My partner and I would like to fish Lake Erie this spring and would apprieate any info. Thinking about going late April or early May. Being from Wisc. we would like to fish the western end.
SeaCat
01-26-2001, 07:04 PM
Main thing to watch for fishing that time of year is the weather. Sounds like you are planning to bring your own boat. If you are flexable on when you can come, I would wait to decide when as late as you can. Watch the WC Fishing Reports board -- there will be reports on what is working and where.
There are many good ramps on both the Michigan and Ohio shores from Monroe to Port Clinton/Catabwa Island. Which one to use really depends on the area that you plan to fish.
If you are considering bringing your own rig, consider that this is Lake Erie and it can be smooth for hours and boil up to 4' seas or higher in a matter of an hour or so. Much of the time you could be fishing miles from harbor or ramp. My recommendation is that you have at least a 18' boat and have it equipped with a minimum of a good VHF marine radio (w 8' antenna), anchor (w/ 100' + line), and a GPS.
Since this would be your first trip to Erie, you may want to seriously consider getting with one of the many charters that run in this area. Erie walleye are not really different than other big water walleye, but this is the ultimate BIG water walleye hole and is difficult to just go in cold and fish. I'm sure you could get some recommendations of good charters from people on this board. I'll suggest Gene Majni on the RodBender out of Port Clinton. Good trips and really knows his fishing. Have used him in the past when we get a group of 6 to go to the lake -- just too many for my 21' boat :-)! 800-262-7454.
Two years ago I hooked up with two other guys on this message board that already had a charter scheduled. Weather did not cooperate and neither did the walleye, but it was a good way to defer the cost of a 6 pack charter.
Depending on where you are in Wisconsin, I think that there is a fishing show at the McCormick Center in Chicago this weekend. Always a bunch of charter boats in the booths.
I'm in Michigan (Lk Michigan side) but ususally make 3 or 4 Erie trips in the spring. Feel free to email me if you want -- gilbertr@pilot.msu.edu.
Ryan