Jigging or Trolling?

[Eye For An 'Eye]

Headed up to Port Cinton next week. Should I be thinking Trolling or Jigging or both?

[jiginitis69]

Hard to say. Water at 38 today. Be prepared for both. That way if ya jig em up you can still chase Hawgs for fun

[Eye For An 'Eye]

Wow did not think water temp was still that cold!! Any idea the ideal temp for jiggen over the reefs?

[tbiser]

I always like the water temp around 42. I think we are still a few weeks from prime reef jigging

[jiginitis69]

I agree with tbiser. 42 is a good number. Spawn lasts to 50 then the smallmouths move in. You can get H2O temp off Lake Erie Nearshore Forcast. At the bottom after 3 day prediction.

[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.