The best Lake Erie fishing charters aren’t just there to take you out on the water; they’re responsible for providing you with an experience. They should offer Lake Erie fishing reports, all the gear you need, and the guidance you want to catch more fish. That’s what you’re paying for.
We’re breaking down the best charters on the Lake from Ohio to New York in this guide. By the end, you’ll understand what to catch, how to catch it, and what charters you should consider looking into this year.
Fishing Lake Erie
If you’re considering a fishing trip to Lake Erie, one of the first things that should come to your mind is what you can expect to catch there. The good news is, Lake Erie is a popular destination for smallmouth bass anglers of all skill levels, and if you’ve never considered it, you should add it to your bucket list.
One of the reasons it’s so popular is that it’s an affordable fishing destination compared to offshore chartering or some of the other great lakes.
Lake Erie has experienced its share of hardship over the years. Throughout the 1960s and for many years after, Lake Erie was a perfect example of water pollution from factories, sewer systems, and pesticides from farms. The water was so polluted that you could actually stick your hand in and pull out a handful of algae.
Even today, fertilizer and manure runoff runs into the streams and rivers that flow into Lake Erie, which is why the lake has such large algae bloom compared to all of the other Great Lakes.
All of that aside, anglers still have a ton of success on the lake and consider it some of the best smallmouth, steelhead, and walleye fishing in the country.
What Can You Catch
Let’s break it down a little more and talk about each species you can expect to find when you charter a boat on Lake Erie. It’s known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” for a reason. You’ll find dozens of crazy stories around anglers bragging over their walleye “catch of a lifetime.” Even if you’ve never fished for walleye before, as long as you get there during the right time (which we’ll talk about), you can expect to fill your well with plenty of fish.
The lake is broken up into three sections. You’ve got:
The Deep Eastern Basin
Flat-Bottom Central Basin
Shallow Western Basin
Each of these basins contains its own unique challenges, conditions, and characteristics, so you’ll want to understand each before requesting a charter in any of these three sections.
The shallow western basin houses the smallmouth bass population. These feisty little fish put up quite a fight, and you can expect to find them along drop-offs and ledges in the shallow waters.
The deeper eastern basin is where you’ll find most of the walleye. Some of the best walleye fishing in the country happens here. Walleye travel a large distance every year, so you’ll have to play the lake by season. During the summer months, expect to find them in the east in New York. In the winter/fall, you can find them a bit further south.
Lake Erie: By Season
It’s crucial to understand the seasons and how they impact the fishing on Lake Erie. Taking a look at each of these will help you learn what you can catch to decide when you’d like to charter a boat.
Spring
Springtime is a hit or miss when it comes to temperature. Sometimes it’s frigid and cold, and most of the water is still frozen, and other times, the water doesn’t freeze at all. Lake Erie is more shallow than the other Great Lakes, so it tends to freeze over faster.
Fishing in the spring is great for perch, smallmouth, and rock bass, while fishing for walleye is a bit slow this time of year.
One interesting opportunity is shore fishing for walleye at night. It seems like local anglers know that the fingerling population comes out at night during the spring and the walleye chase them along the shore. This factor creates an interesting opportunity for the angler who understands what they’re doing.
Summer
Summer is when fishing on Lake Erie heats up, and this is when most anglers will charter a boat. It’s prime walleye season from July to September, and most of the best fishing for walleye happens as far to the east or west as possible.
Fall
After September, the lake loses some of its lusters, but there are still plenty of great fishing opportunities, especially when chartering a boat. Boat charters allow you to get to places other anglers can’t, and schools of walleye are still mulling around the waters through October.
Best Lake Erie Fishing Charters
Now that you understand what to expect when fishing the lake, now let’s take a look at the best Lake Erie fishing charters, so you know who to call when it’s time to plan that trip. These charters are the most recommended by locals and online authorities, so be sure to take these recommendations.
Mark Rose offers an exceptional fishing experience on Lake Erie for smallmouth bass. He recommends doing so between the months of May and October if you plan on getting the most out of your trip.
