lake erie walleye charter
Booking a Lake Erie walleye charter is a great way to see one of the Great Lakes and catch some tasty walleye. Port Clinton is the self-proclaimed walleye capital of the world and one of the best ports to book a walleye charter. Depending on your group size and experience, different types of walleye charters are available. Whether you like to relax and just reel in fish, or get involved with setting lines and baiting hooks, there is a walleye charter for you. In this article, we explain all you need to know to have a great experience on a Lake Erie walleye charter.
About Lake Erie Walleye Fishing
When it comes to walleye fishing, Lake Erie is legendary. Known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” this Great Lake offers anglers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, Lake Erie promises excitement, challenge, and, of course, the chance to reel in some impressive catches.
Why Lake Erie?
Lake Erie stands out for its walleye population. The lake’s shallow waters and rich ecosystem create the perfect environment for walleye to thrive. Each year, millions of these prized fish are caught, with peak fishing season running from late spring through fall. Walleye here are known for their size and numbers, making every fishing trip an adventure.
But it’s not just the fish that draw people to Lake Erie. The lake’s stunning scenery, with its endless horizon and vibrant sunsets, adds a touch of magic to every outing. Picture yourself on a calm morning, the sun just beginning to rise, casting your line into the clear waters. The anticipation builds as you wait for that first bite, and when it comes, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hooking a walleye.
Lake Erie is known in the fishing community for its massive walleye population. The Ohio Division of Wildlife has recently said in 2022 there are over 71 million catchable walleye in Lake Erie. Read more about the Lake Erie Hatch Results Here. Record hatches over the past few decades have compounded into one of the greatest walleye factories in the world.
| Technique | About |
| Trolling | Trolling can be done all year. In the colder months, charters will troll crankbaits. In the summer months, charters will troll spoons and worm harnesses. |
| Casting | Casting can be done all year. Usually with worm harnesses or soft plastics. |
| Jigging | Jigging is popular with Lake Erie walleye charters during the spring months. |
| Bottom Bouncing | Bottom bouncing is used in the spring and summer months using worm harnesses. |
There are different techniques used to catch walleye on Lake Erie. You can cast, troll, and bottom bounce for walleye on Lake Erie. Hiring a Lake Erie walleye charter that knows how you like to fish is key. Lake Erie walleye charters are versed in all techniques used to catch fish.
What Size Fish Will You Catch on a Lake Erie Walleye Charter?
Walleye in Lake Erie are often caught between 3-6 lbs., with some walleye weighing in over 10 lbs. caught quite often. Every year the local and national news picks up on how strong the walleye population is in Ohio. The spring and fall are your best chances to catch a trophy walleye. At those times walleye are migrating and feeding in preparation for the months ahead. People come from all over the world to fish for Lake Erie Walleye on a charter because of its abundance and large size.
The Best Season to Book a Lake Erie Walleye Charter
Spring and fall are particularly popular for trophy walleye fishing, with the fish moving closer to the shore during these seasons. In the spring, walleye make their annual migration to the western basin of Lake Erie to spawn on the reefs and rivers. Walleye will spawn on either underwater reefs or in river currents. In the fall/winter seasons, walleye will feed heavily and be full of eggs making them trophy-sized fish. Summer, on the other hand, presents the opportunity for more challenging deep-water fishing. In the summertime expect to fish in deep water trolling fast for walleye. If you want to book a walleye charter in the fall or spring, it’s best to do it well in advance because those dates fill up fast. Keep in mind the weather is unpredictable and a walleye charter captain will reschedule if bad weather hits.
Lake Erie Charter Experience
Opting for a walleye charter on Lake Erie provides anglers with the expertise of seasoned veterans. Walleye professionals skillfully guide passengers to ensure they have a safe and fun experience catching walleye on Lake Erie. Not only is a Lake Erie charter about catching, but it is about teaching as well. On most walleye charters the captain will teach you how and where to catch walleye. This is so you can repeat the process on your boat. So make sure you ask as many questions as possible while out on a fishing charter. Lake Erie charters are licensed by federal and state entities. Ask for these credentials before booking a Lake Erie Walleye Charter.
Tips for a Successful Trip
To make the most of your Lake Erie walleye fishing trip, preparation is key. Local guides are invaluable, offering insider knowledge on the best spots, bait, and techniques. They know the lake’s patterns, which can change with the weather, water temperature, and time of year. For example, trolling with worm harnesses is a popular method, especially in deeper waters during midsummer. However, as fall approaches, casting with crankbaits near rocky shorelines often yields the best results.
Another important tip: always keep an eye on the weather. Lake Erie’s conditions can change rapidly, and what starts as a calm day can quickly turn windy and rough. Safety should always be your priority, so check the forecast, and don’t hesitate to head back to shore if things start to look dicey.
Lake Erie Walleye Equipment
Lake Erie Walleye Boats
Charter services often come equipped with top-of-the-line gear, ensuring the clients have the best experience with limited failing equipment. Charter walleye boats are often newer and built for performance as well. They are comfortable boats to ride in and offer a great fishing experience. Make sure you know what style of boat you would like to be on before booking a fishing charter. Some boats are meant to be fast for tournament fishing, others are larger cruisers built more for comfort.
Lake Erie Walleye Tackle
A Lake Erie fishing charter will provide you with the best fishing tackle money can buy. Whether trolling or casting, the tackle is sure to be top-notch. Normally, all gear is provided to the client to enjoy a day on the water: Reels, Rods, and Bait. If you want to bring your gear, discuss that with the captain before your trip.
Lake Erie Charter Options
Numerous Lake Erie walleye charters have flooded the market due to the fish population booming. Catching is easy, but not all charters are created equal. When researching potentially hiring a walleye charter, check to see if they are part-time or full-time. A full-time charter captain is usually more in tune with fishing patterns and locations as they are on the water every day. There are all kinds of different styles of boats for charter fishing, look at all the possibilities and make a decision based on your needs. Some boats are even handicap-accessible, so keep that in mind.
The most important decision when booking a walleye charter is how you want to fish for walleye. The two methods used on Lake Erie are trolling and casting. Trolling involves pulling spoons, crankbaits, or worm harnesses behind planer boards. Casting is popular in the summer months using worm harnesses. Figure out what style of fishing appeals to you and make a decision based on that.
Customizing Your Walleye Trip
Many walleye charters offer customizable packages to cater to unique situations. If you have a group of friends it might be wise to book a larger boat or multiple boats scheduled for the same day. Be sure to communicate your requirements with the charter service to ensure a personalized and enjoyable trip. A six-pack license is standard on Lake Erie Walleye Charters. This means they can only take five people plus themselves so keep this in mind. Often, if there is a large group, charters will work together to split up trips on the same day. Finally, pack your gear and book a Lake Erie Walleye Charter. If you like this article, read more about Lake Erie Fishing Charters.
Final Thoughts
Lake Erie walleye fishing offers more than just the chance to catch fish; it’s an experience that connects you with nature, tests your skills, and leaves you with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re out on the water for a solo trip or sharing the adventure with friends and family, Lake Erie never disappoints. So grab your gear, head to the water, and get ready for a fishing trip you won’t forget.
