Oct 19, 2019

Lake Erie
There is a sandbar forming at the mouth of Sturgeon Point Marina, but boats were still successfully launching out of the harbor at report time. The DEC creel survey indicates that fishing effort has drastically dropped off in October, yet excellent walleye and improving yellow perch prospects remain. Good numbers of walleye are available from Cattaraugus Creek to the PA line in 50-90 feet of water. Worm harnesses and stickbaits run 45-65 feet down have been productive. The Lake Erie Unit sends word that there is a high concentration of 3-year-old walleye (17"-19") in around 60 feet of water off Brocton.

Yellow perch fishing has improved out of a few ports. The bite straight out of Cattaraugus Creek has been more consistent in 50 feet of water. Some decent to good catches have also been reported out of the Catt at depths of 35 feet and 57 feet. The key is to find a school first before dropping lines. Some quality catches have come from depths of 50-60 feet off Sturgeon Point as well. In addition, the Lake Erie Unit warmwater survey also showed solid numbers of perch from east of Dunkirk to west of Cattaraugus Creek in 60-62 feet of water. East winds over the past few days may even drive perch schools shallower, so keep an eye on the electronics for perch schools on the way out.

NY DEC

Oct 25, 2019

Lake Erie: Both the walleye and yellow perch bite were slow to fair. Walleye were caught by those trolling bandits and spoons in 17 to 20 feet in Brest Bay and straight out from Bolles Harbor. A few were taken at night off Luna Pier. The yellow perch bite was not consistent. The better catches came from 23 to 25 feet in north end of Brest Bay or in front of Fermi. White perch and white bass were also caught. Largemouth bass and channel cats were caught in the Hot Pond. Largemouth bass were caught in several marinas around Brest Bay and along the rip-rap near Sterling State Park when using jigs, crank baits and chatter baits. Bluegill and crappie were caught in the canal at Bolles Harbor.

Michigan DNR

Oct 30, 2019

Lake Erie: This is the time of year when the area tends to see many days with higher winds. Anglers should note if there is a strong west wind the ramps may not be usable for launching because of a dramatic drop in water levels in the canals. When winds allowed, yellow perch were caught in front of Fermi in 25 feet. Some were able to find some decent schools of fish however the bite remained slow. Some perch started to show up in the canals, but most of the keepers were caught in deeper water. White bass, white perch and freshwater drum were also caught. A few walleye were picked up by those trolling bandits off Stony Point, the River Raisin buoys and in front of Sterling State Park in 20 to 24 feet. Several anglers did well recently when trolling bandits in 23 to 25 feet east of the E-Buoy near the state line. The largemouth bass bite was good in the marinas and canals, as well as off the rocks along the shoreline.

Michigan DNR