I’ve been blessed to have fished each basin of Lake Erie over the years. Because the lake is so big, we generally break it up into the Eastern, Central, and Western basins with each having their own unique qualities:
Eastern – This basin is the deepest on average. It provides more cool water in the summer and also has a nice flow with the Niagara river in the northeast corner. With the deeper, cooler water, this basin offers great fishing for not only bass, walleye, and perch, but also steelhead and lake trout (a random salmon here and there).
Central (Our basin around Erie, PA) – This basin is a good mix of qualities from both east and west, with its own flair. We have mid-depth/deep water on average (in between), but do not have as large of tributaries (huge rivers), so there is less direct flow (especially around PA waters). It does boast a gem in Presque Isle Bay which adds to the already great fishing for bass, walleye, perch, and trout species, with excellent panfish (bluegill, crappie, etc.) fishing, too.
Western – Typically, much shallower on average. It has very fertile waters, with a number of beautiful islands, and some great fishing for a variety of species, including bass, walleye, and perch primarily. It also has some flow/current due to the Detroit river and surrounding tributaries.
To summarize, each basin of Lake Erie offers something a little different. Each have tremendous fishing though for a variety of species and offers amazing trophy potential for just about any gamefish that swim in it’s waters.
The fishing around Lake Erie is great, but the scenery, from the world class freshwater beaches, amusement parks, and some of the best sunsets in the world, really add to not only visiting, but living here, too. Come experience what Lake Erie has to offer.
Tightlines! -Captain Destin DeMarion
