Lake Erie Smallie Fishing

[Gerry Zagorski]

Just got back from a camping trip to Finger Lakes and Western NY and did a half day charter with the family out of Buffalo targeting Smallmouth. Fishing was a little off since the Smallies were in a transition period just after the spawn. Apparently the females move off the beds and into deeper waters while the males stay on the beds to protect their young. Our guide said we could have caught tons of fish in the shallows inside Buffalo Harbor but this time of year they frown of fishing shallow so they don't disturb the males. obs.

We caught a half dozen of smallies and some huge fresh water Drum. The biggest smallie was 4 pounds pictured here and the drums we're around 6 or 7 pounds and fought like hell.

A fun trip but if you plan to fish up there the best time is apparently May.