Reel in the Bounty: Lakeshore Fishing Report for Northeast Ohio

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Erie and Cleveland area fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

We’re looking at a prime early summer day on the big lake. Sunrise kicked off at 5:52 a.m. and you’ll have all the way till 9:03 p.m. to soak up those long daylight hours, perfect for squeezing in an evening bite. Weather today is classic northeast Ohio—partly cloudy, highs pushing up toward the mid-to-upper 70s, and a light southwest wind, keeping things comfortable for both the boaters and those casting from shore, according to the latest National Weather Service marine forecast. The water off Cleveland’s sitting at a brisk 55 degrees, so watch for pockets of warmer water to hold active fish.

Lake Erie doesn’t have true tides, but we are seeing those typical summer fluctuations—just enough movement nearshore to draw bait and keep the predators close. Boat anglers are finding fair-to-moderate lake conditions, with a slight chop in the morning that should settle as the day goes on. Always keep an eye out for sudden weather changes—Erie’s mood can shift quick, so check your marine radio before heading out.

Fishing action is running hot this week. Walleye continue to dominate the headlines, especially with limits being reached by many boats trolling in 40-45 feet of water during the day. Best results are coming to those running crankbaits and spoons off divers, with top picks being Bandit Walleye Deep, Perfect 10s, and smaller spoons in blue and chrome patterns. The nighttime bite is still on fire along the Cleveland shoreline, especially from Edgewater east to the E72nd Street breakwall. Shallow plugs trolled in 7-15 feet between sundown and midnight are producing big numbers—don’t forget your headlamp and a net with a long handle.

Yellow perch action is picking up near the harbor mouths. Anglers are catching quality jumbos with spreaders and crappie rigs baited with emerald shiners; mornings seem to be the most productive. Remember, the daily limit for perch in the Central Zone—which covers Cleveland—is 10 fish per angler, so keep it selective.

Bass fishing is solid both in the harbor and near rocky structures along the shore. Largemouth and smallmouth are hitting swimbaits, jigs, and finesse drop shot rigs. Focus around the marina rock piles or the river mouths, especially early and late in the day.

For a couple of hot spots:
- E72nd Street breakwall is a walleye magnet at night.
- Rocky River mouth and Edgewater Park are producing nice mixed bags of smallmouth and perch.

Reports from the Cleveland Metroparks and FishUSA highlight that a few bonus steelhead and even some channel catfish are still being caught around tributary mouths and harbors.

That’s the latest from your local Lake Erie scene. Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a fishing update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.