6/30/26 Lake Erie Fishing Report
6/30/26 Lake Erie Central Basin Fishing Report
Our Central Basin Lake Erie fishing has been simply amazing over the past week. Last week was full of limits of walleye and several Fish Ohio. Anyone wondering what a Fish Ohio is, it's a walleye caught in Lake Erie over 28 inches. A Fish Ohio qualifies the anger that caught it for a certificate and a hat pin from the ODNR. Registration is easy: Google search for Fish Ohio, click on ODNR, fill out the form, and submit a photo. A short time later, your stuff comes in the mail.
Our fishing program has not changed much at all. Old School 40 jets at 140 back (40 feet deep), dipsy divers at the same depth, and 200’ wire with Rapala TDD11’s. In last week's report, I explained the wire and how it works. If you are not sure what "140 feet back" means, I will take a minute to explain. When trolling, your lure depth is determined by the length of line you have out to reach your target depth. There are several different resources that one can use. My go-to is the Precision Trolling app, or there are many others out there, paper copy books, or some lure packages have a dive chart on them. Skies have been mostly sunny, air temperatures have been in the 70s, and water temperature is around 68 degrees at depth off Lorain. Trolling speed at the lure measured on the Fish Hawk off the down rigger has been right around 2.8/2.9 MPH. Some days, the current has been really strong, and the speed over ground has not even come close to matching the lure speed. Hint: knowing how fast your lures are moving is the key to constant success! Target water depth has been 38 to 52 feet, depending on wind direction and how far to go to set up for the troll. ft. Out of the Port of Lorain, you do not have to go far to find these water depths. I have not seen a thermocline start to form yet; however, I have not seen any waters deeper than 52 ft. Fish Ohio’s that have been caught have been all over the board on what lure they bite; it's simply a matter of dragging by the right fish that wants to bite. If I had to pick a best method, I would say the 200’ wire with the TDD11’s has delivered the best results. We have not changed any lure colors over the past week, same old same old, tried and true have produced each day out of Lake Erie fishing charters.
Mustad Pro Tips:
- Know exactly what depth your lures are fishing at, spend the money, and buy an app that will help you.
- I cannot say this one enough: speed, speed, speed. When trolling, look for the current and fish with it or against it.
- If you want big fish, you don’t always have to do big things. Even elephants eat peanuts. Let that one soak in a bit! Sometimes, downsize your lure profile for a better grade of fish.
Until Next Time,
Gotta Go, Fish ON 🎣 Get The Net‼️,
Captain Kris
