Lake Erie Fishing Report: Walleye, Perch, and Bass Bites Heat Up for June 18, 2025

Good morning from the Lake Erie shoreline—this is Artificial Lure, bringing you your Cleveland area fishing report for June 18, 2025.

Sunrise hit us early at 5:52 a.m. this morning, with anglers already working the waters as birds broke the dawn quiet. Sunset tonight will roll in at 9:03 p.m., giving us a long stretch of productive light. Weather-wise, we’re looking at partly cloudy skies, temps in the mid-70s, and light winds out of the northwest—ideal for both boaters and those casting from shore. Lake conditions are reported fair to moderate—there’s a gentle chop, so keep an eye on sudden changes, especially as Erie can flip quick this time of year.

Let’s talk tides and water levels. While Lake Erie isn’t tidal in the ocean sense, slight fluctuations can alter nearshore fishing. Today, expect normal summer levels—just enough movement to keep baitfish in the shallows and predator fish on the prowl.

Fish activity is high as we head deeper into June. According to the Cleveland Metroparks and reports from area anglers, walleye are the big ticket right now. Daytime bites have been solid in 40-45 feet of water, with folks trolling plugs and spoons on divers pulling in limits by late morning. The night bite remains hot in 7-15 feet—trolling shallow plugs like the Bandit or Perfect 10 after dusk is the way to go, especially around rocky points and breakwalls. Don’t forget, the daily limit for walleye in Ohio waters is still 6 per angler, with a 15-inch minimum.

Yellow perch fishing is picking up, especially from the harbor entrances out to about 30 feet. Perch spreaders tipped with emerald shiners (live or salted, if you can get them) are all you need. Remember, perch limit in Central Erie, which covers Cleveland, is 10 per angler—so choose your spots wisely.

Bass anglers are seeing a mix of smallmouth and largemouth, with smallies slowing but largemouth getting more aggressive in the bays and along weedy edges. Drop shot rigs with smaller swimbaits, or jigs tipped with creature baits, are both producing well.

Steelhead season is tailing off, but you might still hook into a straggler near the mouths of Rocky and Chagrin rivers, especially on spoons or drifting spawn sacs.

As for hotspots: Edgewater Park and E72nd/Gordon Park are still top spots for walleye and perch. For bass, check out the marina mouths or target the breakwalls near East 55th—just be respectful of boaters and always wear your PFD.

Before you go, make sure to check weather updates, as Lake Erie’s mood can change in a hurry. And as always, practice good stewardship—pack out what you pack in, and keep our legendary lake thriving.

Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe for all the latest updates, hot baits, and fish tales. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out quietplease.ai.