Dick Martin: The best places to fish in Lake Erie
Ohio has always been blessed with good fishing. Whatever you’re seeking: bass, walleye, muskies, catfish, panfish, and more you’ll find in our fertile waters. But there’s no argument that the best action in the state is waiting on our northern border.
That’s Lake Erie, a place that just might be the top fishing water in the country. Lots of Buckeyes visit this major honey hole, and lots more would like to, but don’t know where to go and how to find good fishing in new country. If you’d like to ty your luck on the Big Lake, but don’t know how to begin, here are some suggestions.
For openers, the best action is likely to be found in the shallow Western Basin. Territory east of Cleveland is deeper and colder and less fertile. There are fish there, fish that run fewer, but often larger. I’ve caught some whopper perch and walleye here, but you’ll go very deep for the perch and troll rather than cast with lures way down there for walleye. Most try their luck further west where there are plenty of headboats and charter craft (the east has some, too), and almost unlimited spots to do shore fishing, a method that will provide some action at very low cost.
There are too many shore fishing spots to list here, but one of the best is along Old Bay Bridge. To reach it you’ll cross Sandusky Bay on Route 2 heading toward Port Clinton, then exit immediately and swing back to the old bridge which parallels the new one. There’s a nice little fishing pier here, and plenty of room along both sides for shore fishing. Channel cat action has been excellent there recently, and there’s a good opportunity for yellow perch, sheepshead, bass, and other species, too. Readers will also find fishing at piers like the Huron Pier in downtown Huron, other piers along the western part of the lake, including around Marblehead, and at state parks like Catawba Island State Park.
The Bass Islands are always worth seeing and doing some fishing. They can be reached via ferry at the tip of Catawba Island, from Port Clinton, and downtown Marblehead. South Bass Island has a nice state park pier, and Kelleys Island State Park has good fishing along its campground shoreline. The islands are not only good places to fish, but have many attractions for the family while you’re wetting a line. Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has a lively night life, too.
Those who want to fish from boats and don’t mind paying for the privilege will find plenty of places to seek walleye, yellow perch, and bass. Head boats are a fairly inexpensive option. They’re called that because captains on these large craft charge by the head. Rates vary somewhat, often less for kids and seniors, but probably average about $70 if bait is included. Headboats are listed all along the Wester Basin, but the headquarters is Port Clinton, a town that has a fair number of the big boats. To find a list, visit “Lake Erie Headboats.”
Charter boats, often called Six Packs because they will take up to six anglers, are even more numerous than headboats, and are also scattered along the Western Basin, though concentrated around Port Clinton again. They provide individual attention, and most will work hard to give their clients a good catch. They can usually provide all equipment as well as bait and advice. Again, rates vary, but might reach $600 or even more, a total often split among 5-6 friends for lower costs.
You’ll need lots of information to plan a trip, especially if the family is coming along, and there’s plenty waiting. For general information about anything from fishing to accommodations, amusements, and meals, call the Lake Erie Shores & Islands at 419-734-4386 or visit their website. They have a welcome center on SR 53 with clean restrooms and plenty of brochures. On South Bass Island, try the Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau at 419-351-5166 or the Kelley’s Island Chamber of Commerce at 419-746-2360. Then gather up your gear and the family and head north. The fish are waiting.
Dick Martin is a retired biology teacher who has been writing outdoor columns for over 30 years. You can reach him at richmart@neo.rr.com.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Dick Martin: The best places to fish in Lake Erie
