Best Times & Seasons to Fish Lake Erie (A Complete Guide)
Lake Erie is one of the best fisheries in the country home to some of the hottest smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch fishing around. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish in this huge lake will help you catch more and bigger fish.
The best time to fish Lake Erie is from late April through mid-September for walleye, steelhead, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. Steelhead can be caught in Lake Erie tributaries from September through April.
In this article, we will look into the best times and seasons to fish for walleye, steelhead, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. We will also discuss how fish respond and how to target them based on the season and even month.
Seasonal Guide: Lake Erie
Winter
The air temperatures in Ohio & western New York range between 15°F (-9°C) and 41°F (5°C) during the winter months. Water temperatures in Lake Erie range between 32°F (0°C) and 42°F (5°C).
Lake Erie ice fishing is exciting in winter. The lake is covered with ice and the ideal conditions for ice fishing are created. Ice is tick enough in certain parts of the lake in January and February. During Lake Erie’s ice fishing season, anglers can catch perch, trout, and walleye.
Fishermen usually get a lot of bites on Lake Erie in the late afternoon. Snowstorms and low temperatures make fishing on Lake Erie challenging during the winter months.
A lot of fish can be found in the deep waters of the lake in winter. If you are not sure where to start, hire a trusted professional, who will transport you to the walleye ice fishing spots and help you get the best possible results.
Spring
The air temperatures in Ohio & western New York range between 40°F (4°C) and 70°F (21°C) during the spring months. Water temperatures in Lake Erie range between 32°F (0°C) and 75°F (24°C).
Spring is a great time to enjoy fishing on the lake. Fish is getting closer to the shores on Lake Erie during the spring months. Anglers often land a trophy walleye on the lake in March and April.
Walleye spawning season starts in April. Walleyes group up in large numbers and migrate to the Western Basin Reef Complex during this time of the year.
Fishing is very productive in the early morning and late evening. Spring is a great time to enjoy night fishing on Lake Erie.
Severe weather season starts in Ohio in the late spring. So, it would be better to plan fishing adventures before rains and storms. Walleyes can be found in shallow waters during the spring months. Such fishing techniques as jigging and trolling work well on Lake Erie in spring.
Summer
The air temperatures in Ohio & western New York range between 68°F (20°C) and 90°F (32°C) during the summer months. Water temperatures in Lake Erie range between 67°F (19°C) and 83°F (28°C).
Fishing on Lake Erie is very successful in summer. The temperature of water in the lake rises and fish is becoming more active during the summer months.
Anglers, who fish Lake Erie in July and August, can catch the vast majority of fish species. Smallmouth bass, trout, steelhead and walleyes bite well in these months.
It’s a good idea to go fishing early and late in the day. Also, night fishing is very productive at night. Nighttime allows anglers to avoid the sun and heat during hot summer months.
A storm season continues in Ohio in the early summer. So, anglers must be prepared that weather conditions can change quickly in June. Fishing is productive before and after storms.
Walleyes and other fish species move to deeper waters in Lake Erie in summer. In the middle of the day, it’s possible to catch fish in shallow waters.
When fishing on Lake Erie, anglers should aim to find the areas with cooler temperatures. Fish are actively moving in the lake in the early summer.
Fall
The air temperatures in Ohio & western New York range between 55°F (13°C) and 77°F (25°C) during the fall months. Water temperatures in Lake Erie range between 42°F (5°C) and 79°F (26°C).
Fall is a good season for fishing on Lake Erie. Steelheads begin to migrate into the rivers around the lake in September. So, anglers choose to target steelhead near tributaries of Lake Erie.
Also, anglers can target perch and walleye in the lake during the fall months. Walleyes actively feed and prepare for winter. That’s why walleye fishing is usually very productive during the fall months.
Dawn and dusk are the best times of the day to go fishing on Lake Erie in the fall. Warmer shallow waters of the lake attract walleyes during the fall season.
Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Lake Erie
These Lake Erie-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Fishhound Charters | Lakeside Marblehead, OH |
| Reef Bobber Fishing Charters | Lakeside Marblehead, OH |
| Tail Chaser Fishing Charters | Lakeside Marblehead, OH |
| Possessed Again Fishing Charters II | Lorain, OH |
| Old Timer Charters – Lake Erie | Fairview, PA |
| Champion Charters | Port Clinton, OH |
| Captain Scott’s Catfish Charter | Port Clinton, OH |
| Bass Fishing Lake Erie | Erie, PA |
| JT Sportfishing Charters | Lakeside Marblehead, OH |
| Erie Outlaw Sportfishing | Lakeside Marblehead, OH |
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Canada (both freshwater and saltwater), check out this guide.
Monthly Fishing Breakdown: Lake Erie
January
Many anglers choose to fish in the rivers and streams around the lake in January. The waters of tributary streams are full of steelhead and trout.
Also, anglers can fish the areas that have been covered with ice. Fishermen catch such species as smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye during their ice fishing trips.
February
It’s still possible to continue ice fishing on the lake in February. There are also many streams in the western side of the lake where anglers can enjoy rainbow trout fishing. Water in streams is clear. That’s why fish see bait and bites well.
March
Sometimes, there is ice on the lake in the early spring. Walleye fishing on Lake Erie is very productive in March. If ice fishing season has come to an end, anglers can use trolling to catch walleye.
Oftentimes, fishermen catch trophy walleyes at this time of the year. Anglers can also target the northern pike this month.
April
April means the beginning of a walleye spawning season. Fishing on the lake can be unpredictable in April. Jig fishing technique works well this month. A lot of fish can be found around reef areas. If you would like to target walleye, go to the western basin.
