CATCHING FISH ON LAKE ERIE

For its fishing, Lake Erie is divided into three basins; eastern, central, and western basins. The western basin, where Mark 1 Sport Fishing in Port Clinton is located, extends from the west end of the lake to Cedar Point, Ohio. The central basin then extends to the edge of the trenches in Erie, Pennsylvania. The eastern basin finally extends from Erie, PA to the eastern edge of the lake in Buffalo, New York. The western basin is shallow and most fertile. The central basin is deeper with less structure, averaging around 60 feet. Meanwhile, the eastern basin is deepest and most structure-filled, best suited for cold-water species.

Lake Erie has more Walleye than any other body of water on the planet. The western basin has long produced the largest yields of numbers and trophies.

Our location in Port Clinton is considered to be the walleye capitol of the world. Unlike many other states and inland walleye fisheries, the Ohio boundary of Lake Erie does not have a closed season on walleye. Liberal limits and year round fishing is a testament to the abundance of walleye that Lake Erie has to offer.

LAKE ERIE FISHING SEASONS

SPRING

Spring charters can be cold, but we run a fleet of heated and comfortable boats. Near shore, we target walleyes and steelhead which are in their spawning seasons. Perch fishing offshore is popular and productive too.

Spring walleyes are in high demand starting the first week of April. Walleyes enter the mouths of tributaries and their near-shore spawning grounds, making them vulnerable and easy to catch daytime and nighttime.

Drift casting is extremely popular throughout the entire season with terrific results. Worm harnesses and weight forward spinner presentations are effective patterns for producing trophy class walleye.

Early and late season fishing offers awesome combination possibilities for multi-species angling. Delicious yellow perch occupy the territory during this period on Lake Erie. Impressive average size and terrific numbers make for an ideal day of sport fishing, regardless of the client’s relative skill level. Power tube casting and minnows are the most popular presentations for these game fish. One would be hard pressed to find a more scrumptious fish than a perch. Liberal limits and great success rates make this a very popular trip option with our guests.

SUMMER

Summer is the most popular fishing season on Lake Erie. Peak season is July through early September.

All of our drift fishing and trolling trips are done miles offshore in the west and central basins. Walleyes abound in the shoals, rocks, flats and reefs of the island region of Lake Erie. Each of our captains relies on decades of experience and their Lowrance electronics to locate schools of walleye and yellow perch. July often sees some of the fastest action, but the average size of fish runs smaller.

Lake Erie is also designated as a trophy bass water. Smallmouth trips are always catch and release. Our smallmouth trips run from June through September.

Western Lake Erie has always been known for its great bass fishing, but it has gotten even better in the last 20 years. Since the accidental introduction of zebra mussels, the water clarity of Lake Erie has improved dramatically. This has expanded the smallmouth fishery, aided in their spawning chances, and created a world class fishery. The western basin of Lake Erie is one of the top-ten greatest smallmouth bass fishing areas in the world.

FALL

Fall fishing on Lake Erie is most productive for trophy fish. Schools of walleye are caught offshore through December. For the biggest walleyes outside of spring season, the fall months from late October through mid December will yield end of year trophies on our trolling trips. In late season, be prepared for a longer boat ride and the possibility of trolling. As the water cools in the fall the fish begin to migrate back west and closer to home. This is probably the best time of year to do a walleye- perch combo trip.

Trolling for steelhead and salmon just off the mouths of the tributaries becomes popular in September and October too, as these fish school off the creek mouths prior to making their fall runs.