Top-Rated Lake Erie Fishing for Beginners

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) Fish Description

Channel Catfish are common gamefish. However, some people have a tendency to confuse them with the Walking Catfish (Clarias Batrachus). The channel catfish, also known as the channel cat, don’t really have scales but rather have soft and slippery bodies which are covered in slime. One of its most prominent features are its whiskers or barbels which extend its range of sight to make up for its poor vision. 

While its rays are soft, the channel catfish have sharp dorsal and pectoral fins which can slash people if you’re not careful with it. The Channel Catfish have a forked tail, forming a deep letter “v”. They also have 24-29 anal fins. While they do appear black, they’re more of a light yellow, olivaceous color.

Channel Catfish Diet

Channel catfish are omnivorous. They usually feed at the bottom of natural waters, feasting on vegetations. But they also feed at the surface. Channel Catfish eat aquatic insects but as they grow older, they eat a variety of things such as insects, snails, crawfish, green algae, aquatic plants, seeds, and smaller fish. 

The Channel Catfish normally detects food by using their sense of taste especially in cloudy waters.

Channel Catfish Size

Some Channel Catfish have shown up weighing between 40-50 lbs. However, the heaviest ever recorded was 58 lbs. Though, some already have said that a channel catfish weighing at 20 lbs is amazing. 10 pounds is already considered admirable.

Interesting Facts about the Channel Catfish

• A channel catfish’s body is covered with “taste buds”. They are also known to have a “swimming tongue”. Their bodies are so sensitive to amino acids – specifically L-Arginine and L-Alanine – which makes it easier to detect food.
• Channel Catfish grow best in warm environments.
• While Channel Catfish prefer clear waters, they’re okay too with muddy water.
• Channel Catfish are capable of communication, using sound waves as their primary mode of communication.
• Channel Catfish are known to be notoriously hard to kill. When selling them some people prefer snapping their necks. Others, they go with using a wooden plank with a nail. Despite hitting it multiple times, the Channel Catfish are still alive and need several hits until they’re dead.

Channel Catfish – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Channel Catfish

When catching a Channel Catfish, some use a cheese-based fibrous bait. Others use minnows and worms. However, the most commonly used bait for Channel Cats is Stinkbait which are said to appeal only to Catfish. The biggest reason as to why this works is because of the scent. Usually, using cheese or stinkbait works because of the amino acids present that create a strong scent to attract them.

Having an extra long rod helps. A fishing rod around 7” to 7.6” help in getting them. By having a longer rod, it allows anglers more techniques such as pitching and flipping to get them on board. In choosing a longer rod, make sure it has a strong backbone to handle the weight of the Channel Catfish. Also, make sure you have sharp hooks. Channel Catfish, like their other cousins, have hard mouths so having a sharp hook to pierce through will be really good to get a good grip on them. Anglers prefer using big Treble Hooks to make sure they keep their Channel Catfish from escaping.

Once you get them, make sure you have a good grip on them. Catfish, due to their lack of scales, instead have slime. They can be quite slippery and their fins can slash you if you’re not careful. 

Channel Catfish Habitat 

Channel Catfish prefer living in reservoirs. They also live well in small and large lakes. Channel Catfish also love cavities. They usually hide their eggs in cavities in crevices, hollows, or debris to protect them from rushing currents.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) 

Description

Rainbow trout is a popular game fish known for its attractive color and ability to swim upstream. It belongs to the Salmonidae family. The upper body color ranges from bluish-green to olive green. They are silver to white in color near the belly. A horizontal pink stripe is present on each side of the body. The body is covered with black spots and extend to dorsal fins, tail, and anal fins. The appearance of a rainbow trout can depend on habitat, gender, age, and maturity. 

Interesting Facts 

• Rainbow trout starts spawning at age of 3 or 4 years.
• They have a life span of 4-8 years but can live up to 11 years as well.
• As this species can only live in clean water, they are very good indicators of pollution.
• A water temperature of 55°F to 64°F is preferred by the rainbow trout, but they can also survive up to 70 °F.

Habitat, Distribution and Heat Map 

Rainbow Trout is native of the United States including the Pacific coast from Mexico to Alaska, northeastern and central United States along with the eastern coast of Asia. 

Rainbow trout can be found in freshwater bodies such as rivers and streams. They prefer a place with an abundance of natural covers such as water vegetation, weeds, and gravelly shoreline. Rainbow trout can be found in streams where the currents are strong and water flow is fast but also do well in cool and deep water. 

