Do you like to fish for walleye? Spring is the best time to fish for monster walleye on Lake Erie! This guide covers 5 tips for catching giant Lake Erie walleye while fishing in the spring.
1. Where to Catch Lake Erie Walleye in the Spring
Walleye are most active in spring because they’re spawning and the water temperature is just right. They migrate from deeper waters to shallower areas, especially near rivers and rocky shorelines. Knowing where they’re likely to be will put you ahead of other anglers. One tip for spring fishing: fish around high current areas with resting places. For example, points around South Bass Island and Mouse Island will hold fish in the spring.
Here are the prime spots to try:
- Western Basin
This is a hotspot for walleye during spring. Look near reefs, islands, and rocky structures. Areas like Maumee Bay and the islands around Port Clinton are excellent. Try areas around F can and Niagara Reef. - River Mouths and Tributaries
Walleye often gather near the mouths of rivers flowing into Lake Erie. The Maumee and Sandusky Rivers are famous for their spring walleye runs. - Nearshore Areas
Shallow water (10-20 feet deep) near rocky drop-offs or submerged structures is perfect for walleye. Try areas around Catawba Island and the reefs near Marblehead.
2. When to Fish for Walleye in the Spring
The best times for spring Lake Erie Walleye Trolling is ice out until about the end of April. After that, you will find a lot of post-spawn walleye making their way out of the area. Areas to try are around the islands in high current such as the South Passage and North side of North Bass Island. The areas around F-Can have historically been good during spawning time. This is a highway for walleye coming and going to the reff complex. There are still plenty of fish that hang around to feed after the spawn, but the majority of the big fish will move East. During a tournament in mid-April one year, the winner found the leading school of post-spawn fish in Vermilion. They move out fast after they spawn.
Early Spring (March to Early April)
As the ice melts and the water starts to warm, walleye begin their spawning migration. During this time, they move from deep waters into shallower areas, especially near river mouths, rocky reefs, and shoreline structures.
- Best Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon, when walleye are actively feeding.
- Where to Go: Look near river mouths like the Maumee or Sandusky Rivers, or shallow reef areas in Lake Erie’s Western Basin.
Mid-Spring (Mid-April to Early May)
This is the peak spawning time for walleye. Fish are concentrated in shallow waters and are highly active, making it the best time to catch them.
- Best Time of Day: Dawn and dusk remain ideal, but overcast days can extend the feeding window.
- Where to Go: Focus on shallow rocky areas, submerged reefs, and tributaries where spawning occurs.
Late Spring (Mid-May to Early June)
After spawning, walleye move back toward deeper waters but still stay relatively close to shore. They’re hungry and feeding aggressively, making them easier to catch.
- Best Time of Day: Early mornings, evenings, or even nighttime as the water starts warming.
- Where to Go: Try nearshore drop-offs and deeper reefs. Trolling along these areas can be productive.
3. Lake Erie Spring Fishing Gear
There is nothing better than trolling a large crankbait while spring walleye fishing on Lake Erie. Bandits, Reef Runners, and Deep Husky Jerks work well trolled at slow speeds. As always you may have to switch colors and speeds to find what they want that particular day. Speeds range from 1 – 1.8 MPH. Varying speeds by making sharp turns will trigger strikes when the fishing is tough. Jigging is another method of catching walleye in the spring. Fishermen will drift or anchor close to the structure where walleye are spawning. Weather fronts play a big role in the success of an early spring fishing trip to Lake Erie. Just after a strong cold front can make fishing tough. Look for steady weather for a few days in a row and fish that to have the most success.
What Gear You’ll Need
Here’s a simple setup for beginners:
- Rod and Reel: If casting, A medium-action spinning rod with a spinning reel is perfect for walleye. If trolling, use line counter reels on 7′ medium action rods for crankbaits.
- Line: If casting, use 8-10 lb test line to handle these fish. If trolling, use 12-15 lb. test for crankbaits (should be mono).
- Lures and Bait
- Jigs with Plastic Minnows: Bright colors like chartreuse or white work well.
- Crankbaits: These mimic small fish, a favorite meal for walleye. Rapala Husky Jerks and Reef Runners.
- Live Bait: Nightcrawlers or minnows are beginner-friendly and very effective.
4. Key Weather and Water Conditions
The weather on Lake Erie is unpredictable in the spring. Check out our Lake Erie Weather and Lake Erie Webcam pages for real-time data. Also, pay attention to the water clarity in the spring. Big winds and rain can stain the water making it difficult to fish for walleye. Lastly, be sure your equipment and boat is in top shape, Lake Erie can sometimes be a dangerous place to fish.
- Water Temperature: Walleye prefer water temperatures between 40-55°F in the spring. Keep an eye on this for peak activity.
- Weather: Overcast or slightly windy days are better because walleye tend to avoid bright sunlight.
- Avoid High Winds: Too much wind can make fishing tough, especially for beginners.
5. Key Tips for Walleye Fishing Success
Key Tips for Success
- Time of Day: Walleye bite best early in the morning and late in the evening. Overcast days can also be productive.
- Patience Pays Off: If you don’t get a bite right away, move to a new spot or change your lure. Walleye can be picky, but persistence works.
- Stay Safe: Always wear a life jacket if you’re fishing from a boat and check the weather before heading out.
Hopefully, these 5 tips will help you catch more walleye on Lake Erie in the spring. Remember, conditions change rapidly in the spring on Lake Erie. Be prepared to change things up if one method of fishing is not working.