Erie, PA
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Smallmouth Bass Charters

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Top Lakes Near Erie, PA

Chautauqua Lake

Pymatuning Reservoir

Fishing Guides in Erie, PA
Reviews
The boat was clean, comfortable, and fully equipped with everything we needed for a successful day on the water. Jamie was friendly, professional, and patient, especially when it came to helping everyone reel in their catch. He took the time to explain techniques and gave tips to both beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
We had great success with our catches, and it was a memorable day from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just looking for a fun day out on the water, I highly recommend booking a trip with Worth The Catch Fishing Charters!
The boat was clean, comfortable, and fully equipped with everything we needed for a successful day on the water. Jamie was friendly, professional, and patient, especially when it came to helping everyone reel in their catch. He took the time to explain techniques and gave tips to both beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
We had great success with our catches, and it was a memorable day from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just looking for a fun day out on the water, I highly recommend booking a trip with Worth The Catch Fishing Charters!
Nat and I both had our PB smallmouth on lures and a great father-daughter dance on the water.
I’d highly recommend Jonathan, who grew up in Erie and who’s first language is bass - just like mine. When he hands me a rod with an Architect reel…that’s catering to your clients!!!
#ioutdoor #bassonline.com #ErieFishing
Nat and I both had our PB smallmouth on lures and a great father-daughter dance on the water.
I’d highly recommend Jonathan, who grew up in Erie and who’s first language is bass - just like mine. When he hands me a rod with an Architect reel…that’s catering to your clients!!!
#ioutdoor #bassonline.com #ErieFishing
My last trip will forever be know as rollcoater smallmouth fishing the ledge
My last trip will forever be know as rollcoater smallmouth fishing the ledge
Great fun I decided to make one more trip to Erie P.A. to fish with my fav. Captian Mark Rose. It was a beautiful late Nov. day. Mark was taking us out for the giant smallmouth that are feeding up. I have been fishing with Capt. Mark for years and he never disapoints me. Always puts me on fish . This day was a little diffferent ,while we were catching some nice smallmouth Mark said there are some big Lake Trout close by that we could try to catch. It was a fish I had not caught in all my yrs. so we said lets go. Well it was a blast . Thanks Capt for another great day of fishing. 
Great fun I decided to make one more trip to Erie P.A. to fish with my fav. Captian Mark Rose. It was a beautiful late Nov. day. Mark was taking us out for the giant smallmouth that are feeding up. I have been fishing with Capt. Mark for years and he never disapoints me. Always puts me on fish . This day was a little diffferent ,while we were catching some nice smallmouth Mark said there are some big Lake Trout close by that we could try to catch. It was a fish I had not caught in all my yrs. so we said lets go. Well it was a blast . Thanks Capt for another great day of fishing. 
Lake Erie Bronze backs My fall fishing trip this yr was a cold windy day on lake Erie. Capt Mark Rose with his new Ranger boat was putting us on fish as usual. The fishing was a little slow but they were there just not real hungry. We did manage some nice fish even though the conditions were tough. Mark was the professional as always and gave us a greta day on the lake to finish the seson. If you come to Erie and need a guide there is only 1 guy by far that I would go with. Ive been going with mark a couple times a year for the last 5 yrs. and always catch nice smallys which is my goal. Thanks Mark 
Caught fish all day in bad weather.
Caught fish all day in bad weather.
beautiful boat and great top of the line equipment. Put us on fish on a windy day. Great fisherman with tons of knowledge. Top of the line.
beautiful boat and great top of the line equipment. Put us on fish on a windy day. Great fisherman with tons of knowledge. Top of the line.
Based on Mark’s recommendation, we will be back in the fall to try for more smallmouth.
Based on Mark’s recommendation, we will be back in the fall to try for more smallmouth.
My daughter and I had a great day, caught multiple species of fish , enjoyed incredible weather (mid August) and the boat Mark uses is unbelievable!
Watching your 11 year old daughter struggling to bring in 27" walleye is a great day!
My daughter and I had a great day, caught multiple species of fish , enjoyed incredible weather (mid August) and the boat Mark uses is unbelievable!
Watching your 11 year old daughter struggling to bring in 27" walleye is a great day!