Lake Erie fishing is productive during the morning and evening hours in the middle of spring. Walleye schools up and prepares for migrations. Fish can be found near reefs and in deep waters this month.
May
Anglers have an excellent opportunity to target hungry post-spawn walleye in the waters of Lake Erie in May. Oftentimes, anglers catch a big fish this month. Plus, it’s possible to catch trout and pike in the late spring.
The early morning and afternoon is the perfect time of day to fish on the lake in May. The western basin is a good place to search for walleye in the late spring.
June
It’s getting warmer in Ohio, the water temperature rises and that’s why fish becomes more active in June. Walleye fishing is very productive on the lake in the early summer. Also, it’s a good time to fish for bass.
Go fishing either in the early morning or late evening in June. It makes sense to fish near deep water structures.
July
The weather is stable and walleye fishing on Lake Erie is getting better in July. Perch is also active in the lake this month. Salmon and steelhead also become active.
It’s recommended to go fishing in the evening. The chance to catch a big walleye is high during the evening hours. Walleye are schooled up in the lake during this time of the year. Anglers prefer to go to the western basin of the lake.
August
The weather is hot in Ohio in August and yellow perch begins to feed actively. Walleye usually don’t bite well in the lake at the end of the month.
Yellow perch actively feeds during the early morning, late afternoon, and evening hours. Walleye go to the deeper waters of Lake Erie in the late summer.
September
September is the perfect time to target bass and perch in the lake. Lake Erie fishing depends a lot on the weather. Fishing is productive on warm days. On the other hand, fish may not bite well if the weather is cold.
Fishing in the early fall is productive between midday and late evening. If you would like to land a big walleye in September, go to deep waters. Such fish species as trout and salmon school up in the early fall.
For a complete breakdown of the best water temperatures for smallmouth bass fishing, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best water temperatures for walleye fishing, check out this helpful guide.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Ontario, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Michigan, please check out this guide.
October
A lot of anglers choose to target perch on Lake Erie in October. Also, it’s possible to catch brown trout and rainbow trout this month. Trout can be found in the tributaries.
Go fishing in the afternoon in October. Fishermen can find schools of yellow perch in the Canadian waters of the lake.
November
It’s getting cooler in November. Fish don’t bite well in cold waters. However, it’s still possible to get a few bites. Anglers can catch bass, perch, pike, and walleye in the late fall.
When fishing on Lake Erie in November, anglers usually get bites in the afternoon and before sunset. Fish can be found in the deep waters of the lake in the late fall.
December
Fishing slows down on the lake in December. Many anglers start thinking about Lake Erie ice fishing season.
In the early winter, fishing is often good during the late evening and night hours. Those anglers, who are interested in targeting walleye, should visit the western basin.
Lake Erie Species Breakdown
Walleye
Lake Erie is well-known for walleye fishing. The lake provides anglers with an opportunity to land a big walleye. Walleye bite best during the reduced light times of the day including early morning, late evening, and night. Walleye fishing on Lake Erie is excellent between June and September.
Steelhead
Fishing for steelhead in the lake is the most successful between the middle and late summer. Anglers prefer to target steelhead in the deep waters near the mountain. It’s possible to catch steelhead any time of the day.
Steelhead migrate into rivers and tributaries around the lake. The migration period starts in early September and continues until the late spring.
Lake Trout
Lake trout bites well during the early morning and late evening hours. When fishing for lake trout during the summer months, anglers get the best results between dawn and noon.
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass can be found near rocks and underwater structures. Smallmouth bass actively feeds between dawn and mid-morning.
Yellow perch
Yellow perch are active year-round. The peak season to catch yellow perch on the lake begins in the late summer and lasts until the early fall. Yellow perch bite well in the early morning and late evening.
Charters & Fishing Guides: Lake Erie
– Best season to book
Lake Erie fishing season is high between July and September. However, a lot of angling enthusiasts visit the lake and the demand for fishing is high during these months.
So, it makes sense to plan fishing adventures for April. Fishing is good, but the demand for fishing is lower this month. A lot of discounted trips are available for anglers in April. That means that anglers can get savings on fishing trips.
– Time of day to book trip
Fishing in the morning is excellent during hot summer months. Fish actively feeds and anglers can avoid heat in the morning. On the other hand, it’s necessary to wake up early. Also, fish is inactive during the cooler months.
Midday fishing would be a good choice for anglers, who don’t want to wake up early. Plus, fish is active during midday hours in spring, fall and winter. However, summer heat makes midday fishing uncomfortable.
It’s a good idea to go fishing in the afternoon. It’s getting cooler and the activity of fish increases in the evening. However, fishing time is limited.
Full-day trips allow anglers to get the most out of fishing. You’ll spend a day on the water and have a good chance to catch a trophy fish. However, full-day fishing trips are more expensive than half-day ones.
– Best and worst days to book trip
When planning fishing adventures, anglers should aim to book a trip for weekdays. Traditionally, a lot of fishermen visit the lake on weekends. Lake Erie is less crowded on weekdays. So, you’ll see fewer anglers and fewer boats on the water.
Anglers should also avoid booking a trip during scheduled bass tournaments. Fish is pressured during the tournaments. That’s why anglers should give the lake 1 – 2 weeks to rest. Book a trip when things get back to normal.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Huron, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Superior, please check out this helpful guide. To learn how good the fishing on Lake Erie is, check out this article.
For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Lake Michigan, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lakeside Marblehead, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Port Clinton, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish on the Niagara River, check out this helpful guide.
