Fresh Erie Fishing Reports

Weather Forecast, Erie

Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos and Videos

Fresh Fishing Reports from Erie

Early Summer Erie Report
Early Summer Erie Report
June 18, 2025
It’s been a wet and weird spring on Lake Erie, but with next week’s projected heat wave, we should be firmly into our early summer patterns in the next couple of weeks. First, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s been reading these reports and booking trips this spring. This season has exceeded all expectations, and I’m incredibly grateful. Leaving the corporate world and putting a pause on tour-level fishing was a big risk—but through prayer and the steady support of so many of you, my family is thriving and at peace with that decision. I've been able to spend more time at home, be more involved in our church, and still do what I love every day. That’s a blessing I don’t take for granted. The Fishing Despite the up-and-down weather, Lake Erie has kept producing solid action. Over the past month, we’ve welcomed folks from Texas (who drove here!), Colorado, Kentucky, and Indiana—all coming to experience the world-class smallmouth fishing we’re lucky to have here in Erie, PA. Some trips were anniversary celebrations, others were graduation gifts. One client asked me, “Does this ever get old?” My answer: maybe I look forward to seasonal transitions in patterns, but this—the smiles, the memories, the lightbulb moments when someone picks up a new technique—that never gets old. It's a joy. Seasonal Transition We’re still in the prolonged spring bite, but many smallmouth are transitioning from spawn to post-spawn and moving into early summer patterns. More fish are leaving Presque Isle Bay and migrating outward into the lake. What’s Working Finesse tactics are the name of the game in early summer. Your electronics become critical this time of year for finding and staying on active fish in deeper water. If you need a refresher, check out our Electronics Trip—a 2-hour, on-the-water session to help you interpret your electronics and dial them in. Last week I helped a client fine-tune four Lowrance units with ActiveTarget and even helped troubleshoot some boat performance issues. Bass Bite Depths: 10–35’ Patterns: Post-spawn transition/Early Summer Baits: Drop shot, tubes, Ned rigs, swimbaits, jig-head minnows, spybaits, hair jigs Location: Fish are leaving the Bay and moving onto main lake flats and deeper shelves and humps. Timing is everything. Walleye Bite The walleye action is starting to pop off as we’ll be ramping up casting and jigging using forward-facing sonar. Some recent tournament-winning bags hit 38 lbs for 5 fish (my friend Ashton) — casting, not trolling! Depths: 30–60’ (hot zones around 40–55’) Techniques: Trolling plugs and harnesses, casting and jigging also producing well Location: Big schools are showing up from Ohio through New York waters Want to Fish with a Pro This Summer? If you’re looking to escape the heat and enjoy some serious rod-bending action, I’d love to have you out on Lake Erie. Whether you're a smallmouth fanatic or want to sample world-class walleye fishing, we’ve got options that will leave you smiling. Book now! -Captain Destin DeMarion
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Early June Fishing Report
Early June Fishing Report
June 5, 2025
We’ve made it to June! Through the wind, rain, and cold of spring 2025 here in Erie, PA, summer is finally knocking. As I write this, it’s expected to hit 87°F — just a few days after barely reaching 50. I’m ecstatic to finally trade in the boots for flip flops and get back to chasing fish under blue skies. A Strange Spring Across Lake Erie Staying in touch with guide buddies and “hammers” (great anglers) across the East and West Basins of Lake Erie, the consensus is clear: it’s been a strange spring. We’ve seen plenty of quality smallmouth caught across all three basins, but the inconsistent weather seems to have stretched out our usual bite windows. Water temps would warm up, then cool right back off, keeping many fish in a kind of limbo. That said, the “behind schedule” spring might actually set us up well for early summer. Smallmouth Report – Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie Over the last couple of weeks, our clients have been catching smallmouth in all three phases — prespawn, spawn, and postspawn. Most of the bite has leaned finesse: dropshots, tubes, senkos, jig minnows have all put fish in the boat. That said, power fishing still is viable too, with A-rigs, jerkbaits, and chatterbaits producing some. Hot Tip: The next full moon is June 11. If conditions line up, we could see another wave of spawners. However, most of our recent fish have been postspawn with some prespawners mixed in. That means: Slow is Pro — slow down your presentation and thoroughly work areas to stay dialed in. Fish can be more finicky this time of year. Work areas thoroughly and finesse presentations slowly, but efficiently. Walleye Report The walleye bite continues to improve as more fish migrate east. We’re catching them as a bycatch while bass fishing in 10–30 ft. Meanwhile, anglers are doing well all the way out to 40–45 ft using plugs and crawler harnesses (trolling or drifting). Out in front of the peninsula has been hot and we’ve been catching some east of the city. We’re using forward-facing sonar to cast at individual fish — an exciting, active way to fish. Want to learn how? Let’s get you on the schedule. Perch Update Perch are still showing up occasionally while bass fishing in the Bay — especially postspawn fish fattening up. Most of the bigger schools have moved back to the lake, so key in on bait concentrations. Tight lines, Captain Destin DeMarion Big Fat Bass Guide Service
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Erie Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Erie

