It’s Artificial Lure reporting from the Cleveland Lake Erie shoreline, and let me tell ya, today’s fishing is all about riding the edge between late fall and early winter action. Weather-wise, we’re waking up to brisk northwest winds, steady at 15 to 25 knots, and gusting up to 30 in some stretches. The National Weather Service has that Small Craft Advisory running strong, so if you’re taking a boat out, double check your gear and watch those waves—this morning it’s 4 to 7 feet out by Avon Point and Willowick, and things should lay down to 2 to 4 feet by sunset according to the open lake forecast. Water temps are holding at 51°F off Cleveland, and after last night’s mix of rain and even some stray snow, it’s a chilly one.
Sunrise hit at 7:19 AM today and you’ll be losing daylight quick, so plan to wrap by the 5:07 PM sunset. As for the not-so-lucky folks in Erie PA and Crawford County, Hoodline reports they’re under a nasty lake effect snow advisory, but here in Cleveland proper, just bundle up for steady cold and possible squalls moving along the lakeshore.
Now to the important stuff—what’s biting, and where should you be? Steelhead trout are the big ticket right now. Local anglers have been putting up good numbers in the Rocky River, especially after those rain and snow events trigger the run. The Cleveland Metroparks points out the Rocky is one of the nation’s top steelhead spots. Fish are getting pulled mostly on dime-sized spawn sacs, skein under a float, or small pink and chartreuse jigs tipped with maggots or wax worms. If you’re tossing hardware, stick with silver-bladed spinners or smaller crankbaits—blue and chrome, or pink and gold if the water’s got that classic winter stain.
For those banking it along the lakefront, Edgewater Park near the breakwalls and E. 55th Street Marina are prime. In these colder temps, the bite has shifted later—midday when things warm up a hair has seen the most action. Reports from tackle shop regulars say a few lingering walleye are being picked at first and last light, with blade baits like Vib-E’s in firetiger or purple descent getting the nod. Live minnows under a slip float are still taking bonus yellow perch for the patient. If you find a school, you’re in for a bucketful.
If lake conditions keep you from launching, branch out to the Cuyahoga River mouth or check out the warmwater discharge at the East 72nd Street Power Plant—these spots always draw fish late in the season.
Best lures today? Steelhead are loving 1/32 to 1/16 oz marabou jigs, white or pink in clear water, darker heads if it’s muddy. Crankbaits like Rapala Countdowns or Little Cleos are snagging fish where you’ve got room to cast. For bait, you can’t beat fresh spawn sacs or live emerald shiners if you have ‘em.
A couple hotspots not to miss: The Rocky River at the marina access (plenty of bank space and cover), and the east breakwall at E. 72nd—classic for both steelhead and a surprise bonus walleye. If you’re after perch, try the end of the Gordon Park breakwall.
That’s the scoop for today, November 17, 2025. Thanks for tuning in to your local Lake Erie fishing report—remember to subscribe for more tips, tricks, and updates from your guy, Artificial Lure.
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