Thanks again,
Mark & Michelle Jackson
North Carolina
Thanks again,
Mark & Michelle Jackson
North Carolina
First of all, we had the privilege of being some of his first guests in his brand new high tech Ranger multi species boat that he just got a few days ago. You have to see it to believe how nice it is. (not to mention all of his top of the line rods&reels and baits).
With his never say quit attitude, I can only imagine what it will be like fishing with him in a day or two once his boat is fully broken in.
The conditions were very challenging with the rain and nonstop howling wind that never quit. But neither did he and we ended up having a trip that we will never forget! David caught his PB SMB at 4.2 and we caught several others not far behind, not to mention all of the large mouths over 3. A lot on top water too!
We were lucky enough to have a window when the wind quit blowing and Mark had us in fish, lots of them, in no time.
Thanks Mark. Can’t wait til next time.
Paul Olive
First of all, we had the privilege of being some of his first guests in his brand new high tech Ranger multi species boat that he just got a few days ago. You have to see it to believe how nice it is. (not to mention all of his top of the line rods&reels and baits).
With his never say quit attitude, I can only imagine what it will be like fishing with him in a day or two once his boat is fully broken in.
The conditions were very challenging with the rain and nonstop howling wind that never quit. But neither did he and we ended up having a trip that we will never forget! David caught his PB SMB at 4.2 and we caught several others not far behind, not to mention all of the large mouths over 3. A lot on top water too!
We were lucky enough to have a window when the wind quit blowing and Mark had us in fish, lots of them, in no time.
Thanks Mark. Can’t wait til next time.
Paul Olive
Great trip in a tough time of year Despite a tough time of year on Lake Erie, Capt. Rose kept us on fish and helped us have great days. Largemouth, pike, smallmouth, scaly cat (and even an occasional drum)... they all fell to our group of four. Thanks Mark for a great experience and we look forward to our next chance to catch some of those huge Lake Erie smallmouth! 
I had a fantastic time fishing with Captain Mark Rose. His skill and knowledge and his first class equipment made it a great experience for me. I am a return client and we'll definitely be fishing with him again soon. This was the best fishing I have ever done in my life in my home state of Pennsylvania! Thanks Captain Mark!!!
Plan B with Captain Mark Rose I booked 2 days of Lake Erie smallmouth fishing with Caption Mark Rose. The weather however was very windy out of the north and Lake Erie was to rough to fish, but not to worry. Caption Mark had plan B ready to go. We headed south to an inland lake and had two awesome days of smallmouth fising. I caught 35 smallies in two 4 hour trips. It doesnt get better than that. I have fished with Caption Mark for 3 years now and i am always amazed at his ability to find smallies and provide awesome fishing trips. I highly recommend Caption Mark to anyone who wants to experiance smallmouth fising at its best. 
Smallmouth Charters with Captain Mark Rose My adult son & I, both experienced Lake Erie fishermen, just completed two successful Presque Isle smallmouth charters with Captain Mark Rose. We caught quality smallies both days in tough conditions with several over 5 lbs. and one 6 pounder.Captain Mark consistently located the smallies and willingly shared his smallmouth fishing expertise with my son & I. His focus is definitely on helping you catch smallmouth bass while having a good time. He’s good at it too!
In summary, we had a great time fishing with Captain Mark Rose and picked up some valuable smallmouth fishing tips from a pro.
WE WILL BE BACK!

Captain Mark consistently located the smallies and willingly shared his smallmouth fishing expertise with my son & I. His focus is definitely on helping you catch smallmouth bass while having a good time. He’s good at it too!
In summary, we had a great time fishing with Captain Mark Rose and picked up some valuable smallmouth fishing tips from a pro.
WE WILL BE BACK!
Fishing Erie Capt Mark took us out to Lake Erie. The wind was rough so we couldn't go to the big lake. We instead fished the bay. Capt Mark brought live crawfish for bait. It worked out great. We caught a couple of smallmouth, several largemouth, a drum, and a walleye. The boat was good and Capt Mark was very helpful. The fishing gear was Top of the Line! We are hoping for a trip to Florida soon, 
Excellent Trip! DO IT!!! Capt Tom Goodrich (Bunja) was awesome!! Such a nice guy!! Talked to my boys and educated them about everything they were doing. He even got excited with them when they were catching their fish! He talked about the lake and the area. Very informative. Checked regular updates regarding the lake condition to determine when and where was best to fish.Best part was he felt like an old friend.
