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Huron, Ohio

Locations to Fish

This is a general overview of some of the places I fish the most

I'm proud to say that I was born in, raised, and lived my entire life in the State of Ohio.  I have never lived more then an hour's drive from Lake Erie (A).   I have to admit, Lake Erie is one of the main reasons I love this state.  It goes without saying, if you visit Ohio and plan to fish, this would be your #1 destination.  The lake has world class fishing for Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Steelhead, and Yellow Perch.  Trying to name all of the fish species available would be too numerous to mention.  It isn't difficult to get onto the lake with many ports, marinas, and public launches all over the north coast of Ohio.  If you don't have a boat, the number of fishing charters is staggering.  Cost shouldn't even be an issue as headboats that run out of places like Port Clinton are very affordable.  I'm sure that I'm making my point very clear, get out fishing Lake Erie!  You will not be disappointed!  The next four locations are places that you can launch a boat out into Lake Erie, but also are good shorefishing destinations themselves.  Before I go any further though, I want to describe what CSS means as you will see it frequently on this page.  CSS stands for Common Shoreline Species, by using that acronym it saves me having to type the same species over and over at locations where the catches are quite similar.  The species making up CSS are Channel Catfish, Bullhead, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, White Perch, White Bass, Yellow Perch, and Round Goby.  Ok back to our destinations.  Metzger Marsh Pier (B)      extends pretty far into the lake.  You can park right where you fish on the channel should that appeal to you, even if you walk out on the pier parking is close.  The pier is "sidewalk" type groomed concrete for an easy walk.  Excellent location for those with limited mobility.  A long handled net is a necessity in my opinion at this location.  CSS fishing is fair with the Yellow Perch being exceptional at times.  The next spot is Mazurik Access (C) which shares similar type catches of Metzger.  This area not fished that heavily and generally plenty of room.  Not uncommon to be fishing solo. While the center is a sidewalk, irregular large rocks to navigate should you want to be at waters edge.  I don't fish Dempsey Access (D)  often, but would say it is very similar to Mazurik.  I can't stress enough how both Mazurik and Dempsey are far more known for being boat launches.  This means you can often relax with quite a bit of solitude.  The Catawba Island State Park (E) gets quite a bit more fishing attention.  While still a popular boat launch, this pier can get downright busy in the Summer months.  This pier shape is a bit different as it resembles more of a huge rectangle rather then a narrow long 'path'.  The rectangle is concrete and wall type edges to the water.  Long handled net is a necessity in my opinion.  The CSS catches will often include big Freshwater Drum that without a net will almost assuredly cause you to lose tackle.  Quite a bit of boat traffic, however, it does not seem to effect the fishing.  Along with CSS, I have caught Longnose Gar and both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.  The Round Gobies are especially bad at this location and I find trying to perch here almost impossible.  In the Fall, this is a very popular spot for the night Walleye bite.  Getting some prime pier real estate during that season can be tough.  Often arriving in the mid afternoon is the only way to be assured a decent spot.  Year round I do enjoy this pier and actually fish it the most when it isn't so popular.  Port Clinton City Pier (F) is a long time favorite.  I'm sure it has to do with the fact that I used to live in Port Clinton but this location does have some unique qualities.  Much of the shorefishing available area you can drive right up and fish.  Whether you choose to fish by the parking lot or walk out on the pier itself, you will have some large rocks to navigate to be at the waters edge.  Not that bad though at all.  The unique aspects include being a short walk from bait/tackle/food/drinks, and any other small town shopping you might want to do.  Or often shopping that a non - fisher person that you have brought along wants to do.  This is a good way to increase fishing time with that significant other occupied!  Additionally, there is quite a bit of boat traffic for people watching, including the Jet Express.  The boats don't effect the fishing and I often get drunken cheers when fighting a fish.  The passerbyers on foot tend to be tourists that ask a lot about the area fishing or locals quick to share fishing stories.  I really like the 'vibe' at this location.  CSS catches are abundant and generally easy.  Some of the drum catches are enormous.  You also can do well with bass at times.  Seasonally, the White Bass fishing can be exceptional.  I moved from Port Clinton to Huron and was happy to find the Huron City Boardwalk and Lighthouse Pier (G).  Basically, this is a mile plus stretch from the Huron Lighthouse that extends all the way into town.  I know this can be a hot spot for the night Walleye bite in the fall as well as decent Yellow Perch fishing at times.  Outside of that, expect standard CSS.  For the Walleye, most people attempt fishing at the furthest reaches of the pier.  I see the perch anglers all along the length of the pier and have had personal success without going very far down it.  In the Spring, I have had some very good luck catfishing here.  I have found utilizing nothing more then a nightcrawler tightlined off the bottom works fine.  Please note picture (7) is a portion of the 'Boardwalk' section near the boat basin.  This area is a groomed concrete sidewalk and at it's end you will have to walk or drive a short distance if you would like to conitune on to the pier extending out to the lighthouse.  As you near the lighthouse itself the groomed concrete sidewalk will revert to some large rocks.  These are level and not bad to navigate over.  I plan to fish this spot more since moving to Huron and getting even more familar with it.  The Old Bay Bridge (H) is like an urban fishing legend.  I hear a ton of stories of years past and leg sized catfish being caught there.  Myself, I do not have any stories of significant catches here.  I will say the CSS fishing is fine, and it is neat to see an abondoned road that extends into Sandusky Bay for the sole purpose of fishing.  This area does get fished pretty hard, but due to the magnificent size, you can always find plenty of elbow room.  Please email me if you happen to have some of those old pictures showing the monster fish, would love to have proof of the stories!  I also want to mention that in the town of Bayview you can fish the opposite end of the Old Bay Bridge.  Many people know about the Marblehead Lighthouse (I) as a tourist destination.  What many folks don't know is that there can be some decent fishing at it.  The huge smooth rocks can be fished from either on shore or walked out onto, into the water.  I caution about going into the water as these rocks can be very slippery as well as there can be a considerable undercurrent.  Bring a long rod to get out a ways from shore as it usually is just a Gobyfest closer in.  The best time of year for this spot is the Fall where perch can be caught as well as night bite Walleye.  Summer hasn't yielded me much at all as far as notable catches.  This is the end of my first batch of locations I enjoy fishing.

I love fishing at reservoirs and the Fostoria Reservoirs (J)  are some of the better ones for catching fine numbers of quality fish.  There are a total of six with the #6, Veteran's Memorial being my favorite.   I have done well catching crappie at it, which is why I call it my favorite in the series.  It also is the one I chose to picture in photo (J).  Fishing pressure is average and I would never call it 'busy'.  Reservoir #1 is also worth mentioning as it recieves Rainbow Trout stockings.  This one is called Lake Daugherty and those trout can make this small reservoir get substantial pressure.  Both of these reservoirs fish well all throughout the year and at times can be as popular or more popular on the hard water.  If you are in the area, these reservoirs are worth giving a shot.  

This is only the beginning of this page.  I will be adding MANY more entries.

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