Late Summer Walleye, Perch & Smallmouth on Lake Erie Near Cleveland

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here bringing you today’s fishing report for Lake Erie and the Cleveland shoreline on August 17, 2025.

The sun rose at 6:28 AM and it’s shaping up to be a classic late-summer day on the big lake. Weather’s starting out mild, with a light east wind that’ll build as the morning goes on. National Weather Service Cleveland reports we’re looking at 1-3 foot waves and a chance of a passing thunderstorm later today, so monitor the skies and keep your gear ready for any quick changes. Sunset tonight is set for 8:23 PM.

The fishery is still firing on all cylinders. According to FishUSA, the walleye bite continues strong, especially in deeper water—most catches have been coming from 70 feet and beyond, with bigger fish sitting below that thermocline. There’s plenty of action for those trolling leadcore, divers, and running snap weights to get down deep. Lures like MoonEye body baits—those bright Canadian-made jobs—are producing great results for walleye this week, especially in bright chartreuse or purple, according to Erie & Creek Tackle. Don’t overlook the Berkley Flicker Minnow either, which performed well at Battle on the Bay up by Dunkirk; it’s just as effective off Cleveland when fish are suspended.

Recent charters—like those from BlackH2oDog and K2 Charters—have reported limit catches of walleye with plenty of keepers in the mix and some bonus steelhead picked up trolling deeper water. Perch numbers are climbing, especially with the lake settling after last weekend’s flip. For perch, stick to shiners or cut minnows on drop-shot rigs around rocky humps or near the reef edges. Early morning and dusk remain the magic hours.

If you’re a bass angler, Bass Fishing Daily’s weekend podcast reminds us that the breakwalls near Edgewater and the docks around E. 55th are holding big smallmouth. Try finesse presentations—Ned rigs, tube jigs in green pumpkin, or drop-shotting smaller plastics. A New Moon last night means tides are negligible, but it’s increasing fish activity at dawn.

A couple hot spots for today’s outing:
* “72-Foot Ridge” straight off the mouth of the Cuyahoga—walleye are stacked deep here, and charters are pulling quick limits.
* “Gordon Park Breakwall”—perch are biting all along the rocks, with easy access from shore and plenty of parking.
* “Cleveland Crib”—this offshore structure is a magnet for big summer smallmouth chasing shad and for steelhead prowling the cold currents.

Bait shops across town suggest carrying both live shiners for perch and a selection of body baits and spoons for walleye. If the water muddies up with rain, switch to gold or firetiger patterns. Don’t forget your Ohio fishing license and a cooler for your catch.

As always, keep safety first—Lake Erie can turn in a heartbeat. Stay tuned for weather updates and bring your PFDs.

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