We will definitely request him the next time we book a charter! Highly recommend Capt Tom!
Thank you for a great day!

Best part was he felt like an old friend.
We will definitely request him the next time we book a charter! Highly recommend Capt Tom!
Thank you for a great day!
Captain Mark Rose put our group of 8 on the smallies we caught over 200 fish in two days and all quality fish we will be back next year this was an experience of a life time and Captain Mark Rose and his other Captains made it so much fun its like fishing with friends that bait you hook lol GREAT GROUP OF GUYS!
Awesome Lake Erie smallmouth fishing with Capt Mark Rose Another fantastic day of Lake Erie Smallmouth bass fishing with Capt Mark Rose. The weather was windy and rainy but Mark still put us in the fish. I have been smallmouth fishing on Lake Erie with Mark 3 times now in the spring and fall and every time he knows exactly where and how to catch huge smallmouth bass. I look forward to booking another trip next spring. 
Great fishing! We had really good day of fishing. The weather was kinda miserable it was raining and blowing most of the day. But even with weather conditions as they were Mark was able to put us on some really big smallies and some good numbers. I will definitely be using Mark some more next year. 
Better than expected We thought going in the dog days of summer would not be productive for smallmouth. Captain Mark prove that wrong! We caught several smallmouth over 3 pounds and a personal best of nearly 6 pounds. To top it off we got a half a dozen walleye that will eat very well. 
Mark Rose is the best! Mark is like a blood hound when it comes to finding fish. Everyone knows that July on Lake Erie can be very unpredictable, for small mouth but Mark put us right on the fish. Canât wait to meet up with him in Florida. Weâll probably do a day in the swamp for large mouth and a day after parrot bass. This is the fourth time we used Mark Rose. Very serious but we have fun and laugh. My wife loves him very patient. 
Lake Erie Smallmouth Fishing Capt. Mark Rose with Bass Online Fishing Guides was a great guide. His knowledge of the lake and fish habitat was spot on. It took us a few hours to find the smallmouth we were looking for but we had a blast once we found them. I would highly recommend Mark Rose to any of my friends and family for their next fishing trip. 
Fish On! What a great fishing trip! Despite weather that was not perfect, we landed some fine smallies. We were told that if anyone could find them, it was Mark Rose and sure enough, he proved to be an excellent guide. Three different spots with multiple strategies resulted in a fun afternoon of fishing! 
Smallmouth Fishing with Capt. George Mro June 3, 2019, spent 6 hours on Presque Isle with George Mro smallie fishing. I've been out on over 50 charters in my life, this is a top 2, ever. He is a first class fisherman, excellent Capt., and a good guy. My Son and I had a blast, caught probably 25-30 smallmouth bass and had a fantastic day. I will go out again in the Fall. Highly recommend, all charters should think and act like Capt. George, first rate in all ways. 
Captain Mark Rose was exceptional We went out on a cold rainy day just before Independence Day. Caught one Small Mouth Bass but because the weather was so miserable, Captain Mark Rose decided to take us out again the next day. We caught 6 magnificent ones the second day. Mark was very kind, patient, knowledgeable and professional and we enjoyed both trips for the price of one. I'd highly recommend Captain Mark. Martin and Judy Charney Toronto. 
Lake Erie smallmouth Erie PA It was very easy and convenient to book the trip online. The booking and payment process was the best I've ever used for a guided fishing trip. Captain Mark Rose worked as hard as he could to put us on smallmouth. He is the first guide I have ever had that did not fish while guiding because he is committed to give his clients the best trip possible. The only reason I don't give a perfect rating is because the fish weren't in a feeding mood but that is not a reflection on Mark's skill and knowledge. 
Erie Fishing with George! I took my son and his friend fishing on Lake Erie with Capt. George for the second time this year! Canât George is without a doubt the BEST ERIE GUIDE!!! The conditions this time were very bad for fishing and we still landed over 50 small mouth bass - nice bass!!! This was our third trip with George and our worse one and we caught over 100 fish in two days - various species. He knows his fishing, works hard, takes care of the boys and his the best in Erie! Thanks George!!! 
Fishing adventure Would like to start with had a great time.. Captain Mark Rose was an excellent charter.. anyone wanting to do smallmouth bass fishing around the Presque Isle Bay Area I would recommend Mark Rose best guy will guarantee you a great day.. Thanks to Mark Rose definitely made our Lake Erie experience something to remember. 
