Fishing has been really hot this week in between storms. Walleyes, especially males, have moved into the rivers and reef complex in the Western Basin and are on a hot bite. Storms Thursday and Friday threaten the action but if the wind doesn't rile up the lake too much the Saturday and Sunday bite could be hot. Fish are being taken this morning (Thursday). The action has been hottest in the near shore area near the Davis Besse Power Plant north of Oak Harbor.
Best baits for reef fishing have been lead-headed hair jigs (some tip with minnows and many do not) and blade baits.
Area bait dealers have minnows and supplies of jigs and blades on hand.
The best chance for a trophy female is trolling in the area north and east of the reef complex with shallow run stick baits.
Nearby marinas are on or near Route 2 near the power plant and include Wild Wings, Turtle Creek, Fenwick and Inland.
Many charters operate in this are with the biggest concentration at Wild Wings Marina where I am located.
Company: Rod Bender Charters
Area Reporting: Lake Erie Western Basin
Bio: I have fished Lake Erie since the 50s and started running charters for walleye, perch and smallmouth bass when I formed Rod Bender Charters in 1999. Come join me, Captain Bob Hesse, aboard Rod Bender for an absolutely awesome angling adventure charter fishing for walleye on Lake Erie, the world's premier walleye lake. We are a AAA charter service that specializes in drift fishing, but we will blade, jig, drift or troll, whatever the lake conditions dictate. Call us for a walleye, perch, smallmouth bass charter experience of a lifetime on the walleye capital of the world -- Lake Erie.