I would think the largemouth fishing should pick up by mid september but would like to know if any smallmouths come back into the bay as the water cooles down.

Thats the bay at Eerie right? I'll be giving it a shot soon. We live in Rochester, NY and the wife's family is in Toldedo, OH. I'm searching for a campground somewhere along the way to stay over night, and put in a few hours slammin bass!!! Let me know of anyplaces you'd recommend.

I have never seen it happen. you will still find resident smallies there though! And you should be able to be spankin em now!!!

There are very very few resident smallmouths in Erie Bay, so few that is almost pointless to target them after the beginning of July.

I have fished the bay often in the fall, have also fished numerous October tournaments there. I have never see a smallmouth brought in.

However, you can catch them just outside the bay in the main lake. I did see a Fishers of Men tournament won with smallmouths that came from just outside the "chute" leading from the bay to the main lake.

bassinleo,   The last time I was at PIB I did make a run along the shore just east of the chute. The bottom seemed to be sandy with a few areas with breakwater rocks sticking out of the water. Are the smallmouths attracted to structure or baitfish? most of the time the lake conditions won't let me get out to far but would appriciate any info on any structure or how far down the shore I can find smallies.

Good to hear from you again!

Gary

bassinleo, The last time I was at PIB I did make a run along the shore just east of the chute. The bottom seemed to be sandy with a few areas with breakwater rocks sticking out of the water. Are the smallmouths attracted to structure or baitfish? most of the time the lake conditions won't let me get out to far but would appriciate any info on any structure or how far down the shore I can find smallies.

Good to hear from you again!

Gary

Bug, if your talking about in front of Lampe Marina and the "Hammermill" stacks, then yes, you can find smallies there.

It is kinda tough this time of year, they're kinda scattered, but once that water starts to cool you can catch them within sight of the chute and with more consistency.