Full-day Lake Erie Walleye, Bass & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday charter targets walleye, bass, and trout speciesCaptain Mark provides expert guidance on Lake Erie watersSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Captain Mark knows Lake Erie like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this full-day adventure. Whether you're chasing trophy walleye, battling aggressive smallmouth bass, or going after monster lake trout, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With just two spots available, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning at the best fishing spots on the lake. Mark tailors each trip to what's biting and what you want to target, making this one of the top-rated fishing experiences on Lake Erie.
Your day starts early with Captain Mark, who'll have all the gear ready and the boat positioned at the hottest spots based on current conditions. The beauty of this full-day charter is the flexibility – you might spend the morning working structure for smallmouth bass, then shift gears and troll for walleye when they start feeding. Mark reads the water and weather patterns daily, so you're always fishing where the action is happening. The intimate two-person capacity means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to land fish. You'll have access to quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus Mark's decades of experience putting clients on fish. Expect to cover different areas of the lake throughout the day, from shallow rocky reefs to deeper drop-offs where the big predators hunt.
Mark runs a variety of proven techniques depending on the target species and season. For walleye, you'll primarily troll with planer boards, bottom bouncers, and crawler harnesses, covering vast amounts of water to locate active schools. When targeting smallmouth bass, expect to work rocky structure with jigs, tube baits, and crankbaits – these fish love the boulder fields and drop-offs that Lake Erie is famous for. Lake trout fishing involves deeper trolling with downriggers and spoons, often in 60-80 feet of water where these monsters cruise. Mark knows the seasonal patterns inside and out: the eastern basin's rock piles for smallies in spring, the central basin's mud flats for summer walleye, and the deeper thermal bars where lake trout ambush baitfish. He adjusts tactics throughout the day based on fish activity, weather changes, and what's working best. The boat is equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, ensuring you're always positioned over productive water.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties typically run 2-6 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 8-10 pounds or more. Peak season runs from the May opener through October, with summer months producing consistent action. Walleye are prized for their incredible table fare – firm, white, flaky meat that's considered some of the best eating in freshwater. They school up in massive numbers, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Smallmouth bass in Lake Erie are absolute tanks, with fish regularly hitting 3-5 pounds and giants exceeding 6 pounds. Mid-April through mid-June is prime time when these bronze fighters are aggressive and hungry after spawning. They're known for their aerial displays and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag system. Lake trout are the true monsters of the deep, with fish commonly reaching 10-20 pounds and occasional giants topping 30 pounds. Mid-July through mid-September offers the best opportunities when they're actively feeding in the thermocline. These prehistoric-looking fighters provide long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Steelhead trout bring West Coast-style action to the Great Lakes, with their chrome sides and acrobatic jumps. Brown trout are the wariest of the bunch, but when hooked, they're known for powerful runs and head-shaking battles. American yellow perch might be smaller, but they're delicious table fare and provide consistent action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating.
Lake Erie fishing with Captain Mark isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing one of North America's premier freshwater fisheries with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. With only two anglers per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention, quality instruction, and the best chance at landing trophy fish. The seasonal variety means there's always something exciting to target, whether it's spring smallmouth bass, summer walleye, or fall lake trout. Mark's local knowledge and proven track record make this charter a customer favorite among serious anglers. Don't wait on this world-class fishing opportunity – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your full-day Lake Erie adventure today and get ready for some of the best fishing the Great Lakes have to offer.