One thing that seems a little different about Mark than some of the other charters is his guiding seems a bit more intimate where it’s done on a one-on-one basis. Mark will guide you through fishing on Lake Erie and really stick by you to help ensure you understand how to catch smallies and so you’ll have the best time possible.
If you’re looking to take your Lake Erie fishing to a whole new level of enjoyment, comfort, and style, iOutdoor Adventures offers a great experience. Captain Tom Goodrich is a U.S Coast Guard Certified Boat Master Captain and has over 20 years of experience fishing these waters.
The team is professional, courteous, and helpful when working with children and anglers of all skill levels. Their goal is to keep you safe and ensure you have a great experience. Expect to catch walleye, steelhead, lake trout, and perch when fishing with iOutdoor Adventures.
One thing we like most about this charter is that the package you purchase is generally targeted to a specific species of fish. For example, you can do a four-hour trip specifically for Walleye for $399.99 You can also do a “mix bag,” which can be anything for six hours.
Captain Jim Mitchell leads the team at Erie Angler LLC in Ohio. They provide a great charter experience for both kids and adults. The charter has a 30-foot Baha Cruiser capable of taking six people out on the water, and the boat comes with full safety features, navigational equipment, fishfinder, and more.
You always want to look for a charter with a fish finder because that will give you the edge and ensure you have a great experience.
The Captain says you can expect to catch walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass, which is right up our alley. They provide all high-quality equipment, including Berkley, Daiwa, Okuma, and Pflueger brands. You need to have an active license to cast from the boat.
Pacific time Sportfishing operates a large assortment of fishing charters across the country. It’s no wonder they included Lake Erie on their list. Captain Todd Pavilk encourages anglers of all ages and skill levels to come aboard a charter to not only learn more about fishing but to have a great time as well.
The Captain has a 30-foot Pursuit offshore boat powered by twin 265HP Crusader engines, and the boat accommodates up to five guests with plenty of room.
Walleye, yellow perch, and steelhead are the fish of choice here, and trolling is the method that the Captain uses most frequently. All equipment is included in your price, but you’re required to supply your own fishing license.
Rod-bending walleye is the promise of Erie Doghouse Charters in Pennsylvania. This team has a Carolina Classic 25-foot boat designed to handle the ocean-like conditions of rocky Lake Erie. Expect to find the gamut of species, including walleye, lake trout, perch, and steelhead with Captain Tony.
As with all fishing charters in Pennsylvania, you need to possess a license to fish, and you can get a one day pass if you’re just in the area for the charter. You’re able to keep up to six walleye, 30 perch, and three steelheads per person, and the first mate will clean your fish for you.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you can travel to downtown Cleveland and hit the lake’s western basin. Captain Daniel McDonnell offers exceptional walleye fishing and 25 years of experience tracking them down.
He recommends that you book a spring walleye fishing trip because that’s when they migrate back to the western basin, and you’ll be able to find them near Port Clinton and Oak Harbor. The shallow water is where you can expect to find them, and jigging around the reefs will yield a great result.
Lake Erie has something for everyone, a true outdoor adventure that has to be experienced to truly experience the thrill!
If there is a time to come explore Lake Erie, it is the fall time. Cooler temperatures get the fish fired up and eating strong before the winter months arrive. During these times, you can catch numbers of quality smallmouth bass all trip long. Erie, Pennsylvania is one of the best smallmouth bass fishing destinations in the world. When thinking about catching smallmouth, enjoy a day of Fall Lake Erie Fishing for a trip of a lifetime.
After many years of experience, our local experts can get you dialed in on the fishing here in Pennsylvania. You never know what will happen and what you will experience on your fishing trip. One thing is certain, you will catch some beautiful smallmouth bass. This time of year calls for different techniques and methods to catch bass when you’re visiting Lake Erie!
Meet Don and his son, who were traveling from the Pittsburgh area looking to cash in on the smallmouth bass fishing action. Captain Mark Rose had the pleasure of taking them out on the water for a good day of fishing. Lake Erie is doing fantastic, especially as the cooler weather rolls in.
