Below is our fishing report for Feb 2025. Most people are ice fishing, with some fishing open water around river mouths. Keeping the extended forecast in mind, it looks like ice fishing will be around for a least a couple more weeks! Picture attached is from 10 Feb 2025.
Disclaimer: Only you can decide if the the ice fishing on Lake Erie is right for you. No ice is safe ice.
Walleye Fishing
Walleye fishing has remained OK when the ice is good shape. People have been getting out around Catawba and South Bass Island. There are a few individuals heading out of Port Clinton beach as well. If you head out of Port Clinton, just be aware the river has open water and is flowing. Always go with a buddy and only you can decide if the ice is OK. There have already been rescues this year off Catawba.
Port Clinton and Catawba: The bite remains offshore for the most part, unless you are fishing at night. If you are fishing at night, walleye can be caught as close as Catawba dock. Right now, most ice fishermen (not on South Bass), are heading out of Catawba and Port Clinton to the first crack. With the winds and currents lately, that is the only place to fish. Anglers are reaching about 18′-22′ deep. They are catching fish, but not limits in most cases.
South Bass Island: Anglers are heading West out of the state park, toward Green Island. There is deep water there and the ice is in good shape for now. Remember, you can either hire an airboat or fly to the island and fish. There is no ice access from mainland at this time, the ice is very spotty.
Perch Fishing
Perch fishing has remained excellent on the Canadian shores. Long Point has been the place to be. They are catching perch and walleye in this area. You may not catch a limit in this area, but they are there!
East Harbor: There are perch to be had through the ice at East Harbor. You have to get away from the bluegill though. Target areas that have holes in the weeds, or close to the channel. That will increase your chances of catching perch instead of bluegill.
Steelhead
The rivers have opened back up this past week. Anglers were able to get out and catch some steelhead. We personally fished the Vermilion River and did well around bacon woods. If you head out before they lock up again, be aware there are large ice shoves to navigate.
Hopefully, this report wil help you catch more fish this month. Remember, if you are going ice fishing always take a buddy or group of people. Only you can determine if the ice is good.