Erie Smallmouth, if you had the choice

[Fishhog]

I have a good friend that wants to come up and fish the spring bite for Smallmouth.  April 23/24 or May 14/15, which would you choose?  This will be a catch and release trip.  Just wanting opinions on the dates, and any reasons why.  Also, we will be fishing around the islands, and the Huron area.  I am leaning towards the May dates, because of more stable weather, but can do either.  I just want to get him on the best bite.  Thanks for your replies.      

[djkimmel]

The earlier date could bring you some toads but also a real tough, deep bite so your odds are better for the May dates when you should have lots of options including on depth with some shallower fishing possible for big prespawn fish.

[Got Fish??]

I agree  with Dan. The latter, the better as far as weather conditions , water temps. Some guys start as soon  as the season opens and do vary well. These guys are veterans  on big water, and if your not familiar  with big water. You can get in too some pretty  sticky weather  and water conditions .

[Skulley]

Right now until we see a change in the season for bass in Michigan, opening day for catch and release will be April 25, 2015 which is the last Saturday in April. You will only be able to fish Michigan water. Bass in Canada doesn't open until late June. That said you should probably go to St. Clair. Much more water to fish and I think you will get more out of your trip here. There are more options for you if you're coming on the April date. May 14 and 15 are a Thursday and Friday. I would still vie for St. Clair. More options if the weather gets questionable and St. Clair shines in the spring.

I like Erie better in the late summer through fall. A lot happens there at that time of year. I do fish it in the spring but St. Clair is my first choice in the spring. That's just personal preference. Although if your going to Erie in the spring and you're going to put in at Ohio, that's a different animal. Season is open there on the dates you mention April 23/24. Lots of options there.

BD.                      

[Fishhog]

I run Erie all the time, mostly for Walleye though.  I haven't fished the smallie bite in a long time.  We take some real pigs up here in April early when searching new areas for Walleye from time to time, just have never stopped and tried to get on them.  I wasn't sure how stabile the bite in April was.  Kinda what I thought.  I came to the experts to find out.  I have been mulling the St. Clair bite over as well, but my friends are coming out of Beckley WV.  Long drive for them to Huron, let alone another 2-3 hours to St. Clair.  I have a trip scheduled over there a couple of weeks later and I am really looking forward to that.  If you see a Red Starcraft 2050 stx, with OH numbers, and big grins on our faces, that will probably be me.  Keep your hooks sharp fellows!  Thanks again for the information.   

[fiker]

I agree with Bigdog.

I usually find that in a typical year, I do better in May on Clair than in April.

It all depends on water temperatures for me. 

[GlennD]

Fishhog we go to Erie every May right after Mothers Day and stay at Put in Bay. We walleye fish & smallie fish. The smallie fishing around the islands then is nothing short of spectacular !! Tubes,Poor Boys,Jerkbaits,Drop Shot all do it. The harbor of S Bass is all you'd have to fish if you wanted but you have Rattlesnake,Ballast,around Middle and N Bass it's crazy !! I hope you chose the May dates  Good Luck