Rainbow Trout Spawning 

The spawning season starts in late winter or early spring and can go through early summer as well. During this time, the male Rainbow trout finds a shallow place with gravels or a clear water inlet/outlet. The female lays eggs there. Depending on the water temperature, hatching takes a few weeks to 4 months. After hatching, they keep themselves in hiding until they reach 2 to 3 years and then go into deep waters. 

Other names include steelhead, red-sides, River trout, and silver trout. Rainbow Trout are predators and mostly feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They also eat eggs, other rainbow trout, and even feast on leftover carcasses. 

Rainbow Trout Size and Weight 

A Rainbow trout can vary in length from 8 inches to 24 inches. The largest Rainbow trout was fished in Canada in 2009 and weighed 48 pounds. The average weight of the species is from 2 to 8 pounds. 

Is Rainbow Trout Good to Eat?

Rainbow trout is a popular fish among anglers and food enthusiasts alike.  It has a distinct pink flesh that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. 
Cooking rainbow trout can be done using various methods such as grilling, baking, or frying. When cooked properly, it offers a delicious and healthy meal option for those who enjoy seafood. The taste of rainbow trout is often described as mild with a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Rainbow trout contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for maintaining good health. These fatty acids have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and improving brain function.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch a Rainbow Trout

They can be found near gravelly shorelines in the river, or in a downstream flow. In summer, they go to cooler depths. It is recommended to fish rainbow trout during their feeding time, which can be at dusk or late evening. Best fishing techniques include: 

• Nymphing fly fishing
• Dry fly fishing for rising fish
• Emergers & Buggers fly fishing
• Keeping bait off the bottom
• Retrieving a bait
• Hanging lure below a bobber
• Drifting an artificial lure

Fly Fishing for Rainbow Trout

Fly fishing for rainbow trout is a thrilling and rewarding experience that many anglers dream of. Rainbow trout are one of the most popular game fish in North America, and fly fishing for them can be both challenging and exciting. Whether you are an experienced angler or new to the sport, fly fishing for rainbow trout is an activity that should be on your bucket list. 
To successfully fly fish for rainbow trout, it's important to understand their behavior and habitat. These fish prefer clear, cold water with good oxygen levels, so look for rivers or streams with these conditions. Rainbow trout also tend to feed on insects near the surface of the water, so using dry flies can prove effective. When choosing your equipment, consider using a lightweight rod between 7-9 feet in length with a weight rating of 3-5.

If you want to learn more about rainbow trout fly fishing, check the Guidesly Nymph Series of articles. Start with an introduction and progress thru techniques, tactics, flies, and trends.  

1. Introduction to Nymphing, Learn what is Nymphing, the art of fly fishing with a nymph
2. Basic Techniques of Nymphing, Learn the basic techniques involved with nymphing
3. Advanced Nymphing, Discuss the details of nymphing techniques
4. Top 10 Nymph Flies, See the top 10 nymph flies with fly-tying videos
5. Euro Nymphing, The latest trend in nymphing is European-style nymphing.
6. Trout of North America, Find your nymphing prey. Learn about the top 10 trout species in North America.

Rainbow Trout Baits and Lures 

Common baits and lures for rainbow trout are: 

• Spoons
• Spinners
• Plugs
• Worms
• Flies
• Roe
• Egg sac

What is the Difference Between Rainbow Trout & Steelhead Trout?

The key difference between rainbow trout and steelhead is where they live. They are actually the same species of trout and in many cases look very similar. A rainbow trout will stay in freshwater streams. The steelhead trout will leave freshwater and spend a portion of its life in saltwater until returning to its freshwater spawning grounds to breed. Steelhead can also be seen in great numbers in the Great Lakes and migrating, spawning in the many tributaries. 

What is Special About the Rainbow Trout?

The rainbow trout are indeed special and hold a special allure to fly fishing anglers around the globe. Rainbow trout are native to the United States and specifically west of the Mississippi River, primarily in the pacific northwest. Their distinctive pink, red and purple stripes along the sides of their silvery bodies make them easily recognizable. But what makes rainbow trout so special? There are several key factors that set them apart from other fish. 

