Lake Erie Walleye and Perch Combo
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target famous Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch speciesNine-hour fishing adventure with trolling and jigging techniquesSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Captain's been running these waters for years, and there's nothing quite like a full day chasing Lake Erie's legendary walleye followed by filling the cooler with sweet yellow perch. This 9-hour adventure gives you the best of both worlds – trolling the deep structure for those marble eyes, then switching gears to vertical jigging for perch that'll make your dinner table the envy of the neighborhood. We keep it intimate with just 3 anglers max, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and room to work. Bring your appetite for action because we're staying out until you limit out or the sun starts setting, whichever comes first.
Your day starts early at the dock where we'll get you set up with everything you need. Lake Erie's got a personality all her own – some days she's glass calm, other days she'll test your sea legs a bit. Either way, Loaded Rod Charters knows exactly where the fish are holding. We'll head out to the proven walleye spots first, usually in 25-35 feet of water where the thermocline sets up just right. The morning bite is typically your best shot at trophy walleye, so we make the most of those golden hours. Once we've got our walleye game plan dialed in, we'll shift focus to the perch grounds. These little fighters school up tight in specific areas, and when you find them, it's game on. The captain's got all the local intel on current conditions, bait preferences, and which structures are producing. No two trips are exactly alike out here – that's what keeps it interesting.
We start the day pulling boards and running planer rigs for walleye – this is bread and butter Lake Erie fishing right here. Depending on conditions, we might be running crawler harnesses, spoons, or crankbaits at varying depths until we dial in what they want. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers and planer boards, so we can cover water efficiently and keep multiple lines in the strike zone. Once we switch to perch mode, it's all about vertical presentation. We'll anchor up or drift over structure where these schools hang out, and you'll be dropping spreaders or small jigs tipped with emerald shiners or crawlers. The perch bite can be absolutely lights out when you're in the right spot – double and triple headers are common. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or specific gear you like using, bring it along. Bait and ice are covered, and we'll clean your catch at the end of the day so you can head home with fillets ready for the pan.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie, and for good reason. These golden beauties average 2-4 pounds out here, with plenty of 6-8 pounders mixed in to keep things interesting. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but late spring and early summer are absolutely prime time when they're feeding heavy in the shallows. Walleye have this habit of schooling up over specific bottom structure – drop-offs, reefs, and temperature breaks are all fish magnets. What makes them so special isn't just the fight (though they do pull pretty good for their size), it's that table fare. There's not a better eating fish in fresh water, period. The clear, cold water of Lake Erie produces walleye with firm, white meat that's absolutely perfect whether you're doing a shore lunch or taking them home for a proper fish fry.
Yellow perch might be smaller than walleye, but don't let that fool you – these little scrappers are pure fun on light tackle and even better on the dinner plate. Lake Erie perch run 8-12 inches on average, with the occasional jumbo pushing 13-14 inches that'll really make you smile. They school up tight, especially during late summer and fall when they're feeding heavily before winter. What's great about perch fishing is the constant action – when you're on a school, it's rod-bending, fish-catching mayhem. Kids love them because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Adults love them because perch fillets are absolutely delicious – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry. The limit is generous too, so you can really stock the freezer when they're cooperating. Peak season runs from July through October, with September often being the absolute best month for both numbers and size.
Lake Erie's walleye and perch fishing is world-class, and Loaded Rod Charters has the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the excitement of trolling for trophy walleye plus the non-stop action of perch fishing. With only 3 spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The 9-hour format means we're not rushed – we can adjust tactics, move spots, and really maximize your time on the water. Whether you're looking to put meat in the freezer or just want a day of solid fishing action, this trip delivers. For weekday availability beyond what's shown, give the captain a call directly. The calendar fills up fast during prime season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Lake Erie's fish are waiting – time to come get them.
This well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to some of Lake Erie's best walleye and perch action. Built for serious fishing, she's rigged with a GPS navigation system to hit the productive spots, VHF radio to stay connected on the water, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of fish below. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat handles Lake Erie's conditions while you focus on the fishing. You'll start by trolling the deeper waters where walleye cruise, then switch to jigging techniques to target those tasty yellow perch. The captain knows these waters and will put you on fish whether you're after a full cooler or just looking to bend some rods. With 9 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work different spots and techniques until you find what's working.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Lake Erie's most reliable catch and make some of the finest eating you'll find. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches, though we see plenty pushing a foot long. They school up in massive numbers, so when you find one, you've usually found fifty more. During our combo trips, we target them in 15-25 feet of water around structure after we finish trolling for walleye. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy. Perch fight scrappy for their size and are perfect for kids or anyone wanting steady action. Here's the trick - once you hook into a school, keep your bait right at that same depth. They stack up tight, and you can fill your cooler fast if you stay patient and don't move around too much.
Sander VitreusLake Erie walleye are what put this lake on the map, and for good reason. These golden fighters average 2-4 pounds with those beautiful silvery eyes that help them hunt in low light. We find them cruising 15-35 feet deep along drop-offs, around rocky structure, and over mud flats. Spring and fall offer the hottest action, but summer evening bites can be outstanding. Walleye are smart fish that require finesse - they'll inspect your bait before committing. The payoff is worth it though - they're hands-down the best eating fish in the lake with flaky white meat that's mild and sweet. My go-to tip? When trolling, slow your speed down more than you think. These fish want a subtle presentation, and covering water at 1.5-2 mph often outproduces faster speeds.
Edwardsburg, MI