Lake Erie is a top destination for fall walleye fishing. This is due to the feeding habits of walleye as the water cools. Large fish come together in large schools to feed for the winter. I will give you the knowledge you need to be successful on Lake Erie in the fall.
Fall is Prime Time for Lake Erie Walleye
Fall walleye fishing on Lake Erie is right up there with spring fishing. The later in the year it gets, the better the fishing. Walleye are fattening up for the winter, and then spawn in the spring. Several factors come into play that drives the fall walleye feeding frenzy:
- Seasonal patterns: As water temperatures cool, walleye become more active and begin feeding heavily to prepare for winter. The fish will come in shallow at night, and sometimes stay there during the day.
- Bait: Large schools of shad and emerald shiners move into shallower waters. This attracts walleye into shallow water.
- Less boat traffic: With summer vacationers gone, serious anglers can enjoy more peaceful fishing conditions.
Locations for Fall Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie
Lake Erie is a large lake, but certain areas stand out for fall walleye fishing. As fish make their way back to the Western basin, you need to key in on specific locations. I will cover the hotspots you need to try this fall and early winter.
Western Basin Lake Erie Hotspots
Early fall can be tough at times in this area, but later in the year, it can be great for walleye fishing. Below are the key areas you need to focus on later in late fall:
- Kelleys Island: The shoals around the island often hold large schools of walleye. Also, offshore areas in 40-45 FOW hold fish to the East. American Eagle Shoal is another great location to try. The western side of the island has strong current areas that will hold fish.
- Bass Islands: The waters around Put-in-Bay and the other Bass Islands are prime fall fishing grounds. The South Passage is a great place to troll for walleye in the fall. Lots of current rolls through there.
- Catawba Island: All sides of Catawba Island attract walleye in late fall. There is current and deep water close by. Fishing on the pier is excellent at night.
Central Basin Opportunities
The Central Basin has the best walleye fishing in the fall. Huron is a hotspot for fall anglers. As the walleye migrate back to the western basin they will make stops along the way in the central basin. Cleveland, Lorain, and Huron are notably the best areas to try during the fall and early winter. Notable locations include:
- Cleveland: The harbor area and nearby reefs can be productive in autumn. Cleveland has deep water access close. During the day, walleye will be offshore in schools.
- Lorain: Anywhere in this area is good for fall walleye fishing. Nighttime is especially good close to shore structure and the breakwalls.
- Huron: Huron is a great area to catch walleye heading into the Sandusky Bay. The deep water leading up to the bay is a good area to try (40-45 fow). The dump area is known to hold fall walleye year after year.
Eastern Basin Fall Walleye
While less famous for walleye than its western counterpart, the Eastern Basin can offer fantastic fall fishing. There are resident walleye in this area that will not migrate. You also have the Buffalo area and the Niagara River, this is a spawning area for walleye. They will migrate back to these areas in the fall.
- Barcelona Harbor: This New York hotspot can be red-hot in the fall.
- Buffalo: Just outside the harbor can be great walleye fishing.
- Niagara River: Focus on the current breaks at the mouth of the river.
- Dunkirk: The structures off Dunkirk often hold large fall walleye.
- Erie, PA: The waters off Presque Isle can be very productive in autumn.
Techniques for Fall Walleye Fishing Lake Erie
Success in fall walleye fishing on Lake Erie often comes down to mastering three key techniques. With the introduction of forward-facing sonar just a few years ago, the baits have stayed similar but the technique has changed. Now you can cast on individual fish suspended in deep or shallow water. Trolling remains the popular choice, but the new school fishermen are using live sonar.
- Trolling Tactics
- Use crankbaits, spoons, or nightcrawler harnesses
- Vary speeds between 1.5 to 2.5 mph
- Employ planer boards to cover more water
- Deep water basins are typically trolled in the fall off Huron, Cleveland, and Lorain.
- Jigging Methods
- Vertical jig over marked fish or known structures. Forward Facing Sonar is great for this technique
- Use blade baits or jigging spoons in 1/2 to 3/4 oz weights
- Experiment with lift-and-drop techniques
- Casting Strategies
- Casting off piers at night is productive on Lake Erie for fall walleye.
- Any public access has the potential to hold walleye at night. The Huron, Edgewater, and Lorain piers are all popular areas to try in the fall.
Each technique has its time and place, depending on conditions and fish behavior. Remember, pressure and weather can affect walleye fishing as well. Successful fisherman often switch between methods until they find what works on any given day.
Bait and Lures for Fall Lake Erie Walleye
Selecting the right bait or lure can make or break your fall walleye fishing success on Lake Erie. Remember you are trolling slower in the fall so adding weight may be the best way to get your lure down to the fish. Here are some top choices:
Live Bait Options
- Emerald Shiners: A Lake Erie staple, these baitfish are walleye candy.
- Nightcrawlers: Effective when rigged on harnesses for trolling.
- Leeches: Can be deadly when jigged or trolled slowly.
Artificial Lures
- Crankbaits: Deep-diving models in shad or perch patterns. Deep Walleye Bandit, Perfect 10’s, and Reef Runners are great fall walleye baits.
- Blade Baits: Vibrating lures like the Silver Buddy or Cicada. Use these in the deep basins where you are marking fish.
- Jigging Spoons: Swedish Pimples or Hopkins spoons in 1/2 to 1 oz weights. Same as the blade baits, use in the basins where pods of fish are.
- Soft Plastics: Swimbaits or paddle tails in 3-5 inch sizes. Use these in shallower areas around the islands in the fall.
Planning A Fall Lake Erie Walleye Trip
Planning a fall walleye fishing trip to Lake Erie can be overwhelming. I will make the planning easier for you. Follow these guidelines to have a successful fishing trip.
- Best Times to Go
- Late September through November is prime time. Mid-October is when I start fall fishing.
- Full moon periods often coincide with excellent night fishing. Due to the light and feeding habits of walleye, these periods can be excellent.
- Early morning and late evening typically offer the best action. Although, some of my biggest fish have come after the sun comes up. The water will slowly warm as the day goes on.
- Lodging and Marina Options
- Book hotels early, especially for weekend trips. There are plenty to choose from at the hot spots mentioned above for fall walleye. Call ahead to make sure they have boat parking.
- Consider staying at resorts known to host fisherman. They often have cleaning stations and boat parking.
- Research marinas with good launch facilities and fish-cleaning stations. Huron is a great boat launch.