1. Rainbow trout have an incredible ability to adapt to different environments. They can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, which is rare among fish species. This means they can be found in lakes, rivers, streams and even in the ocean. 
2. Rainbow trout have a well-deserved reputation for being strong fighters when caught on a fishing line. They are known for their acrobatic jumps and sudden bursts of energy that challenge even the most experienced anglers. 
3. They are often found in majestic rivers across the United States that are among the most beautiful places to visit. Fly fishing in the middle of nature if often therapeutic to the angler. 
4. Rainbow trout have been stocked in great numbers across the United States so almost every river and lake will have some rainbow trout. Many rivers have large populations after stocking introduction.

A Brief History of Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout has a long and fascinating history. Rainbow trout has a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s when it was first introduced to North America from Europe.  Belonging to the salmon family, it has been present on Earth for thousands of years. This species of fish is native to several regions of North America, as well as Eurasia, making it a versatile and widely found fish. Interestingly, the upper Columbia River was where scientists first described it to the scientific community in 1836.

North American Trout Family 

Trout are members of the family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes. The native trout family is closely related to salmon. A top fly fishing family of fish that are both tremendous game fish and tasty eating fish. Found in small streams, large rivers, and any trout stream with the right water temperature, aquatic insects, and clean water. The trout species is usually restricted to freshwater, though a few types migrate to the sea between spawnings. 

The Trout Species in North America: 

1. Rainbow Trout
2. Brown Trout
3. Brook Trout
4. Lake Trout
5. Steelhead Trout
6. Bull Trout
7. Cutthroat Trout (several species of cutthroat)
8. Apache Trout

Walleye

Walleye (Sander Vitreus) Description

Walleye are freshwater fish that is a part of the perch family. They are a very popular game fish for the angler in the regions where they are found, and also a favorite for the dining table. Walleye are long and thin and have a golden and olive coloring with white bellies. One predominant feature of the walleye is its eyes, which have a silver eyeshine called the tapetum lucidum.  This eyeshine greatly aids the walleyes when feeding in low-light conditions. 

Walleye Habitat and Distribution 

Walleye live in a wide range of habitats. In small to large rivers, to deep and shallow lakes. They are fairly particular to where they like to be in these bodies of water and see out sand, rock, or gravel bottoms. Walleye will usually stay deeper in the water column during daylight hours and use weeds, timber, or other structures for cover. In River systems, they will likely spend their daylight hours in deep holes and drop-offs, and move out into the shallows to seek forage during the lowlight period. Walleyes can tolerate water temperatures from 32 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but are most comfortable when water temperatures are at 70 degrees. Walleye are nocturnal creatures that feed in shallow waters at night. Adult walleye primarily consume other fish. Small crustaceans and insects, primarily mayflies, are eaten by young walleye.

Walleye are found in the Arctic south of Canada down to the Great Lakes region and east to the St. Lawrence systems. Lake Erie is a well-known home of walleye anglers and great walleye fishing. The Midwest and Canada are the most popular areas with the best fishing, but over decades the species has been introduced artificially into lakes and reservoirs all over North America. The breathtaking waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River have earned the title of "Walleye Capital of the World." It has some of the best fishing in the world, and anglers come here year after year in search of that elusive record catch.

Typical Size and Weight

Walleye are reasonably large fish with a sleek and conical body shapes and a mouth lined with sharp teeth. the adult walleye can grow to 30 inches or more in length and top out at around 20 pounds in weight. Females generally grow larger than males. 

Interesting Facts 

The Walleye also has a European counterpart, the zander, that looks very similar but the zander can grow much larger and can reach a weight of 40 plus pounds. 

The walleye can live for decades, with the oldest recorded fish being 29 years old. In areas with heavy fishing pressure however, Walleye usually don’t live past 5 or 6 years of age. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Walleye

Walleye can be a challenging game fish to pursue. Their location in a body of water and the tactics used to catch these fish can vary depending on certain times of the year. Walleye generally live at depths of 10 feet or greater, though in the spring and at night they can be found in shallow water areas. Freshwater fishing for walleye is best in the evening when minnow-style lures or jigs are fished near the bottom over rock piles or along the edges of weed beds.

Finding the fish is one of the biggest challenges for the walleye angler and the best place to start it by fishing structure. The angler should search multiple types of structure at varying depths to figure out where the walleye are on any given day. Be sure to check break lines, deep weed edges rock piles, and even in the middle of the basin for suspended schools of baitfish. With a little bit of time on water exploration, you will find the Walleye population.

