Lake Erie Walleye and Steelhead Trolling Combo Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour trolling adventure targeting walleye and steelhead on Lake ErieHandson fishing experience with expert guidance and all gear includedEarly morning departure maximizes peak fishing hours and catch potential
There's nothing quite like being out on Lake Erie at dawn, watching the sun rise while your lines are already working the water. This 8-hour trolling adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the best walleye and steelhead fishing the Great Lakes has to offer. Running from June through mid-October, we're targeting these fish during their most active feeding periods. You'll be hands-on with the rods from the moment we leave the dock at 5:30 AM, learning proven trolling techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. With space for just four anglers, you get personalized instruction and plenty of rod time on every trip.
We launch early because that's when the fish are feeding. By 5:30 AM, we're already heading to productive water while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. Lake Erie's massive size means we can cover serious ground, and that's exactly what we do. This isn't about dropping anchor and hoping - we're constantly moving, reading the water, and adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. You'll run both artificial lures and live bait setups, switching between them as conditions change throughout the day. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we have time to really dial things in. If the walleye bite slows down mid-morning, we can shift gears and target steelhead in different water. Every angler gets multiple rods in the water, so you're always in the game. Don't worry if you've never trolled before - that's half the fun. You'll learn to read your rod tip, feel the difference between a fish and debris, and understand how boat speed affects your presentation.
Trolling on Lake Erie is an art form, and we'll have you dialed in by the end of the day. We use a combination of planer boards, downriggers, and lead core setups to cover the entire water column. The boards let us spread lines wide and cover more water, while downriggers get us down to where the big walleye hang out during the day. Lead core is perfect for hitting that sweet spot where steelhead cruise. You'll learn to set the drag properly, manage multiple lines without tangles, and recognize the subtle differences between species when they hit. We carry everything from shallow diving cranks to deep runners, spoons that flash like crazy, and live bait rigs that walleye can't resist. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions - water temperature, clarity, and what the fish have been feeding on. By mid-trip, you'll be calling out which lure to run based on what you're seeing on the fish finder.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties average 2-4 pounds, with plenty of 6+ pounders mixed in to keep things interesting. Peak walleye action runs from June through September, with the best bite often happening in the early morning hours when we're already on the water. What makes walleye so special isn't just their size - they're arguably the best eating fish in freshwater. Their white, flaky meat has no muddy taste, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Walleye have this sneaky way of hitting your lure. Sometimes it's a hard thump, other times it just feels like you picked up a little weight. Learning to detect these subtle bites is part of what makes walleye fishing so addictive.
Rainbow Trout, or steelhead as we call them here, are the fighters of Lake Erie. These chrome rockets average 4-8 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. The steelhead fishing really heats up from late June through October, with September and October being absolutely top-rated months. When a steelhead hits your line, you'll know it immediately - they make blistering runs and jump like their tail's on fire. These fish spend their time cruising open water, feeding on baitfish and building up fat reserves. The meat is rich and pink, perfect for grilling or smoking. What gets anglers hooked on steelhead isn't just their fight - it's their unpredictability. You might catch three in a row, then go two hours without a bite. When they're feeding though, hold on tight because they'll test your drag and your nerves.
This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds - world-class walleye fishing mixed with the excitement of battling steelhead. With only four spots available, you get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Every piece of gear is included, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. You'll leave with practical skills that work on any Great Lakes fishery, plus hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets. The season runs from June 1st to October 18th, so whether you're looking to beat the summer heat with an early morning trip or chase fall steelhead when they're at their fattest, we've got you covered. Don't wait too long to book - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak walleye season in July and August.
Your Lake Erie walleye and steelhead adventure happens aboard a reliable 30-foot Cherokee sportfishing boat that's been working these waters since 1989. Twin 230HP Chevrolet Crusader engines power you to the productive fishing grounds at speeds up to 35 knots, while the stable hull design keeps you comfortable during those long trolling runs. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Essential electronics include GPS navigation to hit the best spots, radar for those early morning fog conditions, and a fish finder to locate schools of walleye and steelhead cruising the depths. When nature calls during the 8-hour trip, there's an onboard head for convenience. This setup is perfect for covering serious water while trolling both artificial lures and live bait across Lake Erie's most productive fishing zones.
Oncorhynchus MykissLake Erie rainbows, often called steelhead here, are pure adrenaline on a rod. These silver bullets typically range 3-8 pounds but can hit double digits. They cruise open water following bait schools, usually in 20-60 feet during summer months. Peak action runs late spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 55-65 degrees. What sets them apart? They jump like crazy and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, that pink meat tastes fantastic grilled or smoked. The fight alone keeps people coming back - they're acrobatic and unpredictable. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your rod do the work. Too much pressure and they'll throw the hook during those wild jumps.
Sander VitreusLake Erie walleye are what bring most anglers back year after year. These golden-sided fish with those distinctive glassy eyes typically run 2-5 pounds, though we see plenty in the 6-8 pound range during peak season. They love structure - rocky reefs, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-35 feet of water. Early morning and evening are prime time since they feed heavily in low light. What makes them special? They fight smart rather than flashy, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - firm, white, and mild. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch your sonar for bait balls suspended mid-water. Walleye often sit just below them waiting to ambush. Change your depth to match where you mark fish, not just the bottom.
Lake Erie