Captain Mark's fishing boat is built for serious Lake Erie angling, equipped with everything you need to land those trophy walleye, bass, and trout. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on finicky smallmouth, while the fish finder helps locate schools of walleye suspended in deeper water. You'll stay on course with GPS navigation, and the VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fishing intel from other boats. The onboard ice box ensures your catch stays fresh throughout the full day on the water. This 2-person setup gives you and a fishing buddy plenty of room to work without feeling cramped, whether you're casting for bass in the shallows during the morning bite or trolling for lake trout in the afternoon. The boat handles Lake Erie's conditions well, getting you to the productive fishing spots where Captain Mark has been putting clients on fish for years.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are the perfect family fish - kids love catching them and they taste amazing. These striped beauties run 6-10 inches typically, though we get some jumbo 12-inchers that'll surprise you. They school up in huge numbers around weed beds, docks, and structure in 8-20 feet of water. Spring and fall are best when they're feeding heavily before and after spawn. Perch aren't big fighters, but what they lack in power they make up for in numbers and flavor. Sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect in the pan. The fun part is when you find a school - you can catch dozens quickly. My go-to setup is simple: small jigs tipped with minnows or worms on light tackle. Here's the key - once you catch one, drop your line right back down in the same spot. Perch travel in massive schools, so where there's one, there's usually fifty more.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the thinking angler's fish. These spotted beauties run 18-26 inches on average here, with some real slabs pushing 8-12 pounds. They're homebodies, sticking to rocky areas, drop-offs, and structure in 15-40 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, but spring can be hot too. Browns are crafty fighters - not as flashy as steelhead, but they'll use every trick to shake the hook. Great eating with mild, flaky meat. What I love about targeting browns is they make you work for them. Here's the deal: they're spookier than other trout, so downsize your line and lures. Use lighter colors on bright days, darker stuff when it's overcast. And here's a local secret - browns often hit on the pause. When jigging, let your lure sit still for a few seconds. That's when they nail it.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants that'll make your arms ache. These char family bruisers average 24-36 inches in Lake Erie, with 15-25 pounders not uncommon during our peak season from mid-July through September. They live in the deepest, coldest water, usually suspended 40-80 feet down over the main basin. Summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What gets people hooked on lakers is their sheer power - long, steady runs that'll test your gear and endurance. Plus they're excellent eating with rich, firm meat. The challenge is finding them in all that deep water, but that's what makes it rewarding. Pro tip: use heavy jigging spoons and work them in a slow, steady rhythm. Lakers hit on the drop more than the lift, so pay attention to your line going slack. When you feel weight instead of a hard strike, set the hook - you've got one.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pure adrenaline on a line. These bronze fighters typically run 12-18 inches in Lake Erie, but we see plenty of 3-5 pound trophies, especially mid-April through mid-June. They love rocky structure, boulder fields, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water. Spring is when they're most aggressive, staging shallow for spawn. What makes smallies special is their fight - pound for pound, nothing matches their aerial acrobatics and bulldogging runs. They'll jump clear out of the water multiple times. Great eating too, with firm white meat. The key trick here is matching your bait to the bottom. When they're on rocks, use tube jigs or ned rigs. If you feel multiple taps instead of one solid hit, that's classic smallmouth - they're notorious for short strikes when they're finicky.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are lake-run rainbows that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets average 24-30 inches in Erie, with 8-15 pounders common during peak season. They cruise open water chasing baitfish, usually 15-50 feet down depending on temperature. Best action runs spring through fall, with cooler, overcast days producing the hottest fishing. What makes steelhead special is their explosive power - they'll strip line like crazy and make blistering runs that'll get your heart pumping. Plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, pink meat. The secret is trolling spoons or plugs at precise speeds. Most guys run too fast. Slow down to 2-2.5 mph and let the lure wobble naturally. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they'll throw the hook if you get too aggressive with that soft mouth.
Sander VitreusLake Erie walleye are what dreams are made of. These golden beauties with their glassy eyes run 18-30 inches here, with plenty of 5-8 pounders hitting the deck. They love rocky bottoms and drop-offs, hanging deep during the day around 20-40 feet. May through October is prime time, but late spring and early fall are magic. Walleye are sneaky fighters - not flashy jumpers, but they'll bend your rod with steady pulls. What really gets people excited is the eating. Best-tasting freshwater fish around, hands down. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tick on your line, don't set the hook hard. Walleye have soft mouths, so a firm lift is all you need. Live minnows and nightcrawlers work great, but don't overlook jigging spoons when they're suspended.
North Tonawanda, NY