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 3, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather forecast for today is mild, with temperatures expected to rise into the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit, which is a welcome change from the icy grip of the past few weeks. This warmer spell is causing the icy rivers to thaw, and while this might make river conditions a bit tricky, it's good news for those looking to get back out on the water. Tidal conditions aren't a major factor on Lake Erie, but the thawing ice and changing water levels can affect fish behavior.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM. These times are crucial as they often mark the peak activity periods for many fish species.

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

For those venturing onto the ice, steelhead, yellow perch, and northern pike are also active. 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. Yellow perch are biting on small ice jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, while northern pike are hitting jigging spoons and live minnows[3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For trout, small baits and jigs under small ice floats are effective, along with medium-sized jigging spoons (2-3 inches) that can be worked at various depths. Tipping these spoons with a few maggots, a waxworm, or a small minnow can elicit more bites. A dime-sized ball of PowerBait on a bare hook or molded on a small jighead is also a good option[3].

For steelhead, the same baits used for trout are effective, along with offerings they typically bite in the river. Yellow perch and other panfish are biting on small ice jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, and northern pike are hitting jigging spoons and live minnows.

### Hot Spots
If you're looking to catch some steelhead, walleye, or yellow perch, here are a few hot spots to consider:

- **Rocky River and Other Harbors**: Although the ice conditions are variable, protected harbors like E55th Marina, Gordon Park/E72nd boat ramps, and Edgewater Park boat ramps are traditionally good spots for steelhead, yellow perch, and northern pike. However, be cautious and ensure the ice is at least 4 inches thick before venturing out[3].
- **Central Basin of Lake Erie**: Areas like the breakwalls at Huron, Huntington Beach, Lakefront State Park, and Fairport Harbor are excellent for walleye and yellow perch. The Grand River and nearshore areas from Vermilion to Conneaut are also productive[2].

### Safety Reminder
Always remember to check the ice thickness before heading out, especially around inlets and outlets where the ice can be thinner. Carry emergency ice picks, let someone know your fishing location, and fish with a friend. These precautions can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.

So, gear up and get ready to take advantage of the improving conditions. Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water