Fresh Erie Fishing Reports

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Fresh Fishing Reports from Erie

Hot Walleye Bite on Erie
Hot Walleye Bite on Erie
June 25, 2025
I’ve been fully embracing the shorts-and-sandals weather lately — and here in Erie, PA, we know to cherish every warm, sunny day we get. With this warm-up, Lake Erie’s main lake temperatures have climbed into the low 70s, and fish are responding. The bass are wrapping up their spawn and transitioning into more classic early summer patterns. We’re seeing smallmouth start to slide off into deeper water, which only gets better as we move into July. Bass Update Presque Isle Bay is thinning out as more fish migrate to the main lake. Right now, productive depths range from 10 to 35 feet, with fish gradually heading deeper as water temps continue to climb. Look for them near rock, contour breaks, and transitions. Best baits right now include: Drop shots with minnow, goby, or perch imitations Ned rigs, tubes, and swimbaits Spy baits, crankbaits, and hair jigs (especially in clearer water) Walleye Bite on Fire The walleye fishing is red hot in PA waters right now — and yes, it’s possible to get in on the action without trolling or burning much gas. I’ve been casting and jigging for quick limits, using a mix of Humminbird and Lowrance electronics (360 Imaging + Active Target 2). It’s an efficient and fun way to catch them. On a recent trip, I took out a young guy named Micah, who had never caught walleye this way. After watching me dial in a quick limit, he turned around and landed his own. It was awesome to see him adapt, learn to read the electronics, and trigger bites from finicky fish. If you want a more interactive experience than traditional trolling or bottom bouncing, this is it. And for those with their own boats, I also offer instructional trips — I’ll show you exactly how to replicate this approach with the right tools and strategy. Where to Find Fish Smallmouth Bass: Depths: 10–35′, gradually trending deeper Areas: Main lake points, offshore structure, deeper breaks Presentation: Match the forage – gobies, shiners, perch Walleye: Depths: 40–65′ holding the biggest numbers Zones: Just outside the peninsula, east toward Shades Beach, and west of Walnut Techniques: Most guys trolling or bottom bouncing worm harnesses (still very effective) I’ve had best luck casting with jigheads + minnow/crawler imitations We’re loading freezers — and you can too! Trip Options & July Availability Want the best of both worlds? We can mix trips — a few hours of bass fishing, followed by walleye casting. It’s an awesome way to explore what Lake Erie has to offer. Bass trips are filling in July, but I still have a few open spots. If you want in on this walleye bite or learn how to do it yourself, now’s the time to reach out. Tight lines, Captain Destin DeMarion Big Fat Bass Guide Service
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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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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
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
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
A quality fishing experience for some the best eating fresh water fish anywhere.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
A quality fishing experience for some the best eating fresh water fish anywhere.
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters
Relentless Pursuit Lake Erie Charters Shinglehouse, PA
The fish were shallower than captain expected.once targeted the fishing was good till we started west then fishing slowed down.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The fish were shallower than captain expected.once targeted the fishing was good till we started west then fishing slowed down.
Pacifictime Sportfishing
Pacifictime Sportfishing Petrolia, PA