Don and his son caught smallmouth bass all trip long. The most successful and effective technique was a drop shot rig with Hot Fish Bait. Also, a green pumpkin ned rig helped put numbers of bass in the boat. Most of the fish were in the 12-15 foot range from the hammermill plant to the shaded beach.
Water temperatures were sitting at 57-59 degrees during this fishing trip. A mix of sunshine and breeze made for a productive day of catching over 30 bass on Lake Erie. Don and his son had a blast and are looking to get back out during the spring months when the smallmouth bass begins to get active again.
Captain Mark is looking forward to their next adventure out on the water as well!
Just shortly after this fishing trip, Robert and his son Riley were on an adventure out on Lake Erie. They were traveling from Virginia to get in a smallmouth bass fishing charter. Captain Mark Rose had the pleasure of fishing with them for three days on Lake Erie.
All the trips were fantastic with a lot of bass being caught. The main rig and method of choice was a green pumpkin ned rig on the bottom. Smallmouth was still holding in the 12-14 foot range with the same hot areas from Hammermill to the Cribs. Water temperature held at 58 degrees on this fishing trip.
The action is still red hot and will continue that way. Robert and Riley caught over 60 smallmouth bass on their fishing trips. They got the chance to see some great numbers of quality bass on their fishing trips. You can’t beat it with the changing conditions and temperatures.
Robert and Riley had a great time fishing on Lake Erie. Captain Mark is looking forward to getting out on the water with them again in the near future!
Come Visit Lake Erie and Catch Yours Today…
If now isn’t the time, then we don’t know when. Cash in on that last smallmouth bass fishing trip of the year. Temperatures and conditions are rapidly changing in Erie, Pennsylvania. Our local experts will work hard at getting you on the fish of a lifetime. Each adventure is unique and can be tailored to your fishing experience. We would love to share this experience with you and hope to see you on the water next time!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy this fishing report from the same area.
About Captain Mark Rose hometown is Pittsburgh PA. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring for smallmouth. He runs a detail shop in his hometown during the summer, spring and fall and heads to Florida during the winter months to do what he loves, guide on Lake Okeechobee. Learn More About Lake Erie or Capt. Mark Rose
Many northern anglers and travelers are winterizing their equipment and boats for the upcoming winter months. Special places like Erie, Pennsylvania have days where the weather permits Lake Erie fishing. As a result, our local experts can still get you on smallmouth bass during this time. Believe it or not, the fishing has been incredible and you just never know where the bite will lead. Come enjoy a November Lake Erie Fishing Charter on your next visit to Erie!
Smallmouth bass can be quite tricky to catch. The deep water holes, ledges, and structures all hold some great fish. One of the main reasons is that as the temperature begins to drop on the surface, these places along the lake still hold heat. The heated area will attract bait which will then attract feeding fish. Our local experts, especially Captain Mark Rose know where all the hot spots on Lake Erie are.
Check out this November Erie Fishing Report:
Bruce and his good friend Neil are returning clients that were looking for an awesome fishing charter on Lake Erie. Captain Mark had the pleasure of fishing with Bruce and Neil, who have been fishing with him for over 3 years. Their main target and interest on this fishing trip was smallmouth bass. They had fun catching several different species.
Right off the bat, Bruce and Neil caught two large lake trout weighing 13 and 12 pounds. Just when you only expect smallmouth bass, you can catch lake trout as an additional species to add to the list. On top of these catches, they caught several beautiful smallmouth bass in the weight range of 3-5 pounds. Additionally, they caught over 15 fish making for a great quick 4-hr charter.
Sunny and Breezy made for great conditions for the bass bite to turn on as the day went on. Bruce and Niel had a fantastic time on the water and are looking forward to their next adventure in the near future! Captain Mark will be ready to put them on more exceptional action.
Just shortly after this fishing trip, another long time repeat, Abby took his 2 friends with him to explore Lake Erie Bass Fishing. They were traveling from the Pittsburgh area as well and Captain Mark had the pleasure of fishing with them. This was an afternoon fishing charter and it turned out to be a strong day on the water.
