5.0(8 Reviews)Perch, Trout And Walleye Fishing Trip On Lake Erie
5.0(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top Rated
Private Lake Erie fishing for up to 2 guestsTarget Walleye, Trout, and Yellow Perch with Captain MatthewAll gear, bait, and fish cleaning services included
When you're looking for a fishing trip that delivers both quality fish and a relaxed atmosphere, Captain Matthew's private Lake Erie charters hit the mark every time. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – we're talking about a personalized fishing adventure designed specifically for pairs who want to focus on landing fish without the distractions. Lake Erie's reputation as one of the Great Lakes' premier fishing destinations isn't just hype, and Captain Matt's local knowledge puts you right where the action is. You'll be targeting three of the lake's most sought-after species: walleye, lake trout, and yellow perch, all while enjoying the comfort of a well-equipped boat and the expertise of a captain who's been working these waters for years.
Your day starts with Captain Matthew providing all the gear you'll need – rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and lures are all included, so you can travel light and focus on fishing. The intimate setting with just two guests means you get personalized attention and instruction, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Lake Erie's vast waters offer diverse fishing opportunities, and Captain Matt knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, water temperature, and fish activity. The trip includes fish cleaning service, which is a huge plus when you're dealing with a cooler full of keeper-sized walleye and perch. You'll spend your time actively fishing rather than worrying about gear malfunctions or guessing where the fish might be holding – that's what having a top-rated local guide gets you.
Lake Erie fishing requires adapting your approach based on the species you're targeting and the time of year. For walleye, you'll likely be trolling with planer boards and diving plugs, or working bottom bouncer rigs with spinners and nightcrawlers along structure and drop-offs. The lake trout action often happens in deeper water using downriggers or lead core lines to reach the thermocline where these cold-water fish cruise. Yellow perch fishing is typically a vertical presentation – dropping spreader rigs tipped with emerald shiners or minnows near weed beds and rocky areas where schools congregate. Captain Matthew adjusts techniques throughout the day based on what's working, and he's always ready to switch up presentations if the bite slows down. The boat comes equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the specialized Lake Erie tackle that produces consistent results in these waters.
"Great trip! Captain Matt and Mate Billy were excellent guides. They knew exactly where to go and were able to keep us busy pulling in fish for both days. They were fun, helpful, and were outstanding at cleaning the fish afterwards. Don't miss a chance to go with these guys!" - Kirk. "My wife and I went on a two day evening trip with Captain Matt and Bill. What a great time!!! These guys put you directly on fish. They have been fishing these waters since they were kids. They were courteous and hilarious. If you're looking for a trip that's gonna produce fish, this is it. We will definitely be booking again in the near future." - Benjamin. "Great trip limited out in 2 hours" - John.
American Yellow Perch are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, and for good reason. These schooling fish typically run 8-12 inches in length, with the occasional jumbo pushing 13-14 inches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Perch are most active during fall and early winter when they pack into tight schools along rocky reefs and weed lines. They're aggressive feeders and once you locate a school, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. What makes perch fishing so addictive is the constant action – when they're biting, you'll be pulling doubles and triples on spreader rigs. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in freshwater, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Walleye fishing on Lake Erie is legendary, and these golden-sided predators are what put the lake on the map for serious anglers. Most Erie walleye range from 2-6 pounds, with trophy fish over 8 pounds always a possibility. Spring and fall offer the hottest bite, when walleye move shallow to feed and stage for spawning or winter. These fish are notorious for their light bite – you'll feel more like a gentle tick or weight on your line rather than a hard strike. That's what makes having an experienced captain so valuable; he'll teach you to detect those subtle bites and set the hook at the right moment. Walleye are also fantastic table fare, with firm white fillets that work well with any cooking method.
Lake Trout bring a different dimension to your Lake Erie fishing experience. These deep-water fighters typically range from 3-8 pounds, though bigger fish roam the lake's depths. Trout fishing is best during cooler months when these cold-water fish move into more accessible depths. When you hook into a lake trout, you'll know it immediately – they're powerful fighters that make long runs and test your drag system. Unlike the other species, lake trout prefer the lake's deeper, colder waters, so you'll be fishing with heavier tackle and working different areas. Their rich, salmon-like meat has a devoted following among anglers who appreciate its distinctive flavor and high oil content.
Dog's Life Sport Fishing offers exactly what serious anglers want: consistent fish-catching action, personalized service, and the local knowledge that only comes from years on the water. Captain Matthew's track record speaks for itself – guests regularly limit out in just a few hours, and the repeat customers tell you everything you need to know about the quality
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are probably the most reliable fish you'll find in Lake Erie. These golden beauties with their dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches, though we do see some pushing over a foot. They school up in massive numbers around structure - weed beds, rocky areas, and drop-offs in 15-25 feet of water. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but late summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes perch so popular is they're aggressive biters and absolutely fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Plus, when you find a school, you can usually fill your cooler. My go-to tip: once you hook one, keep your line in the same spot. Where there's one perch, there's usually fifty more waiting.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Erie, offering some serious arm-burning action. These grey-green monsters typically run 15-25 pounds, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly in our deeper waters. They spend most of their time suspended in 60-100+ feet of water over the main lake basin, following baitfish schools. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. What hooks anglers is the pure power - these fish will test your drag and your endurance with long, deep runs. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. Jigging spoons and large swimbaits worked vertically are your best bet, but here's the key: watch your sonar for suspended fish and keep your bait moving to trigger strikes.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing and for good reason. These golden-sided predators typically range 2-6 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 8-10 pounds or better. They love structure - rocky reefs, drop-offs, and weed edges in 20-40 feet of water during the day. Early morning, evening, and overcast days are prime time since their big eyes give them a feeding advantage in low light. What draws anglers back is the combination of their challenging nature and world-class table fare - firm, white, flaky meat with zero fishy taste. They fight smart rather than hard, using their head-shaking runs to throw hooks. The key to consistent walleye success is staying patient and fishing live minnows or crawlers right along the bottom near structure.
5.0 out of 5.0Great trip! Captain Matt and Mate Billy were excellent guides. They knew exactly where to go and were able to keep us busy pulli...
My wife and I went on a two day evening trip with Captain Matt and Bill. What a great time!!! These guys put you directly on fi...
Great trip limited out in 2 hours
Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene on Lake Erie was an absolute blast! Captain Matt's knowledge of the lake and...
Highly recommend Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew at the helm! Matt's professionalism and enthusiasm for fishing are ...
What an outstanding day of fishing with Dog's Life Sport Fishing and Captain Matthew! Matt's expertise and friendly demeanor creat...
Captain Matthew and Dog's Life Sport Fishing provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Matt's professionalism and passion for...
An unforgettable day of fishing with Dog's Life Sport Fishing and Captain Matthew! Matt's knowledge of Lake Erie and his commitmen...
Lake Erie