Lake Erie
Ohio · Lake
Spans: MI, NY, OH, PA
- 6,360,020 acres mapped (USGS NHD)
- 2725 km shoreline
- County: Lake
- Shoreline outline: USGS NHD
The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.
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Overview
Ohio's western basin of Lake Erie is a well known walleye fishery, with yellow perch, smallmouth bass and white bass as well.
Fishing
Walleye spawn in the western basin, with spring runs in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers and fish around the reef complex and the Bass Islands. In summer, walleye suspend in open water from West Sister Island to Kelleys Island, where anglers troll crankbaits, worm harnesses and spoons. In fall, many anglers fish nearshore from Cleveland to Sandusky.
Regulations
Lake Erie Sport Fishing District rules differ from Ohio statewide rules and are set each year. Check ODNR before you fish.
Ice fishing
Early in winter, ice anglers start near Catawba Island and finish the season off the reef complex west of the Bass Islands, jigging lures tipped with minnows just off the bottom.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
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