Lake Erie Fishing Charters & Guides

Lake Erie Fishing Charters

Among the Great Lakes are five lakes: Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. While fishing is great on each of the Great Lakes, there’s something special about the southernmost, Lake Erie. The International Border between Canada and the United States runs along the middle of the lake. On the northern Canadian side is the Ontario Peninsula, while U.S. states Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York run along the western, southern, and eastern shores. It’s the fourth largest by surface area (larger only to Lake Ontario) and is the shallowest among the Great Lakes. The deepest point of Lake Erie reaches 210 feet deep, but the average depth is only about 62 feet. Because the lake is very shallow, the water will freeze when the temperatures drop. Ice fishing becomes a possibility for anglers willing to brave the cold. A local guide will make sure the conditions are safe and have all the gear you need for a great day on the ice. Because ice fishing is available, Lake Erie is considered open to fishing all year round.

Fishing Lake Erie

Without a doubt, Lake Erie has one of the best fishing grounds in the world. Again, the shallow water levels help the lake to stand out among the rest. The shallow depths mean the water temperatures stay mild, allowing for plankton to survive, which leads to fish eating heartily, growing big and spawning more. Lake Erie’s fish population is estimated to account for 50% of all Great Lakes fisheries. Among the fish targeted here are walleye, perch, steelhead, smallmouth bass, sturgeon, pike, trout, salmon, and many more. The time of year you are fishing will determine what you may find at the end of the line. From the western basin near Ohio, to the New York shoreline, Lake Erie guides can get the drag screaming on your next charter. No matter where you fish this Great Lake, we recommend hiring a local fishing charter. There’s too much variety with species and locations to get specific here, and they will know exactly where to go to get you on the fish. Generally, walleye and perch are the top targeted species. Walleye (also called yellow pike) are long and slender with green and yellow stripes on the sides and a white belly. Perch are also green and yellow with stripes on the sides, but they are not as long and thin as walleyes. Summer is the best season for your Lake Erie walleye or perch fishing excursion. Smallmouth bass is another desired fish on Lake Erie, especially along the New York coastline. Smallmouth bass (nickname “smallie”) usually weigh between 2 and 4 pounds, but anglers have caught some in the 5 to 7 pound range as well. They are a green-brown color and known as an aggressive fighter. Spring season brings them out in good numbers and anglers are usually ready for the fight. As the waters warm up, the bass move from the shoreline to the deeper water reefs. Fishing Lake Erie is always a great time. Typically charters will run six hour trips, this gives your group plenty of time to get to the fishing grounds and get the rods bending. The technique you’ll use will depend on what rig set-up your captain has on the boat. Some will troll several lines in the water using downriggers, or you’ll bottom fish the basin drop-offs. Make sure to tell your guide if you have a preference in technique; they are typically happy to accommodate customers’ requests.

Visiting Lake Erie

Thousands of visitors head to the shores of Lake Erie throughout the year. Whether you’re in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or New York, there’s an access point nearby. Michigan may have a small portion of shoreline along Lake Erie, but the Detroit River actually provides 80% of the water flow to the lake. Anglers will typically fish both in one day, heading down the river into the western basin of Lake Erie. The walleye fishing grounds here are out of this world, and confirms the nickname “Walleye Capital of the World.” The long stretch of coastline along Ohio provides plenty of opportunities to access the lake. There are multiple ports where captains launch from, including Fairport Harbor, Ashtabula, Sandusky, Toledo, and Cleveland to name a few. On the eastern side of Lake Erie, New York and Pennsylvania anglers have access from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Erie respectively. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy this section of Lake Erie as there are several campsites along the shore and travelers can enjoy swimming, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, and of course fishing.

Book A Lake Erie Fishing Charter

Don’t wait, reserve your Lake Erie fishing charter before the boat is booked. We can practically guarantee that it’s a memory-making adventure for your group. Whether it’s a family reunion, bachelor party, corporate event, or family vacation - fishing Lake Erie is a bonding event. Find the best trip for the right price with FishAnywhere.com, and book your fishing trip today!