You are here because you love to go walleye fishing like me. I have spent countless hours researching and learning about Walleye in Lake Erie. In this article, I share what I have learned over the years.
Lake Erie’s Walleye Population
You won’t believe this, but Lake Erie’s walleye are having a baby boom! Recent surveys show the population’s exploded to over 100 million fish. The walleye fishing has been great for others and I for the past few years. Not just small fish either, some are giants.
Trophy Walleye in Lake Erie
There are trophy walleye located all over Lake Erie. It doesn’t matter what end of the lake you fish, there are giants! I catch multiple 10 lb. fish per year in the spring and fall on Lake Erie.
Why do the walleye grow so big? It’s all about:
- Abundant food sources: Alewives, gizzard shad, smelt, and emerald shiners are throughout Lake Erie
- Cool, deep waters: These fish migrate across Lake Erie to follow food and cool water
- Longer growing seasons
Lake Erie Walleye Migrations
Walleye don’t just swim around in a lake, they are migratory fish. Us fisherman follow this migration across the lake every year. Walleye travel from west to east, then back west every year. They are chasing food and cold water.
Here is when and where to go!
- Spring: Head to shallow waters to spawn.
- Summer: Cruise to cooler, deeper areas.
- Fall: Move back to the west. Shallow at night to feed.
- Winter: Hunker down in deep spots with current.
Walleye and the Economy
Lake Erie walleye full economies in small towns and cities across the lake. Thousands of fisherman come from all over to fish for Lake Erie walleye. In return, they stay at campgrounds, hotels, buy food, buy fuel, and spend other money in the area.
Check out these numbers:
- Annual economic impact: Over $1 billion
- Jobs created: Thousands in fishing, tourism, and related industries. Year around and seasonal jobs at marinas.