Live bait is the key to successful Walleye catches such as minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches.  One of the best techniques is a live bait rig, to which you troll your lure slowly along the bottom. These rigs include a ¼ or a ½ pound sinker, a swivel, a 3 - 6 foot leader of a 6-pound fishing line, and a No. 4 or 6 hook.

Is Walleye Good to Eat

Walleye is a delicious fish making it a popular choice among seafood lovers. The mild, flaky texture of the fish along with its sweet, buttery flavor is enough to make anyone's mouth water. This makes walleye an excellent ingredient that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Whether you fry or grill it, walleye never fails to impress with its delicious taste. So, if you're looking for a healthy and tasty addition to your meals, walleye is definitely the way to go!

Walleye meat has a firm texture that holds up well to cooking methods such as grilling, frying, or baking. Its mild taste can be enhanced by seasoning it with herbs and spices or marinating it in your favorite sauce. Walleye also has low levels of mercury and other harmful contaminants, making it safe to eat regularly.
When preparing walleye, remove the skin and bones before cooking. This will give you a clean fillet.

However, it's not just its flavor that makes it so popular. Walleye is also a very nutrient-dense food that provides numerous health benefits. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium, all of which are essential for maintaining optimal health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health, while B vitamins play a crucial role in energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Selenium is an important mineral that helps protect against oxidative damage and supports the immune system. By adding Walleye to your diet, you not only get the pleasure of savoring a delicious meal but also the nutritional benefits that come along with it. So, go ahead and indulge in this delectable fish to keep your body healthy and functioning at its best.
 

White Bass

White Bass (Morone chrysops) Fish Description

Also known as Sand Bass or Silver Bass, the White Bass is a member of the Moronidae or Bass Family.

As its name suggests, the White Bass is primarily colored silvery-white to pale green. Its back is darker, but its belly and sides are white. The White Bass has narrow and dark stripes along the sides of its belly. It has rough scales that are distinctively big; it possesses two dorsal fins. Its body is compressed laterally.

To identify White Bass, look for a lateral line with around 51 to 60 scales. This species also has dorsal fins numbering 12 to 14; anal fin rays, 11 to 14; pectoral fin ray, 15 to 17; and 20 to 25 gill rakers. Another characteristic of the White Bass is its prominent tooth patch near the tip of its tongue.

Diet and Size

As a carnivorous feeder, the White Bass has at least four favorite major diet options: the leptodora, daphnia, cyclopoid copepods, and calanoid copepods. White Bass are visual feeders who will readily bite any live bait especially minnows and worms.

The White Bass can measure up to 10 to 12 inches in length; some are even recorded to have reached 18 inches. Generally, they weigh up to 7 pounds.

Interesting Facts About the White Bass

• The White Bass is Oklahoma’s state fish.
• The White Bass has gained acclaim as a significant sport fish in Manitoba since it was introduced there in the 1960s.
• The White Bass has a “fake” spinous ray. It also has a homocercal tail.
• Female White Bass lay around 240,000 to 930,000 eggs; they spawn from mid-March to late May.
• One unusual mating ritual among the White Bass is how males bump against the female’s abdomen. After that, the female goes near the surface to begin spinning and releasing eggs.

White Bass — Fishing Techniques

The White Bass is very popular among recreational anglers; in fact, this is the fifth most favored species among licensed fishers from Texas.

Once you sight a school of White Bass, make sure to use spinners or spoons along the water surface to entice them. One other common method of luring them is by using bottom fishing at night; you can also utilize live bait.

You can use small jigs as artificial lures; a 1/8 ounce marabou jig should do the trick. For best results, use jigs that are black or white. If you go for soft plastic lures, try the tube bait, or a small jig head with a curly tail grub. One other lure you can utilize is a small jig packed with soft plastic swimbaits; you can have either the 1/8 or ¼ ounce jigs.

Be careful because White Bass are known to be aggressive fighters. However, this struggle may be worth it because of its exceptional taste.

Note that every state may have some regulations as to the size, length, and other factors related to capturing this fish.

White Bass Habitat and Distribution

The White Bass are fairly distributed in the US, especially in the Midwest. They are plenty around Lake Erie and Pennsylvania. Most of the White Bass population are native to Lake Poinsett, Detroit River, Arkansas River, the Great Lakes, and the Red River drainage. They also inhabit the lakes in Winnebago, Wisconsin and the rivers in Mississippi.

This species generally inhabits big rivers and shallow rivers, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. They are often found upstream where there are high densities.