Early June is prime time across the Great Lakes. Lake Erie walleye fishing is at its peak, Lake Michigan is producing salmon and trout, and the smallmouth bite has turned on across the system. Here is the week’s outlook for the big water.
What’s Biting
Lake Erie walleye are the headline, with the western and central basin schools feeding hard and trolling producing limits. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are giving up king salmon, coho, lake trout, and steelhead on the troll. Smallmouth bass are post-spawn and feeding on the reefs and the rocky shorelines. Yellow perch and the first of the summer panfish round out the inshore mix.
Where to Find Them
Troll the western basin reefs and the central basin off the major ports for Lake Erie walleye. On Lake Michigan, run the temperature breaks and the deeper water off the ports for salmon and trout. Smallmouth are on the reefs, the rock piles, and the rocky shorelines across the lakes. Perch are stacking on the deeper structure and the mud basins.
Tides & Conditions
There is no tide here, but wind and water temperature drive the bite. Pick the calmer days for the open-water trolling. Water is warming through the 60s. Early morning and the low-light periods are best for the salmon and the smallmouth. Watch the wind forecast closely on the big lakes.
Tackle & Tactics
For walleye, troll crawler harnesses and crankbaits behind boards and divers at the depth the fish are marking. Salmon and trout fall to flasher-fly and spoon programs on downriggers and dipsies. Smallmouth eat tubes, drop-shots, and jerkbaits on the rocks. Drop minnows and small jigs for the perch.
This Week’s Tip
For Lake Erie walleye, let your electronics dictate depth before you commit to a spread. Mark the bait and the fish first, then set your harnesses and cranks to run just above them — walleye feed up, not down, so a lure running a foot or two over their heads will out-produce one dragging through the school.