Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Lake Erie, particularly in the Cleveland area. As of today, February 5, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather forecast for today is mild, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. This mild spell is continuing to thaw the icy rivers and lakes, but be cautious as ice conditions can be unpredictable. Ensure you check the ice thickness before venturing out, aiming for at least 4 inches of solid ice.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for species like walleye and yellow perch that are more active during dawn and dusk.

### Fish Activity
Recently, anglers have been having success with ice fishing for stocked trout in various lakes and ponds within Cleveland Metroparks. Lakes such as Shadow, Ledge, Judge’s, Wallace, and Ranger have been stocked with a mix of rainbow, brook, brown, golden rainbow, and tiger trout. The daily limit varies by location, with 5 trout allowed at Shadow Lake and Ohio & Erie Canal, and 3 trout at the other lakes[3].

For those targeting steelhead, these fish are active in the rivers and harbors. The daily limit for steelhead is 2, with a minimum size of 12 inches. Steelhead can be caught using similar baits to those used for trout, such as small spoons and jigs tipped with maggots, waxworms, or small minnows[3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For trout, small baits and jigs under small ice floats are effective. Medium-sized jigging spoons (2-3 inches) can also be used, sometimes tipped with maggots, waxworms, or small minnows. A dime-sized ball of PowerBait on a bare hook or small jighead can also produce results[3].

For steelhead through the ice, use similar baits to those for trout. Yellow perch can be caught using small ice jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, while northern pike are best caught with jigging spoons and live minnows[3].

### Hot Spots
If you're looking for some hot spots, here are a few recommendations:

- **Cleveland Harbors**: Areas like E55th Marina, Gordon Park/E72nd boat ramps, and Edgewater Park boat ramps are traditionally good for ice fishing. Here, you can catch steelhead, yellow perch, and northern pike. However, be cautious of the ice conditions in these areas[3].
- **Western Basin of Lake Erie**: For walleye, consider the Maumee River, Sandusky River, Sandusky Bay, and the Reef Complex. For yellow perch, head to Catawba, Marblehead, Bass Islands, and Kelleys Island[2].
- **Central Basin of Lake Erie**: Breakwalls at Huron, Huntington Beach, Lakefront State Park, and Fairport Harbor are good spots for walleye. For yellow perch, try nearshore areas around Ruggles Reef, Vermilion, Fairport, and Perry[2].

### Safety
Always remember to check the ice thickness before heading out, and follow safety guidelines such as carrying emergency ice picks, a floating survival suit, and fishing with a friend. Let someone know your fishing location and estimated return time.

With these tips and the current conditions, you should be well-prepared for a successful fishing trip in and around Lake Erie. Tight lines, and stay safe out there