Leaving out Presque Isle Bay and into the main lake is the best way to experience Lake Erie. Sunny and calm winds made for a great day on the water. Beautiful weather allowed Captain Mark to get to the areas that he wanted. His main focus on this trip was shades beach to the cribs slamming smallmouth bass at each stop.
Abby and his friends caught between 30-40 smallmouth bass. Most of the fish were between 3-4 pounds as well. The most productive baits were a Zman ned rig in goby and green pumpkin. As well, drop shot bait was a great option. Captain Mark can get you on the smallmouth with multiple different baits depending on your desires.
Abby and his friends had another great trip. Captain Mark is looking forward to getting back out on the water with him again in the near future!
Come Catch Yours TODAY!
Lake Erie is on fire and a lot of quality smallmouth bass have been caught. The wind is closing soon to cash in on the last bass fishing trips this year. Winter is upon us and the weather is changing. After this, Captain Mark will be down in the warmth of Florida where he will be catching largemouth bass and peacock bass. Whether Erie or Florida, make sure you cash in on an adventure that can change your life.
We look forward to seeing you on the water next time!
About Captain Mark Rose hometown is Pittsburgh PA. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring for smallmouth. He runs a detail shop in his hometown during the summer, spring and fall and heads to Florida during the winter months to do what he loves, guide on Lake Okeechobee. Learn More About Lake Erie or Capt. Mark Rose
Are you a smallmouth bass fisherman? Are you looking to catch the biggest smallmouth bass of your life? Now is the time to capitalize on your opportunities and head to Erie, PA. Lake Erie in Pennsylvania is one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the world. Our Lake Erie bass charters are a great way to get the full experience. The weather is cool and the bass are biting, what are you waiting for?
Our local experts, especially Captain Mark Rose is one of the best smallmouth guides on Lake Erie. Years of experience and knowledge has led to exceptional fishing trips. Not only will you catch lots of fish, but you will also put some beautiful fish in the boat. When you are looking for a great day on the water, get out with a local expert that can show you what Lake Erie is all about.
Victor and his son were traveling from Ohio to explore what Lake Erie had to offer. The news stated that Erie, PA was a hot spot for catching some big smallmouth bass. Captain Mark Rose had the pleasure of getting them out on the water. The action was hot and heavy from the start.
Mike started out the day with nice 4-pound smallmouth bass. They did not expect that to happen and we’re excited to see what else was to come. Captain Mark found some beautiful fish deep in 20-30 feet of water. The most productive way to catch the bass were on a drop shot style rig while drifting over the bottom structure.
As the day went on, both Victor and Mike landed fish after fish. It was an awesome day on the water for this father-son duo with over 35 fish in the boat. Sunny and calm conditions really promoted some great conditions for fishing. The biggest smallmouth bass they caught were 2 5 pound bass.
Cooler temperatures are getting the fish active. Victor and Mike had a blast on the water. Captain Mark is looking forward to getting back out on the water again with them soon!
Just shortly after this Lake Erie bass charter, Jason wanted to catch some big smallmouth bass. Jason was traveling from the Pittsburgh area looking to experience Lake Erie. Captain Mark had the pleasure of getting him out on the water. Even with the weather being windy and the air temperatures cool in the upper 50s, smallmouth bass were biting.
After stopping at the first stop, Jason was on his first smallmouth bass in minutes. It was a dream trip for Jason with his first smallmouth bass weighing in at 5 pounds on a ned rig. The next two casts after that were back to back 6-pound smallies. He ended the day with over 25 smallmouth bass in the boat and could not have been more excited.
Weather is still looking stable for some great fishing ahead. Jason had a legendary time on the water. When you embark on an adventure and have no expectations, things can magically unfold. Captain Mark is looking forward to getting Jason back out for more big smallmouth soon!
Come Catch Yours TODAY!
As you can see, now is the time to catch some big smallmouth bass. When you are looking to explore, our local experts are the best at getting you on the fish of a lifetime. Cash in on this opportunity while the weather is still stable. Lake Erie is one of the best places in the nation to land beautiful smallmouth bass. Your adventure will take you on a journey and you just never know what you will catch.
