Lake Erie Weather

90% of the talk concerning walleye fishing is about lures, location and presentation. All of these are important however I believe the single most important factor for walleye fishing is Lake Erie Weather. If the weather isn’t cooperating then the rest really doesn’t matter a lot.

Lake Erie weather is so unpredictable that even the weathermen laugh about it. How many times have we watched a storm front approaching from the west only to see it split as it approaches the Lake. Part of it goes over the Lake or further to the north and the rest goes south of the shoreline. If you are on the lake it becomes a judgement call as to whether you will make a run for shelter or continue fishing and take your chances with the rough water if it does come down the lake.

Rough water and big waves are certainly a factor when you are deciding to go out on Lake Erie. A 1’ or 2’ chop is desirable for walleye fishing. More than that can become uncomfortable or even dangerous if you are in a small boat. Lake Erie can go from flat to 3 to 4 foot waves in a very short time. If you are one of those riding out the weather make sure you have a boat that can handle it.

Walleye are primarily night feeders so cloud cover can make a big difference in determining if they are active on a given day. Lake Erie weather determines water temperature, clarity and where the bait fish will be. All three of these are important to the walleye. In the spring water temperature determines when the spawn will begin. Sometimes it takes days for water clarity to return after a storm. If a storm has the baitfish scattered then the walleye will be scattered also.

With today’s gasoline prices it would just make sense to know how the weather has affected the waters you intend to fish. Spending a day on the lake chasing the walleye is not only unproductive it can be very expensive. The easiest way to know what kind of water you are facing on any given day is to check the marine weather reports and the fishing reports of those charter captains, fishing forums and bait stores who have knowledge of the area.

Fishing blogs are also a great way to get information on local conditions. Most blogs get their information from the sources I mentioned above. They gather the information and post it in one location which makes it easier for those trying to gather the data. If you can find a blog for the area you intend to fish it can save you a lot of time.