Smallmouth Bass Information
The best time to come is somewhat dependent on the water temperature, but here’s a general guideline:
The last Saturday in June to October 31st, early and later in that range are best. However bait is near impossible to get in October.
Limit is 5/person, 14″ minimum
Softcraws are provided at market price.
Creel surveys indicate a lake-wide increase in the number of smallmouth bass. Assessment surveys also show the smallmouth bass population is increasing. We’ve had some up and down years. If I had one recommendation for success, it would be to come on a weekday when fewer pleasure boats & kayaks are disturbing the areas we fish. Some days it’s best to fish in Ohio and some days it’s best to fish in Canada, a lot of variables determine this. We’ve enjoyed several great days when more than 60 smallmouth were brought aboard before being released.
The worst enemy for smallmouth bass in Lake Erie is the Round Goby that was introduced several years ago into all of the Great Lakes through the discharge of ballast water from ships. Round Gobies surround these nests, picking at the eggs at every opportunity. When spring anglers catch nesting Smallmouth, the waiting Gobies rush in to eat the now unguarded eggs. Even if Bass are released quickly, by the time fish return to their nests the eggs have often been consumed. It’s not legal to fish for bass in Canada out of season, and even though it’s legal to catch & release out of season in Ohio, I will not take people to do it because of the impact on the spawn.