We hope to get the chance to explore what Lake Erie and the bass fishing has to offer. It will truly amaze you!
About Captain Mark Rose hometown is Pittsburgh PA. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring for smallmouth. He runs a detail shop in his hometown during the summer, spring and fall and heads to Florida during the winter months to do what he loves, guide on Lake Okeechobee. Learn More About Lake Erie or Capt. Mark Rose
Do you love smallmouth bass fishing? Can you withstand some colder temperatures? Take an adventure out of Florida or your element and experience Bass Fishing on Lake Erie. Right now, the bass fishing is heating up and the temperatures are beginning to drop. Big smallmouth bass are being located and travelers/anglers across the nation are coming to Lake Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania to cash in. October Lake Erie Fishing Charters can provide you memories worth a lifetime.
Smallmouth bass fishing is a lot of fun and during these select times of year because you can catch a lot of them. The numbers are up, the size is up and the waves are up too. Weather conditions can vary from trip to trip but know that when you are out on the water with our local experts, you are safe. Years of experience exploring these waters in all conditions has allowed for safe navigation. If you can bare the conditions, the fishing experience is world-class.
Check out this Bass Fishing Lake Erie update from Local Expert and Professional Captain Mark Rose:
Meet Chris, he brought along his 2 sons to explore Lake Erie and all that it had to offer. They were traveling from Pittsburgh to Erie, PA. While doing so, bass fishing was high on the menu. Lake Erie showed them a fantastic time that they will not forget. It was their first time catching smallmouth bass with several beautiful fish caught.
The conditions were fair to Chris and his boys. Sunshine and a nice breeze got the smallmouth stacked up. After several spots, Captain Mark Rose found where they were hiding. The most productive areas on this fishing trip were around 15-30 feet of water. Rocky structures were drawing the fish in to feed. The bite started off slow and then gradually picked up.
Once the school fired up, Chris and his son put over 15 smallmouth bass in the boat. Most of the fish were in the 3-4 pound range. They had 2 fish at 5 pounds as well. You really can’t beat that action, especially for this time of year.
Chris and his sons had a great time fishing on Lake Erie. Captain Mark Rose is looking forward to their next adventure in the near future!
Shortly after this fishing trip, Nordie and his good friend Denny traveled to Lake Erie. They were traveling from Harrisburg looking to crush some beautiful smallmouth bass. The numbers of fish caught on this trip climbed and everyone on board couldn’t keep their smiles away.
Nordie and Denny do a lot of fishing on the Susquehanna River but never caught big smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass do reside on this river but not in the size proportion as Lake Erie. Fishing conditions did not play nice on these guys but they managed to fight through it. The day started out with thunderstorms and winds making pretty ugly conditions.
Noticing that the conditions were not the best, Captain Mark decided to wait it out. The conditions were persistent but they went out and gave it a try. Wind and cloud cover made the fishing interesting and fantastic all at the same time.
Lake Erie showed up with some GIANT fish in the boat. Nordie and Denny’s best 5 fish weighed 5.1, 5.5, 5.11, 6.0, and 6.1 pounds. It was a great trip and everyone had a blast. They caught a total of over 30 smallmouth bass on this fishing trip. Every trip proposes new challenges but Captain Mark can always get you around some nice fish!
Come Catch Yours Today!
In a short window before things get really cold up here in Pennsylvania, the smallmouth bass are going to gorge themselves. As a result, we are going to see some incredible fishing. If you want to cash in on the action, get out on the water as soon as possible. Our local experts, especially Captain Mark will work hard to show you a safe and productive day on the water!
We look forward to seeing you out fishing and catching giant smallmouth bass in the near future while Bass Fishing Lake Erie!
