The Great Lakes are in peak early-summer form, with the Lake Erie walleye fishing at its best, the Lake Michigan salmon and trout bite producing, and smallmouth bass on the reefs and shorelines. Perch are filling in, and the open-water season is in full swing across the lakes. A great week to be on the big water.
What’s Hitting
Walleye are the headline on Lake Erie’s western and central basins, with the post-spawn fish chewing on the reefs and open water. Lake Michigan is producing king salmon, coho, lake trout, and steelhead on the troll. Smallmouth bass are on the reefs and rocky shorelines across the lakes, yellow perch are schooling, and the first decent steelhead and brown trout are around.
Where to Find Them
On Lake Erie, target the reefs and open water of the western basin and the central basin off the Ohio and Ontario shores for walleye. Lake Michigan salmon and trout are on the troll out of the ports — look for temperature breaks and bait. Smallmouth are on the reefs, points, and rocky shorelines. Perch are schooling on the deeper flats and reefs.
Tides & Conditions
Walleye fishing on Erie is best with some chop — the classic walleye chop — and moving fish following the bait. Lake Michigan salmon trolling keys on finding the thermocline and bait schools. Smallmouth chew the rocks and reefs through the day. Water is warming into the 60s and 70s. Watch the wind on the big lakes; it dictates where and whether you can fish safely. A light walleye chop is forecast across the western basin, which is exactly the wind that puts the Erie fish on the feed behind the boards.
Tackle & Tactics
Erie walleye eat trolled crawler harnesses and crankbaits, and casting or drifting weapons over the reefs. Lake Michigan salmon want trolled spoons, flashers and flies, and dodgers run at the right depth. Smallmouth take tubes, drop-shots, and crankbaits on the rocks. For perch, a simple crappie rig with minnows on the deeper schools fills the bucket.
This Week’s Tip
On Lake Erie, embrace the walleye chop. A light to moderate chop puts the fish on the feed and lets you cover water with crawler harnesses or crankbaits trolled behind boards. Dead-calm bluebird days are often the slowest. Watch the forecast, fish the productive breeze safely, and trust the old walleye-anglers’ saying that the wind is your friend.