Lake Erie (western basin) level falling: what it means for fishing

Lake level

The gauge reads 570.4 ft.

It is falling — 1.1 ft down over 7 days.

That is 1.7 ft below normal for this time of year.

Water level, 570.9 to 572.2 ft over 29 days.

Surface temperature

Surface water on Lake Erie (western basin) is at 60°F (last clear look from above: 2 weeks ago).

Across the lake it ranges from 58 to 62°F, so the warmer pockets are worth a look.

Wind and weather

Partly Sunny with a high of 50°F and wind around 13 mph from the NW.

Best times to fish

Best bite 6:30 am to 8:00 am (sunrise). Also good 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Tomorrow: Best bite 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm (sunset and moonset). Also good 6:30 am to 8:45 am.

Bite outlook by day, from the sun, the moon and the wind forecast.

A spot to start

Point drop-off: The bottom falls away fast off this point, so fish hold here and move up to feed.

See this spot in 3-D

Species to target

• Walleye (good): Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
• Yellow perch (good): Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
• Smallmouth bass (good): Prime range. Rocky points, humps and drop-offs.
• Catfish (fair): Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.