Walleye Fishing Lake Erie

People visit Lake Erie for a variety of reasons. They come to visit Cedar Point or maybe the Bass Islands. Some come for the recreational boating but the biggest group come for walleye fishing Lake Erie. Fishermen are at or near the top of the list of those people coming to Lake Erie. Fishermen come from near and far to be part of walleye fishing Lake Erie.

Some are just looking to catch a few fish while others are looking for limit catches and the elusive trophy walleye. The state record walleye for Lake Erie weighed in at 16.19 lbs and measured 33”. In fishing terms that is a hog. Walleye in the 10 lb category are not uncommon. It is not unusual to see several hundred boats walleye fishing in the Lake Erie islands area on any given weekend.

They fish from their own boats, they fish from head boats and they fish from charter boats. They jig fish, they cast crank baits and they troll. Sometimes all three methods will be used in the same outing. Every fisherman has his favorite method but most are willing to change as the fishing changes.

This fishing activity gives a much needed boost to the local economies. The great thing about this boost is that a lot of it goes directly to small businesses. The marinas, bait stores, restaurants and motels all are directly affected by this influx of fishermen. This year has been especially good. The mild winter and the March warmup jump started the fishing season. That extra three or four weeks of business can make the season for the Mom and Pop stores.

An interesting thing about the walleye season is that it starts in the western basin and migrates east as the season progresses. The fishermen follow the fish and so does their money which makes for happy businesses along the south shore of Lake Erie. Our Canadian friends to the north experience the same thing. A lot of our (US) money goes to them also. Many of the charter captains fish both sides of the border which requires both a US and Canadian license.

And guess where the wife and kids are while all this fishing is going on? Sure some are home but many of them make the trip so they can enjoy the local sites, shopping and of course Cedar Point. Walleye fishing Lake Erie makes for a lot of happy people and it boosts the economy. Not bad for a lowly fish!