Fall fishing is upon us! Water temperatures are on the way back down and fishing is really starting to heat up. Water temp is below 65 degrees and that means the fish are starting to move into fall patterns. Walleyes have been very productive lately with a jig and larger minnows. Small mouth have been on fire lately as well. Tube jigs, jigs and minnows, jigging raps, large plastics along the shore all have been producing many trophy quality fish. Perch have started to move into shallower areas again and seems like there are a lot of quality fish being caught. One thing i have noticed this week is guys are still fishing mid summer locations and techniques, don’t be afraid to change it up and try something different.
The small mouth are beginning to school up again and you can find them relating to structure next to deep water. Breaks, points and deep channel edges are all places to find them. If you’re able to get on top of a school try a Ripping Rap or similar body bait and hang on tight. Don’t be afraid to get them with a jig and a minnow either. These are the days of 50+ fish in an afternoon and the weather looks like it is going to provide plenty of days to get out and fish.
Perch are biting on both worms and minnows, all though most days lately I would say the minnows are out catching worms. A classic crappie rig or panfish spreader is a simple and easy way to catch perch. They work great from fishing piers of off the side of a boat.
Fish Lake Ashtabula 