Trip Information
Specializing in customized 1-3 person charters that cater to the customer's desires and goals whether it is instructional on current techniques, chasing trophy fish, or just looking for max opportunities on numbers. Walleyes are migratory fish so I will travel to the port that best fits your goals. I am equipped to jig, cast, or troll.
Walleye
Lake Erie is mecca for the serious walleye fisherman. Nowhere on earth are your chances of landing one or more fish over 10 lbs better than the west half of Lake Erie from November to May. This year's Great Lakes Commision reports 55 million walleyes of catchable size in the basin so along with trophy potential, high catch rates are also likely. From ice out til April trolling and stationary jigging with ice fishing type baits produce both numbers and quality fish.
The month of April into early May drift fishing with jigs in the shallow portions of the West Basin is simply outstanding for eater sized fish. During that same period slow trolling large plastic crankbaits or worm harnesses produce big females pre and post spawn. I usually suggest doing both on April trips.
May through June there are tremendous numbers of average sized fish with the occasional trophy prowling the West Basin. These fish are recovering from the rigors of spawning and feed heavily. Trolling worm harnesses or casting mayfly rigs take lots of fish this time of year.
June through fall the fishing remains strong for average sized walleyes in the West Basin. Perch begin to school in late summer and combination trips for both species are possible. Bigger females move into the deeper and cooler waters of the Central Basin and good catches of trophy sized fish are common from Kelleys Island to the PA line.
Perch
Perch fishing begins to fire up in the early summer and remains good into cold weather in the fall. Recent years have produced tremendous year classes of perch in the Western Basin so numbers and size should be outstanding again this year.
Rates
Lake Erie walleye and perch jigging/casting/trolling. 7 hours or limits. $500
Things to bring
Rain gear, sun screen, camera, Dramamine, sunglasses, soft soled shoes. I will provide a cooler for you to put your food and drinks into. Please no more than 12 beers total per trip and no liquor or drugs! Excessive intoxication will not be tolerated and will result in cancelation of the remainder of the trip with no refund!
FYI Canadian law prohibits alcohol on board at any time.
Erie Gold Fishing will provide ice for your catch, drinks, and food. Also included in the trip are rods and reels, bait, lures, and tackle. If you have a favorite non-trolling rod and reel you'd like to use feel free to bring it. I use hi-vis braid on all the jigging and perch rods. It is highly recommended for that type of fishing.