Lake Erie has some excellent fishing spots if you just know where to look. The lake is most well known for its abundant populations of walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. If you’ve been looking for the right excuse to get out on the water and try your hand at fishing in Lake Erie, this is it!
Here are our top recommendations of the best fishing spots on Lake Erie that make for great angling.
The Best Fishing Spots on Lake Erie
Lorain Sandbar
The Lorain Sandbar is an infamous stretch of sand located about 7 miles northwest of Lorain. This is a great place to fish for walleye, especially around the southern end of the sandbar, making it a favorite spot among anglers looking to snag some of this famed fish.
The actual location of the sandbar may shift and change depending on the weather and the tides, so it’s best to set off on a clear and sunny day when the sandbar is most visible and when the water has receded somewhat, both for ease of fishing and for optimal weather conditions for your comfort.
Mile-Long Pier
If you’re in Lorain, Ohio, you won’t get any better fishing than at Mile-Long Pier. As its name suggests, this pier and boardwalk goes on for at least one mile and ends right on Lake Erie. This is a fantastic place for onshore fishing or if you want to get out on your own private vessel to fish around the pier’s waters. Locals claim this is an excellent spot for walleye, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, carp, and salmon.
Mile-Long Pier is also home to Port Lorain Marina which makes for an ideal place to start if you’re eager to get out on the water in your own private charter, and Erie Steak and Seafood Co. if you get hungry for a bite to eat any time on your fishing adventures. The pier is also a great place to take a stroll, watch the sunset, and have a relaxing time with friends or loved ones.
Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is an idyllic little village on South Bass Island near Sandusky, Ohio. It’s a well-loved favorite among anglers of Lake Erie because of its beautiful and pristine waters and the vast array of fish you can catch here. Among some of the local populations of fish are the ever-popular walleye, yellow perch, striped bass, redfish, crappie, and salmon.
Plus, Put-in-Bay has easy access to lodging, dining options, marinas, beaches, historical landmarks, shopping and provisions, and other attractions that make the island well worth visiting.
Middle Bass Island
One of the three distinctive Bass Islands near Sandusky, Middle Bass Island is another well-liked fishing spot on Lake Erie. Just like Put-in-Bay, the waters around Middle Bass are simply teeming with popular catches like smallmouth bass, perch, walleye, bluegill, and white bass. Though not as popular as South Bass Island, you may just find Middle Bass a more peaceful fishing spot if you’d rather avoid the droves of people that frequent Put-in-Bay.
Middle Bass Island is also known for its extensive wineries and is a spectacular place for outdoor recreational activities like swimming, biking, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.
Catawba Island
Catawba is a lovely little township in Ottawa County, Ohio, that’s well-known for its fishing and beautiful nature preserves and state parks. Catawba Island State Park, in particular, is an excellent place for both onshore pier fishing and offshore fishing. Here you’ll find plenty of white bass, yellow perch, walleye, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass for the taking.
Catawba Island also hosts wineries, craft breweries, vineyards, orchards, dining options, lodgings, and charming views that offer glimpses into the small town life that makes Catawba an increasingly popular destination for many.
Wherever you decide to fish on Lake Erie, you’re guaranteed a fun and productive time. Make the most out of your Lake Erie fishing experience by booking a slip with us here at Port Lorain Marina!