[fusion_text] About Captain Mark Rose hometown is Pittsburgh PA. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring for smallmouth. He runs a detail shop in his hometown during the summer, spring and fall and heads to Florida during the winter months to do what he loves, guide on Lake Okeechobee. Learn More About Lake Erie or Capt. Mark Rose [/fusion_text]
Have you ever caught a smallmouth bass before? Chasing brown smallmouth bass can ultimately change your life. You never know what the rush can do for you. Erie, Pennsylvania happens to be one of the best locations to catch smallmouth bass in the United States. Our local experts are on the fish and continue to catch really beautiful fish. Here at Bass Online, we are all about the experience that helps create a memory worth a lifetime.
Smallmouth bass fishing, especially on Lake Erie, can provide this experience for you. One of the most important parts of it all is a local expert. A local expert is one that has spent many hours and days on the water. They dial in on the action and adjust when the fish do. Captain Mark Rose is an exceptional guide when looking to catch smallmouth bass on Lake Erie.
Alex was traveling to Erie, PA from the middle of the state. He was traveling around catching smallmouth bass and had to give Erie a shot. After spending some time in Michigan catching smallies, Lake Erie was the next stop. Captain Mark showed him an amazing time catching numbers of bass.
Late summer is a great time to fish Lake Erie. The next several months the smallmouth bass begin to feed heavily in prep for the winter months. If you are looking to have a blast, now is the time to come. Alex sure can agree to that.
Alex had a great time catching over 20 smallmouth bass on this fishing trip. The biggest weighed in at 4.9 pounds. This time of year the smallmouth bass run deep. As a result, drop shot rigs were the most effective method to catching fish. They were in the depth range of 35-40 feet.
Captain Mark is looking forward to getting back out on the water soon with Alex again!
Just shortly after this fishing trip, Captain Mark was back out on the water. This time, he had the pleasure of fishing with Tim and his son Andrew. They were traveling from West Virginia looking to spend some time bass fishing on Lake Erie. Every trip is unique and this one surely was.
Tim and Andrew’s trip started out dodging thunderstorms and lots of thoughts about catching big smallmouth bass. They came to the right place and this trip was a dream turned reality. The trip did start out slow with the bass not eating strong but as the day went on so did the bite.
All of a sudden, Andrew gets a bite. It’s digging and trying to resist coming up 40 feet. After taking Captain Mark’s instructions to fight it slow, Andrew’s fish surfaces. When it came to the net, excitement ran through everyone on the boat. This fish weighed in at 6-pounds 21 inches making a new personal best.
Captain Mark is looking forward to catching more big bass with them again in the near future!
Don’t miss out on your fishing adventure on Lake Erie in the next couple of months. Before the winter comes, the smallmouth bass come alive. We are on the fish and will continue to stay on them. Big smallmouth bass will continue to be caught. We hope to share this experience with you, especially if you want to catch the smallmouth bass of your dreams.
[fusion_text] About Captain Mark Rose hometown is Pittsburgh PA. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring for smallmouth. He runs a detail shop in his hometown during the summer, spring and fall and heads to Florida during the winter months to do what he loves, guide on Lake Okeechobee. Learn More About Lake Erie or Capt. Mark Rose [/fusion_text]
Meet Don and his son, who were traveling from the Pittsburgh area looking to cash in on the smallmouth bass fishing action. 
All the trips were fantastic with a lot of bass being caught. The main rig and method of choice was a green pumpkin ned rig on the bottom. Smallmouth was still holding in the 12-14 foot range with the same hot areas from Hammermill to the Cribs. Water temperature held at 58 degrees on this fishing trip.
Bruce and his good friend Neil are returning clients that were looking for an awesome fishing charter on 
Victor and his son were traveling from Ohio to explore what Lake Erie had to offer. The news stated that Erie, PA was a hot spot for
The conditions were fair to Chris and his boys. Sunshine and a nice breeze got the smallmouth stacked up. After several spots, Captain Mark Rose found where they were hiding. The most productive areas on this fishing trip were around 15-30 feet of water. Rocky structures were drawing the fish in to feed. The bite started off slow and then gradually picked up.
About 
Late summer is a great time to fish Lake Erie. The next several months the smallmouth bass begin to feed heavily in prep for the winter months. If you are looking to have a blast, now is the time to come. Alex sure can agree to that.
