Lake Erie Fishing Report

We aim to write the most relevant Lake Erie fishing report for the Western, Central, and Eastern Basins.  Each fishing report states where and how fish are caught in Lake Erie. 

Fishing reports for Lake Erie walleye, perch, bass, and steelhead depending on the time of year. We post ice condition and ice fishing reports during the season.  Our reports include the exact locations of where fish are being caught, the baits and speed, and techniques.  Our goal is to put you on the fish. 

Timing Your Lake Erie Fishing Trip

Lake Erie fishing is all about timing, and if you’re a weekend angler, that can be a challenge. That’s where Erie fishing reports come in—they help you pinpoint exactly where the fish are so you can spend more time catching and less time searching. Each report is updated weekly or monthly, covering the species that are active for the season.

Fishing on Lake Erie follows a seasonal pattern. Take walleye, for example—they migrate across the lake throughout the year. In the fall, they stage in deep water, feeding heavily before heading to their spawning grounds. Come spring, they move into shallow reefs and rivers to spawn. By summer, they spread out into the deeper waters of the western and eastern basins.

Steelhead, another cold-water species, roam the deep basins in summer, chasing baitfish. In the fall, they return to the rivers to spawn, much like perch and smallmouth bass. These species follow predictable patterns based on spawning cycles and water temperatures. Both perch and bass spawn in early spring and are found in specific areas throughout the year.

Our Lake Erie fishing reports cover all major species, providing specific locations and proven techniques to help you maximize your time on the water.

Lake Erie Fishing Report Areas

Western Basin Fishing Report

Fishing reports for the western basin often occur in the spring, early summer, and fall. This is due to walleye migrating to and from the spawning grounds in the western basin. There are reefs, rivers, and flats where walleye like to spawn in the springtime. This is why the majority of walleye reports for the western basin are in the spring. Smallmouth bass and perch fishing also occur in the western basin. These reports come throughout the year as these fish, for the most part, stay in the area.

Central Basin Fishing Report

Central basin walleye reports are available all year. There are migratory walleye as well as resident walleye in the central basin. Although walleye fishing is best in the summertime, there are walleye to be caught all year round. In the spring, walleye spawn in the shallow rocky areas on the shore. Look for those walleye to roam the basins in the summer time searching for food. In the fall, the walleye will move closer to shore as the water temperature drops. Perch fishing is also good in the central basin. Those fishing reports are included.

Eastern Basin Fishing Report

Eastern basin fishing reports for Lake Erie are year-round. There are walleye, perch, smallmouth, and steelhead to be had throughout the year. Walleye do migrate some from the western end of the lake, making the walleye fishing great in late summer.

Summer Fishing on Lake Erie

Summer fishing on Lake Erie is nothing short of exciting. Walleye action is at its peak, with anglers catching them all season long by casting worm harnesses or trolling crankbaits. Spoons on dipsy divers are another go-to technique, especially for deeper fish. On a good day, it’s not uncommon to hit a boat limit of walleye in under two hours—Lake Erie’s incredible walleye population makes summer fishing some of the best of the year.

As late summer rolls in, perch fishing heats up in the Western Basin, especially around the islands. Perch migrate from their spawning grounds, following baitfish to new feeding areas. As the bait moves, so do the perch. The best way to target them? Spreaders and perch rigs, paired with their all-time favorite bait—the emerald shiner.

Bass fishing also stays strong throughout summer. Largemouth bass thrive around docks and harbors, while smallmouth bass move deeper, typically holding in 20–25 feet of water. Whether you’re after walleye, perch, or bass, summer on Lake Erie offers some of the best fishing opportunities of the year.

Spring Fishing on Lake Erie

Spring is one of the best times to fish Lake Erie. Walleye are spawning, bass are feeding aggressively, and perch are abundant. As the ice melts and the water warms, the fishing action kicks into high gear.

Walleye begin their migration to the reefs and rivers of the Western Basin in March and April to spawn. Anglers have great success jigging or trolling during this time, and both techniques can produce big fish. Our detailed fishing reports break down the best locations and presentations to help you maximize your success.

Perch are among the first to spawn, and Sandusky Bay is a prime spot for targeting jumbo perch in early spring. The best setup? A spreader rig tipped with emerald shiners, fished right on the bottom. Perch can be caught from both boat and shore, and the piers in Sandusky Bay are well-known for producing quality fish this time of year.

Smallmouth bass fishing is also at its peak in spring. Most bass anglers practice catch and release, so the closed season doesn’t affect them much. However, if you happen to land a true trophy smallmouth, the current regulations allow you to keep one fish over 18 inches in the spring.

Whether you’re after walleye, perch, or bass, spring fishing on Lake Erie offers incredible opportunities to land big fish.

Fall Fishing on Lake Erie

Fall fishing on Lake Erie is an unforgettable experience. Just like in spring, predatory fish feed aggressively, making for some of the best action of the year. As the water cools, walleye move closer to shore, gorging on baitfish. This means you can catch big walleye, even from shore. Shore fishing heats up in the fall, especially at night in the Central Basin, where large schools of walleye patrol the rocky shorelines in search of an easy meal.

Perch fishing can also be excellent in November, particularly around Kelleys Island and Vermilion in about 22 feet of water. If you’re chasing trophy smallmouth bass, fall is the prime time. These fish school up around offshore structures near Pelee Island and along the Canadian shore, offering some of the best smallmouth action of the season.

Whether you’re casting from shore or heading offshore, fall fishing on Lake Erie delivers incredible opportunities to land big fish!