Captain Mark Rose I have went out with Captain Mark Rose every year for the last 5 years, and no matter what the weather conditions, he figures out a way to find the big smallmouth and get them in the boat. Windy conditions this year kept us from going where he wanted, but he still found big smallmouth for us in the wind protected bay. I have caught my personal best smallmouth (5 lb. 11 oz.) with Mark and we continue to work on getting that 6+ lb. I am already looking forward to my next trip with Captain Mark Rose! 
Best fishing experience of my life Captain Mark Rose put us right on em and we smashed so many giants. 4-5lbers and we were throwing 3lbers back like they were dinks! Truly a blessed trip, I for sure wanna go back and would recommend going out with Captain Mark Rose!
Lake Erie Small Mouth Fishing Mark Rose captained our unbelievable trip. If you are looking to catch fish and not just fish, this is the trip to take. We caught 50-60 bass, on a six hour trip with Mark. He provides great guiding, top notch equipment and a great, fun experience!
Mark Rose I recently booked a family trip for my dad, brother and myself with Mark Rose on lake erie 5-12-18. We booked way and advance and were dealt some bad weather on the day of the trip. We woke up to 40 degree temperatures and severe storms closing in. An hour into our day we got chased off the lake by lightning. Mark was great about it and from the safety of shore we decided to wait it out. After some early lunch and killing time in a local sporting goods store, we got back on the water in the early afternoon and he put us on the fish. All together we caught 40 small mouth all 3 to 5 pounds. The biggest, and my dads personal best, was 5 pounds 9 ounces. What started out as a bad dream ended up as a great day of fishing. Id like to thank Mark for sticking it out through the storm and putting us on some great fish. If you looking for a great lake erie small mouth trip call Mark Rose. Justin. 
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Popular Species in Erie, PA Fishing






Frequently Asked Questions about Erie, PA
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Seasonal Fishing Notes
About Erie, PA
About Erie PA
Erie is a city located on the south shore of Lake Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. Erie is the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania. It’s located north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, halfway between Buffalo, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio.
Fishing in Erie, PA, is known for being the “Flagship City” because it is the home port for the wooden-hulled ship, Niagara, used at the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
Erie, Pennsylvania, is home to the oldest land lighthouse on the Great Lakes and was chosen by Field and Stream as one of the nation’s top twenty family-fishing spots. The waters of Lake Erie are known for incredible sport fishing for Walleye, Steelhead, Lake Trout, and smallmouth bass.
Lake Erie PA
Lake Erie is the 13th-largest natural lake in the world and a unique waterway with incredible fishing in Erie, PA. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, with a depth of 210 feet at its deepest points; other Great Lakes reach depths of over 1500 feet. Lake Erie covers 9,910 square miles and borders four states and Canada.
Lake Erie supports a wide variety of healthy fish populations, including bass, trout, walleye, steelhead, salmon, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, sunfish, pike, and muskie. These fish species thrive in abundance, making Lake Erie a top destination for fishing charters. On top of its famous sport fishing, Lake Erie has more consumable fish than all the other Great Lakes combined.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charters
Lake Erie, PA, is one of the premier smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. The big smallmouth bass is attracted to Presque Isle Bay, known as their premier spawning ground. Erie bass fishing charters are best when the lake begins to warm, making the season from late April through August.
The hungry, aggressive smallmouth bite until early summer. It’s not uncommon to catch 6-pound smallmouth bass in Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. To better understand fishing charter pros and cons, read this short article.
Sport Fishing
Lake Erie is most known for its size and abundance of game fish, making for memorable fishing trips. An average of 1.5 million fish is caught every year in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and the tributaries.
The most popular game fish that call Lake Erie home are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, walleye, and steelhead.
The fish in Lake Erie are known for being plentiful and to growing large, which is why these fishing charter trips are so successful. The sportfishing season officially starts when the water warms up in the early summer, and the larger fish move to deeper waters.
Top Targeted Fish Species
Walleye
Lake Trout
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Erie, PA Fishing Charters
Anglers from all over the nation and all walks of life come to Lake Erie, PA, to target game fish like bass, trout, walleye, and steelhead.
Your full-time captain is available to accommodate families, couples, kids, avid anglers, or novices looking to target a specific fish species or experience all of the famous Lake Erie.
