Jigging or Trolling?

[gregnwtf]

Prime water temps for jigging during the spawn start about 40. PEAK temp is 47. This will last for at least a month for jigging. Friday the water temp around Wild Wings was about 36. Mid 40s and a nice period of weather is key for a good catch rate or your best opportunity for having the walleye in the right mood. We will jig right into the mid 50 degree water temps in early May. Everybody has their favorite week, water temp and some follow the moon phase. We have those that say they always want to fish the middle of April or the 3rd Saturday of May.
Mid 40's water temps in the middle time of the month with a period of stable weather is the best bet if you want the "Best Time to Fish" answer. Everyday is always alittle different on Erie, so you never know what tomorrow will bring.

[fishin2]

Everyday is a good day to fish Erie, some just a little better than others, won't be long now. Just hope Mother Nature gives us a nice slow weather pattern not oa roller coaster, cause I'm more than ready too. Mike

[BossHogg]

I like to troll, but will default to jigging if to rough to troll.

[SteelEyes]

Some good resources for water temp (and other) data, note the second link uses satellite imagary to calculate surface temp, not temp probes in the lake:

http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/

http://coastwatch.msu.edu/twoeries.html

[tbiser]

If you are traveling to erie I would wait till that magic number of around 45. I know how it is to travel and not catch much.

[Eye For An 'Eye]

If you are traveling to erie I would wait till that magic number of around 45. I know how it is to travel and not catch much.

Thnaks for the info as I live in Columbus and that will save fuel and land and by sea!!

[tbiser]

From what i'm being told by a couple of captains its still slow. They are telling me it could be mid april till jigging on the reefs are hot