 years & chasing smallies during that period. Once spawning is over the females start transitioning to deeper water. So look for them in 15-25 fow & if not there try 25-35 fow. You will find mostly aggressive fish by your time period of June 24th. Good luck with your trip.  

 

Thank you, Long Point Bay is a huge smallie spawning ground and as its quite sheltered, it warms up earlier than most places. If I can swing it, I'll go out the day before and see what I can find with my Active Target checking transitions into deeper water first.

 

[Captain Phil]

The glacier grooves around Pelee Island are hot in July.  Fish goby colored tube jigs in 15-20 feet of water.