Be prepared to have fun, be prepared for the weather, and be prepared for a chance of bug (flies).
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared to have fun, be prepared for the weather, and be prepared for a chance of bug (flies).
Rod Squad Fishing Charters
Rod Squad Fishing Charters
Erie is an amazing fishery! Salmon, Stealhead, perch, Smallmouth bass and Walleye. You have to experience it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Erie is an amazing fishery! Salmon, Stealhead, perch, Smallmouth bass and Walleye. You have to experience it!
Dirty 30 Lake Erie Charters
Dirty 30 Lake Erie Charters
If you are planning on a trip in oct wait until it’s a little cooler outside you want water temps to be in the low 60s the second or third week is prime
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are planning on a trip in oct wait until it’s a little cooler outside you want water temps to be in the low 60s the second or third week is prime
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Waves were 4-6 foot. If you get seasick take medication as directed. Listen to your captain, he knows what’s best.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Waves were 4-6 foot. If you get seasick take medication as directed. Listen to your captain, he knows what’s best.
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Bring a cooler and drinks, if your out of state get a 1 day Tourist Fishing Licence. Walleye bite best in July but still plenty in August
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a cooler and drinks, if your out of state get a 1 day Tourist Fishing Licence. Walleye bite best in July but still plenty in August
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Capt Matt is awesome He took us out farther than any Capt would and put us on the fish in a hurry. We limited out by 0840 and back to shore by noon. Making plans for next year same week same Capt. Outstanding!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Capt Matt is awesome He took us out farther than any Capt would and put us on the fish in a hurry. We limited out by 0840 and back to shore by noon. Making plans for next year same week same Capt. Outstanding!
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
This was our first summer charter other than going out on the perch pirate. The bite was insane and fish were big! We hit our limit and had several 25-28 inch walleye.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was our first summer charter other than going out on the perch pirate. The bite was insane and fish were big! We hit our limit and had several 25-28 inch walleye.
Lucky Dog Sports Fishing
Lucky Dog Sports Fishing
I’m susceptible to getting seasick, so I took two “less drowsy” Dramamine. I also encouraged my two adult sons to do the same. We had no issues with getting seasick even though we rocked around on some waves because of a strong breeze. After we got back home though, we were very tired and slept through most of the rest of the day. If I were to do it again, I’d try either a single dose or maybe something else, like Bonine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I’m susceptible to getting seasick, so I took two “less drowsy” Dramamine. I also encouraged my two adult sons to do the same. We had no issues with getting seasick even though we rocked around on some waves because of a strong breeze. After we got back home though, we were very tired and slept through most of the rest of the day. If I were to do it again, I’d try either a single dose or maybe something else, like Bonine.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Lake Erie can be rough and different every voyage so be prepared for the worst hope for the best and remember that bringing Fish home is the icing on the cake
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Lake Erie can be rough and different every voyage so be prepared for the worst hope for the best and remember that bringing Fish home is the icing on the cake
Ciao Charters
Ciao Charters
Smallmouth in late April and May would be ideal. Largemouth in the summer months.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Smallmouth in late April and May would be ideal. Largemouth in the summer months.
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
May is the slower month for walleye but we did get 14 keeper's if u r looking g for more wait till middle of June the walleye bite even better
Excellent
5.0 / 5
May is the slower month for walleye but we did get 14 keeper's if u r looking g for more wait till middle of June the walleye bite even better
Ditch Chicken Charters
Ditch Chicken Charters
Yes, this time of year, bed fishing is very easy for beginners. We had a person on our crew that was new, and the captain helped him out and got him some big bass
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, this time of year, bed fishing is very easy for beginners. We had a person on our crew that was new, and the captain helped him out and got him some big bass
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
Bass Fishing Lake Erie
The weather is unpredictable, it could be showing great weather and can change in the blink of an eye. Prepare for that. Still a ton of fun
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The weather is unpredictable, it could be showing great weather and can change in the blink of an eye. Prepare for that. Still a ton of fun
Ciao Charters
Ciao Charters
Be ready for a truly off shore experience! My first time on a Great Lake and was totally in awe of its massive size!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for a truly off shore experience! My first time on a Great Lake and was totally in awe of its massive size!
Hammertime Sportfishing
Hammertime Sportfishing
Make sure you check weather conditions. Can change quick and doesn't always match the forecast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you check weather conditions. Can change quick and doesn't always match the forecast.
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing
D.D. Rod Father Sportfishing Irwin, Pennsylvania
If you go out with Capt Todd your arms will be very sore the next day. Non stop fish on. Best day of fishing in my life.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you go out with Capt Todd your arms will be very sore the next day. Non stop fish on. Best day of fishing in my life.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing Dallas, PA
Be mindful of the wind as too much wind will cause you not to be able to fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be mindful of the wind as too much wind will cause you not to be able to fish.
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing Amherst, VA
Be aware that the weather in July can be fickle. Unfortunately for our schedules the lake tells you when you can fish, but don't let that discourage you, the walleye are worth it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be aware that the weather in July can be fickle. Unfortunately for our schedules the lake tells you when you can fish, but don't let that discourage you, the walleye are worth it!
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters New Columbia, PA
This is the way to go. Nothing to stress about or supply. Just have your license in order and show up on time for a great day. We three limited out on walleyes and Jamie and James, his mate and son, filleted everything up afterwards.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is the way to go. Nothing to stress about or supply. Just have your license in order and show up on time for a great day. We three limited out on walleyes and Jamie and James, his mate and son, filleted everything up afterwards.
Riptide Fishing Charters
Riptide Fishing Charters
First timers better be ready to catch a lot of fish when fishing in Lake Erie!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
First timers better be ready to catch a lot of fish when fishing in Lake Erie!
Dog's Life Sport Fishing
Dog's Life Sport Fishing Fombell, PA