Our Lake Erie fishing guides have been fishing the lake since they were kids. Our mission is to expose the great town of Erie, PA, and all the great smallmouth and walleye sport fishing Lake Erie has. Your licensed captain will have everything you need for a successful trip, including the United States Coast Guard Safety equipment, fishing gear, tackle, boat, and knowledge of Lake Erie fish’s habits to find the best spots.
The high season for smallmouth fishing charters begins in May after their annual spawn. The Walleye fishing charters’ prime time starts in June.
Guided fishing trips are an ideal way to experience the incredible fishing on Lake Erie. Your chances of going home with your personal best are the highest while on board a Lake Erie fishing charter.
Walleye Fishing Charters
Lake Erie, PA, is often referred to as the Walleye sport fishing capital of the world. The Walleye charter fishing heats up in Lake Erie, PA, as temperatures begin to rise in the early summer months.
The best months for walleye sport fishing charters are June, July, August, and September.
Walleye charters are done when the water temperature reaches the mid-50s to low 60s, when the Walleyes begin to school in 50 to 60 feet of deep water. Resident Walleye can be caught near shore as the season starts picking up and offshore as the summer progresses.
Later in the summer, walleye fishing charters usually involve your guide trolling deeper water with downriggers, spoons, and dipsey divers. Another productive method used on Walleye fishing charters is open-water drifting with jigs toward the bottom of the water column.
Lake Erie fishing in Erie, PA, provides an ideal environment for trophy Walleyes by giving them easy access to colder water and high-protein baitfish.
Lake Trout in Lake Erie, PA
Lake trout are active targets starting as early as April. The month of May is the best month for fishing in Erie, PA, for a Lake Trout fishing charter, with the highest chance to catch a hard-fighting trophy, Lake Trout. Typically, trolling is the best method to fish for Lake Trout in Lake Erie. These Lake Trout tend to prefer Shiners, Gobies, and other small baitfish. Fishing for Lake Trout slows down around early June, right as the Walleye season is starting.
Steelhead in Lake Erie, PA
Lake Erie fishing means steelhead to many anglers, providing world-class steelhead charters. Fishing in Erie, PA, and its creeks provides the perfect habitat, allowing them to thrive in significant numbers. A steelhead fishing charter is best during the fall months in Lake Erie. Steelheads gather at the creek’s mouth as the waters of Lake Erie start to cool down for their annual run upstream. The creeks of Lake Erie, PA, are famous internationally for the annual spawning runs of Pacific steelhead trout.
Lake Charter Captains
To see a complete list of great Lake Erie Fishing Guides, please click here!
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Erie, Pennsylvania, is home to several professional arts groups and semi-pro sports and offers plenty to do on both land and water. Attractions and waterfront dining surround Lake Erie.
Lake Erie attracts over four million visitors every summer for recreational activities in Presque Isle Park. Presque Isle State Park has 7 miles of beaches for boating, swimming, fishing, and world-class sunsets.
Popular Erie Tours and Attractions
Fishing in Erie, PA, has a tour for almost everything. Some of the most popular tours include Whiskey Barrel Tasting, Erie Food Tours, Allen Stoneware Gallery, and Board and Brush. Other popular attractions near Lake Erie, PA include Erie Zoo, Splash Lagoon, the Erie Maritime Museum, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
Lake Erie Wine
Lake Erie is also known as Lake Erie Wine Country for its 20 distinct wineries along the lake’s southern shores. Pennsylvania ranks 4th nationally in grape production and 8th in wine production, with approximately 14,000 acres of grapes. Pennsylvania’s mild climate and rolling terrain provide some of the best grape-growing conditions on the East Coast. Specifically, the warm waters of Lake Erie are ideal for growing grapes.
Lake Erie Ale Trail
Erie’s region is home to many breweries that make up the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Each brewery uses simple ingredients and personalization to refine its beer. Each brewery is unique and continuously expanding.
Presque State Park
Fishing in Erie, PA, around Presque Isle Park offers plenty to see and do. The 3200-acre park has some of the region’s most scenic beaches, trails, and marinas. The park has plenty of spots for biking, hiking, skating, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and sports. Many bird species migrate through Presque Isle, making this park ideal for birdwatchers.
Nearby Lake Destinations
When fishing in Erie, PA, you also have great deals available on the following lakes that match your search criteria.
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