Looking for Yellow Gold (the good, the bad and the ugly) 9-9-2026

[Water Dog]

Finally got out today after plenty of shore duties.
Late start, and to g can, closer to shore not much in the way of waves but out at g can bouncy. two small perch and one small white perch.

Went to h can, noting not bouncy, but no bites.

Went east from h can and again, no bites.

goldies spreaders no bling

so the good is a safe trip, the bad is no yellow gold and the ugly is I will probable back tomorrow!

anyway, I think or hope that once the water starts to cool down the big fish will be back.

be safe,
Water Dog

[Guzzy]

I went out in a similar area Monday 9/07 with 4 of us catching only 19 total. Winds out of the east at 10-15, waves building to 2'-3'. I noticed a head boat I think Sassy Sal moved toward us about 4 miles out. Guy at bait store said it's been bad fishing but slightly better Sunday 9/06.

[marty]

Water Dog, I fished this lake longer than you. What was a Great Lake is no longer. If you think the truth would be told, no one would fish. Man destroyed this lake with lampreys, zebra mussels, mud puppies and gobies. Minnow population is nonexistent. Walleyes eat the perch. Fishfinders do not lie. fish population is weak. Definitely not from overfishing.

[itsbob]

There were plenty of perch back in the 80 and a large walleye population.Commercial overfishing is almost always the number one reason a population crashes.

[Water Dog]

9-10-2026



Well caught this big boy today at G can!

and many smalls , and several very young walleye, all returned unharmed.

and one sheep head,

spreaders and goldies,

back soon,

Water Dog

[stampman]

add many people if it has an a-hole and a mouth it goes in the bucket. I fish a lake for crappie and it almost die until the put a size limit and numbers. Also enforce it.

[Water Dog]

Water Dog, I fished this lake longer than you. What was a Great Lake is no longer. If you think the truth would be told, no one would fish. Man destroyed this lake with lampreys, zebra mussels, mud puppies and gobies. Minnow population is nonexistent. Walleyes eat the perch. Fishfinders do not lie. fish population is weak. Definitely not from overfishing.

Well I have been fishing Lake Erie since 1974, started with my Dad and I fishing from an 18 foot wooden Thompson, worked more on the boat than fishing from it.

Lake Erie is an environment that is ever changing like the rest of our world. The green algae could be added to your list.

However, I have cleaned most of my catch so I can see what they are actually eating. For the Yellow Gold, I find many gobies, spiny fleas, may flies and yes small zebra mussels. So some of the invasive species have actually become part of the food source.

The walleye catch this year was good I put away 36 in the freezer. I drift for them and love to feel the bite.

I think there is some concern in the community here, that the commercial fishing has the biggest impact on the fish populations. And maybe an overpopulation of Walleye eating the young perch.

I have put away many yellow gold in the last 4 seasons and this one is unique in that I am struggling just like the other fishermen this year.

I don't feel the Lake is destroyed, as much as it is evolving like the we all do when the environmental factors make man adapt.

Thank you for your comments,
Be Safe
Water Dog