Walleye and Bass are Favorites; Lake Trout & Yellow Perch also Abound
Lake Erie walleye and smallmouth bass in Chautauqua County, NY, are big and plentiful. The best fishing on Lake Erie is from a boat or kayak, with easy lake access in multiple places. The choice of tackle depends on various factors such as fishing conditions, wind, water clarity, and personal preference. Popular and effective tackle options for catching walleye and smallmouth bass include trolling and jigging. Trolling is more famous for Lake Erie walleye fishing than jigging. Trolling involves depth control using a crankbait, a sinker weight, a weighted lead core line or a diving plane to take your lure or bait presentation to the depth of where the fish are. Most walleye anglers use a thin braided line (20-30 pound test) and a clear fluorocarbon leader (20-pound test) for use with a diving plane. Others use a lead core line with a planer board to deploy their lure spread horizontally, adding a longer fluorocarbon leader of 35 to 75 feet. Troll at slow to moderate speeds of 1.5 to 2.5 mph making slow, frequent turns to cover different depths and suspended lake thermal areas in search of a school of forage and feeding walleye. Walleye respond well to a variety of baits and lures.
Live bait options include night crawlers, minnows, and leeches. Popular artificial lures for walleye trolling include crankbaits, spinner/worm baits and soft plastics in natural colors. Experiment with different bait and lure options to find what works best on a given day. Then adjust the depth of your lures and control the boat speed based on the vertical location of the walleye. Match the lure choice to the forage size and color, and you're in the fun of fish-catching!
Bass anglers can troll to catch fish too, but many competition circuits bar trolling for bass. You have to cast by most contest rules. So, casting or jigging is the way to go. To jig, attach a jig head to your line with a good fishing knot (Palomar, clinch or uni-knot). Add a soft plastic bait or live bait to the jig. Cast the jig out, and let it sink to the bottom, or the desired depth, before using a rhythmic motion to retrieve it. Experiment with the speed and style of the jigging motion until you find what triggers the bass to strike. This works for walleye too.
Jigs are versatile lures. Variations include hook size and weight. Choose a jig head weight between 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, depending on the depth and lake currents where you're fishing. Pair it with a soft plastic trailer like a crawfish or creature bait. Natural colors like green pumpkin, brown, or black work well.
Crankbaits that imitate baitfish can be highly effective, especially when the water turns cooler. Opt for medium-length crankbaits (4-5 inches) with a diving depth suitable for your fishing area. Natural colors, such as shad or smelt patterns or simple silver/black combinations, are reliable choices. For bass, remember the effectiveness of a drop-shot rig.
These rigs offer finesse fishing at its finest and can be highly productive when smallmouth bass are finicky or in deeper water. Rig a small finesse worm or soft plastic bait on a drop-shot hook, with the hook positioned above the weight. Vary the leader length based on the target depth.
Remember, it's always a good idea to experiment with different lures, colors, and techniques based on the fish's conditions and specific preferences on any given day. Local tackle shops or experienced anglers familiar with the Chautauqua County area can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on the current fishing conditions.
Fishing for walleye in Lake Erie, particularly from Dunkirk Harbor, can be a rewarding experience. Obtain a fishing license and a current New York fishing regulations booklet to ensure you comply with the necessary regulations. Gather your gear, research the conditions, and consult the local fishing reports and online forums. Local bait shops are a great place to get up-to-date information on where walleye and bass are being caught. In summer, walleye tend to suspend in thermal areas far offshore, and bass congregate near reefs, drop-offs, and other structures. Last, remember that fishing requires patience and persistence. Stay focused and be prepared to adapt your techniques if needed. Walleye can sometimes be finicky, so keep going if you don't catch them immediately. If you are fishing alone and are still looking for the fish, check out the guide services offered by the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association (ELECBA). We can all learn from them. The fish are definitely here!
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Fishing Reports: Lake Erie Fishing Hotline, https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9217.html; Bill’s Hooks (Gerri Begier), 5139 W. Lake Rd. (Route 5), Dunkirk, NY, 716-366-0268; Jerome Miller’s Bait Store, 12707 Allegany Rd., Irving, NY, 716-934-2477.
Outdoor media and editors are authorized and encouraged to use this press release, or any section of this press release, in any manner they choose, including with their own by-line. Photographs must use the indicated author byline. Outdoor Media Contact: Dave Barus - Fishing & Hunting Promotions Associate, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1441, Chautauqua, NY, 14722; email: dbarus35@yahoo.com; Cell: 716-597-4081. Visitors Bureau Travel/Accommodations Contact: R. Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1441, Chautauqua, NY, 14722; Office: 716-357-4569; email: nixon@tourchautauqua.com; web: http://www.tourchautauqua.com; www.Facebook.com/Tour.Chautauqua.
