noaa reports. usually wrong

[great gricey]

I went out last night after looking at the report on the noaa site - it said waves 1 ft or less. Bull____ I was in 4 footers within 1/2 mile. Next time I am going to go directly to the lake and look. So many times the site said that the lake was calm. Is this usual?

[Fishfry08]

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/LE/146.html




I do use this site as a starting point. Besides the report, I look at the actual wave height at the Buoy's.

Agreed, often times the reports are inaccurate and you need to look at the lake or request a wave report on your radio from a fellow boater if you are unsure.

[shouldn't have]

Ahhh, the good ole weather reports. Lake Erie is always a mystery when it comes to predicting the waves. If your boat is not big enough to handle 3-5's at any point in time, then you should be paying attention to the weather constantly and checking the lake before you head. I boated the last 10 years with an 18' open bow. Most of the time everything was good. Got caught a couple of times in water that made me somewhat uncomfortable. I was finally able to set up to a 28', but I still really watch the weather.

Anyway, before I go out, I check a couple of different sources.
My favorite site is this one. This link goes to 5 miles north of Eastlake, but you can click anywhere.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php

Second Favorite
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ndfd/graphic...eWeek.php#tabs

Then I check the open water forecast
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Foreca...US61.KCLE.html

And finally I go to weather.com and check out the hourly forecast paying attention to the forecasted wind speed.

When all else fails, check the lake yourself or stay home!

Hope these links help.
Scott

[assassin]

Listened to 3 different local TV stations over the weekend and heard 3 dif. reports. Besides NOAA,I look at the lake- http://www.qsl.net/n8kt or www.lakevision.com and pick your closest loc. After all that,still not sure. But good day Sat.-perch limit N of Geneva in 63ft. an 4 eyes betw the 59-01N line/57-54lineW-dipsys 2setting @ 200ft. DEEEP!

[MBLMIKE]

Same problem small boat and a real big lake . so I have become friends with several bait stores that also run charter services I call them in advance of my trip and get there advice on going out in my boat you cant beat an eye witnesses to the current conditions . I buy my bait and tackle from these guys to keep them around .

[great gricey]

Thanks for the sites. I especially like the lakevision.com - nice to see the lake before I hook up the boat and drive there. Lake Erie can be a scary place at times. . . .

[Lmoore24]

Thanks for the great information! I always went with noaa as the "bible" of forecasts. It's nice to have other sites to check.

[Fishfry08]

Went out Saturday morning about 9:00 a.m.
Looked up the Noaa lake forecast on the net and it coincided with the local news station, 1-3 footers. By noon, I was easily in 5 footers directly out of the east, some maybe bigger.

[Capt. Willy]

First of all I will say that being in 8-12 footers in a 22 foot boat is not
fun. I been there. What makes the waves high is a big temperature change.
not just wind. I think that must be how they predict it. So if you notice the
temperature staying steady, could be time to go get some fish.
Since the lake is close to where I boat, most of the time I look first. Last
Sunday I thought it may be good enough to go out as the mid day was warming up. I went and looked, there were white caps and several people out. I did
not go. There will be a smooth day.
How I ended up in big waves? I was catching fish and just kept saying to myself just one more after every fish. It was very hard to bait the hook but they were biting. I know better now.
Bill.

[the fisherman]

i would like to go out sunday oct 3, but i cant trust the reports on the internet... any one seen the lake latly, i would appreciate it if you could give me an idea of what the lake is gonna be like