Do you fish in a state or country that borders Lake Erie? Have you ever wondered how many people fish Lake Erie? Lake Erie is a great place to fish. Anglers from all over the US and Canada fish Lake Erie every year.
In this article, we take a look into the number of anglers that fish at Lake Erie each year.
About How Many People Fish in Lake Erie Annually?
Summary of How Many People Fish Lake Erie
| State/Province | Estimated Anglers (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Ohio | 250,000 +/- |
| Pennsylvania | 150,000 +/- |
| Michigan | 100,000 +/- |
| New York | 75,000 +/- |
| Ontario, Canada | 250,000 +/- |
| Total | 825,000 +/- (not including tourists) |
Each year, hundreds of thousands of anglers cast their lines into Lake Erie. According to state fisheries agencies, over 1 million fishing licenses are sold across the four U.S. states bordering the lake—Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan—with many license holders actively fishing Erie’s waters. Additionally, Ontario, Canada, sees significant fishing activity along the northern shore. The results below show how many people from each area took at least one trip to Lake Erie. This does not include commercial fishing. The numbers are approximate.
- Ohio leads in participation due to its extensive access to the lake and top-tier walleye and perch fisheries.
- Ontario has a strong recreational fishing culture, especially in the western basin. The perch fishing on the Canadian side of the lake is unmatched.
- Pennsylvania and New York attract many anglers for steelhead and smallmouth bass fishing in tributaries.
- Michigan’s Lake Erie shoreline is small, but still sees steady fishing activity. The smallmouth and walleye fishing is excellent. With Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River close, there are other opportunities available. Michigan anglers also travel to fish Ohio waters of Lake Erie.
Tourism Impact: Many out-of-state visitors and charter clients come to fish Lake Erie, further increasing the number of anglers each year.
Lake Erie Fishing Participation by Season
Fishing activity fluctuates throughout the year, with peak participation occurring from April through October. The season fishing pressure varies during fish spawning times and migrations. For example, walleye spawn in the spring and migrate during the summer months. This creates opportunities throughout the lake for fishing.
Spring Fishing (March – May)
- Target species: Walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, steelhead
- Fishing style: Jigging, trolling, shore fishing, river fishing
- Peak participation: Late April – early May
Spring marks walleye spawning season, drawing thousands of anglers, especially around Maumee River and Sandusky Bay. Smallmouth bass fishing also heats up in May, with trophy catches reported.
Summer Fishing (June – August)
- Target species: Walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, catfish
- Fishing style: Trolling, live bait fishing, deep-water angling
- Peak participation: Mid-June – early August
Summer is the busiest season for Lake Erie fishing, as warm temperatures drive boating and charter activity. Walleye schools move offshore, prompting deep-water trolling. Charter fishing thrives in places like Port Clinton, Erie, and Buffalo.
Fall Fishing (September – November)
- Target species: Walleye, steelhead, yellow perch
- Fishing style: Drift fishing, trolling, river fishing
- Peak participation: October
As temperatures cool, steelhead enter tributaries, drawing fly anglers to locations like Cattaraugus Creek (NY) and Walnut Creek (PA). Meanwhile, walleye feeding frenzies make for outstanding fall fishing.
Winter Fishing (December – February)
- Target species: Walleye, perch, crappie
- Fishing style: Ice fishing, jigging, tip-ups
- Peak participation: January (weather permitting)
Lake Erie’s western basin often freezes enough for ice fishing, with thousands of anglers setting up in places like Put-in-Bay and Sandusky Bay. However, mild winters have shortened the ice fishing season in recent years.
Who Fishes Lake Erie?
Fishing participation includes a mix of:
- Recreational Anglers – The majority, fishing from boats, shorelines, piers, and kayaks.
- Charter Fishing Clients – Tourists hiring professional guides, boosting local economies.
- Commercial Fishermen – Focused on harvesting yellow perch and whitefish under regulated quotas.
- Tournament Anglers – Competitive fishermen in events like the Lake Erie Walleye Trail (LEWT).
Fishing License Sales & Economic Impact
Fishing is a multi-billion-dollar industry on Lake Erie.
- Ohio alone generates over $1 billion in annual fishing-related revenue.
- Charter businesses employ thousands, with over 600 licensed captains in Ohio waters.
- Fishing gear sales, boat purchases, lodging, and travel expenses contribute heavily to local economies.
Most Popular Fish Species in Lake Erie
Walleye – The “Gold Standard”
- Estimated 150 million walleye in Lake Erie
- 80% of Lake Erie anglers target walleye
- Best seasons: Spring and fall
Yellow Perch – Once a Staple, Now Declining
- Perch populations have declined in recent years, affecting fishing participation.
- Peak fishing months: September – October
Smallmouth Bass – A Tournament Favorite
- Top spots: Buffalo Harbor, Western Basin reefs
- Best season: Late spring – early summer
Steelhead – The Cold-Weather Draw
- Peak run: October – April
- Best tributaries: Cattaraugus Creek (NY), Walnut Creek (PA)
Fishing Tournaments & Their Impact on Participation
Competitive fishing has boosted interest in Lake Erie, with tournaments offering big payouts and drawing top anglers. Anglers travel from all over the US and Canada to fish in tournaments on Lake Erie. Due to large payouts for a minimum buy-in.
Major Lake Erie Fishing Tournaments
| Tournament Name | Target Species | Prize Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Erie Walleye Trail (LEWT) | Walleye | $25,000+ |
| Fall Brawl | Walleye | $461,000+ |
| Walleye Slam | Walleye | $300,000+ |
Impact: These events drive fishing participation, boost local economies, and showcase Lake Erie as a top-tier fishery. Thousands of people travel each year for these tournaments on Lake Erie.
How Change Has Affected How Many People Fish Lake Erie
- 1970s – 1980s: Pollution and overfishing caused declines.
- 1990s – 2000s: Conservation efforts, stocking programs, and invasive species reshaped the fishery.
- Today: Record walleye populations, but concerns over perch and environmental issues. This has a direct impact on how many people fish Lake Erie.
Hopefully, you will find this information useful. The numbers vary each year as more people fall in and out of fishing. Overall, these statistics reflect the past couple of years.