Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Erie and the Detroit area as of February 5, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. According to the latest forecast, Lake Erie is still mostly ice-covered, but there are some ice-free areas where you can cast your line. Today, you can expect east winds around 10 knots, shifting to southeast later in the day. There's a chance of freezing rain and snow, so make sure to bundle up and stay safe on the water[2].

Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:30 PM, giving you a good window to get out there and catch some fish.

Now, onto the fish activity. Despite the cold winter conditions, Lake Erie is still offering some fantastic fishing opportunities. Walleye fishing has been phenomenal, and it looks like this trend will continue into 2025. These fish are moving back towards the lake as the water cools, making the deeper waters a great spot to target them. Slow-trolling with lures that move quickly near the bottom, such as using Magnum Metalz downriggers, has been highly effective[4].

Smallmouth bass fishing is also heating up as we approach spring. These bass are active year-round, but as the weather warms up, they become even more aggressive. Look for them in the central and western basins, particularly around reefs and structures. For bass, you can't go wrong with light tackle and small jigs tipped with minnows or worms[1].

Steelhead are another exciting catch this time of year. As winter drives them into tributaries, you can find them in spawning waters like Conneaut Creek and the Chagrin, Grand, Rocky, Vermilion, and Ashtabula rivers. Use spoons, spinners, minnows, jigs, nightcrawlers, and spawn sacs to entice these steelhead[1].

For those targeting perch, light tackle and small jigs tipped with minnows or worms are working well. Perch are moving towards the shore as the season progresses, so keep an eye out for them in shallower waters[4].

If you're looking for some hot spots, the western basin of Lake Erie is a must-visit for walleye and smallmouth bass. The Detroit River is also a great place to catch pike and muskie, especially when trolling with larger lures and spoons[4].

In the central basin, the tributaries like Conneaut Creek and the Chagrin River are perfect for steelhead fishing. And if you're near the Ohio shore, Reno Beach to The Islands area is another good spot to check out, especially when the ice clears up a bit[2].

Remember to check Ohio's current fishing regulations before you head out, and always stay safe on the water.

Happy fishing, and tight lines