Lake Erie Fishing Guide By Section, Season, Hotspot, and Articles
Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass), walleye, yellow perch, white bass, drum, crappie, steelhead trout, lake trout, and bluegill are among the sought-after fish species that attract fishermen to Lake Erie. The Lake Erie region is renowned for its steelhead fishing in both the lake and its tributaries; and, fishing in Lake Erie in general offers opportunities to target other popular game fish species.
With a mix of natural beauty, recreational fishing opportunities, Lake Erie continues to be a favorite fishing spot in New York State.
Lake Erie, the southernmost and smallest by water volume among the Great Lakes, is a significant body of water known for its fishing opportunities. The lake spans an impressive 241 miles across and extends 57 miles from north to south, covering just under 10,000 square miles with an extensive shoreline of 871 miles.
Connected to Lake Huron by way of the Detroit River, Trenton Channel, and Lake St. Clair and further linked to Lake Ontario through the Niagara River, Lake Erie plays a vital role in the Great Lakes system. Its strategic location contributes to the dynamic nature of its waters and the rich biodiversity it sustains. The lake’s average depth of about 62 feet, with a maximum depth of 210 feet, distinguishes Lake Erie as the shallowest among the Great Lakes.
Western Basin
The Western Basin of Lake Erie is known for its shallow waters and fertile spawning grounds, making it a prime location for sport fishing. Fishermen frequent this area for the abundance of species like walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, and freshwater drum. The relatively shallow depths and nutrient-rich waters support healthy populations of these sought-after game fish.
Central Basin
Extending from the western end of the lake to Fairport Harbor in Ohio, the Central Basin is deeper and cooler compared to the Western Basin. This section of Lake Erie offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, yellow perch, steelhead trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. The deep waters and varied underwater terrain attract fishermen year-round, especially during the spring fishing and fall migrations seasons.
Lake Erie’s western Pennsylvania waters hold two parallel underwater valleys known as the Trenches. The first trench begins at 55 feet deep, plummets to over 70 feet, then levels out at around 60 feet. Roughly a mile north lies the deeper second trench, mirroring the first in its profile. At the Ohio border, these trenches merge, marking the division between the central and eastern lake basins. Their depths attract diverse fish, including walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch, making them popular fishing grounds.
Eastern Basin
The Eastern Basin of Lake Erie, stretching from Fairport Harbor to the lake’s eastern end at Buffalo, NY, features a mix of shallow and deep waters. Anglers target species such as walleye, yellow perch, steelhead trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and white bass in this region. The diverse habitats and productive fishing grounds make the Eastern Basin of Lake Ontario a popular fishing destination.
Emerging from the eastern basin of Lake Erie north of Pennsylvania’s North East Marina (now closed) lies a geological peculiarity known as “The Mountain.” This feature, not a true mountain but rather an elevated area amidst a deeper depression, reaches a maximum depth of roughly 200 feet, though its deepest point resides in Canadian waters. As Lake Erie’s temperature rises, this underwater structure attracts steelhead and lake trout, making it a sought-after fishing spot for anglers.
Western Lake Erie Islands
The islands in the western part of Lake Erie, including popular destinations like Pelee Island and Kelley’s Island, offer unique fishing opportunities. Anglers frequent these areas for walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, and freshwater drum. The sheltered bays, rocky shorelines, and abundant aquatic vegetation provide ideal habitats for a range of fish species.
Lake Erie Islands In The United States
- South Bass Island (Ohio): Home to the village of Put-in-Bay, a popular summer resort with historic sites, bars, and restaurants.
- Kelleys Island: The largest American island in Lake Erie, known for its natural attractions, including glacial grooves and hiking trails.
- Gibraltar Island (Ohio) – Small island near Put-in-Bay
- Ballast Island (Ohio) – Small island with nine homes
- Middle Bass Island (Ohio): Features state parks, marinas, and a quieter atmosphere compared to its more bustling neighbors.
- North Bass Island (Ohio): Also known as Isle St. It is largely undeveloped, offering a serene environment for nature lovers.
- Pelee Island: Although it’s part of Ontario, Canada, it’s included here due to its location in the western basin. It’s known for wineries and natural reserves.
- West Sister Island: A National Wildlife Refuge, important for nesting and migratory birds, access is restricted to protect wildlife.
- Lost Ballast Island (Ohio) – Uninhabited
- Rattlesnake Island (Ohio) – Uninhabited
- Starve Island (Ohio) – Uninhabited
- Sugar Island (Ohio)
- Mouse Island (Ohio) – Formerly inhabited by a lighthouse keeper
- Green Island (Ohio) – Formerly inhabited by a lighthouse keeper
- Buckeye Island (Ohio) – Once had one home
- Catawba Island (Ohio) – Technically connected to the mainland since 1897
Lake Erie Islands In Canada
- Pelee Island: The largest island in the western basin of Lake Erie and part of Ontario, Canada. It’s known for its wineries, parks, and wildlife areas.
- Middle Island: The southernmost point of land in Canada, part of Point Pelee National Park, known for bird watching and natural beauty.
- Sugar Island (Ohio)
- Mouse Island (Ohio) – Formerly inhabited by a lighthouse keeper
- Green Island (Ohio) – Formerly inhabited by a lighthouse keeper
- Buckeye Island (Ohio) – Once had one home
- Catawba Island (Ohio) – Technically connected to the mainland since 1897
Seasonal Fishing Guide for Lake Erie
Spring (March – June)
Spring on Lake Erie can present challenging conditions with lingering cold temperatures, but it offers unique fishing opportunities. Perch fishing offshore is a popular pursuit during the spring fishing season, with a focus on the cold-resistant fish species.
Smallmouth bass and rock bass can also be targeted offshore. Walleye fishing offshore may be slower in the spring, but there’s an intriguing alternative — night fishing for walleye from shore.
Starting in early April, walleye begin cruising close to the shoreline in pursuit of steelhead fingerlings. Take care though, as in NY State, walleye season in Lake Erie and Tributaries is from May 1 – March 15 with a minimum length of 15 inches and a daily limit of six fish.
Walleye fishing in Lake Erie during the day is also possible, both closer to shore and further offshore. Rock bass fishing inside the North East Marina, now closed, becomes particularly productive from late May onwards. It’s important to note that Lake Erie is designated a “big bass” water during the spring, with specific regulations for smallmouth bass.
NY State black bass regulations include:
- Season opened December 1 – June 14: Minimum length 20 inches. Daily limit 1 fish.
- Season opened June 15 – November 30: Minimum length 12 inches. Daily limit 5 fish.
Summer (July – September)
Summer is the peak fishing season on Lake Erie, especially for walleye. From July through September, fishermen can expect optimal conditions for walleye fishing in Lake Erie, typically done offshore, either in the trenches to the west or at the mountain to the east.
Summer fishing on Lake Erie provides excellent opportunities for catching prized walleye. Additionally, the middle to late summer is the most favorable time for steelhead and lake trout fishing at the mountain, as these species move into the deeper waters. Summer offers a diverse range of fishing options, making it the most popular time for anglers to explore the bounties of Lake Erie.
Fall (October – November)
Fall fishing on Lake Erie remains productive, with schools of walleye potentially lingering offshore through October. However, the presence of these schools can vary from year to year, with some disappearing in September.
Trolling becomes a popular technique during fall, especially for steelhead and salmon fishing, just off the mouths of the tributaries. Anglers can take advantage of the schooling behavior of these fish as they prepare for their runs up the creeks. Fall presents a unique blend of opportunities, combining the pursuit of walleye offshore with the excitement of trolling for steelhead and salmon in the vicinity of tributaries.
Winter (December – February)
Winter marks a significant shift in fishing on Lake Erie. Once the lake freezes, there is no substantial fishing activity due to safety concerns. Ice dunes form along the lake shore, posing potential dangers as the subsurface structure can be weak, and it’s challenging to discern the water’s edge.
Anglers are strongly advised to avoid venturing onto these ice dunes. Ice fishing in the region is redirected to Presque Isle Bay, just north of Erie, PA, a safer alternative during the winter months. However, there are occasional opportunities for open water fishing at the mouths of tributaries, even in harsh weather conditions. During these instances, dedicated anglers may still target steelhead in these open areas, providing a unique and challenging winter fishing experience.
