Lake Erie Walleye Fishing & Island Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday walleye fishing in Lake Erie's prime watersIsland exploration with scenic coastline and village diningFamilyfriendly charter accommodating up to four guests
Picture this: you're pulling in fat walleye in the morning mist while Lake Erie stretches endlessly around you, then spending the afternoon exploring one of Ohio's most charming islands. That's exactly what you get with our Lake Erie fishing charter to Kelleys Island. Starting from our home port in Lakeside Marblehead, we'll spend the morning targeting walleye in some of the lake's most productive waters before heading to Kelleys Island for lunch, drinks, and a bit of island life. It's the perfect combo trip for families or groups who want more than just fishing – though trust me, the fishing alone will keep you busy.
We kick off early from Lakeside Marblehead, getting you out to the prime walleye spots while the fish are still actively feeding. Lake Erie's western basin is famous worldwide for its walleye population, and there's good reason for that reputation. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters create perfect conditions for these tasty gamefish to thrive. You'll be fishing depths anywhere from 15 to 40 feet, depending on the season and where the fish are holding. After we've put some walleye in the cooler, we make the short run to Kelleys Island – it's literally right across from our dock, so the boat ride is part of the fun. The island has this laid-back vibe that's perfect for unwinding after a morning of fishing. You can walk the scenic shoreline, grab a cold beer at one of the local spots, or just stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty. The whole day flows naturally from active fishing to relaxed island time, making it ideal for mixed groups where not everyone is obsessed with fishing.
We primarily troll for walleye using planer boards and bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses or crankbaits. The planer boards let us spread multiple lines out from the boat, covering more water and finding where the fish are concentrated. During peak season, we'll often run six to eight lines at different depths and speeds until we dial in the pattern. Water temperature and clarity play huge roles in our approach – in cooler water, we slow down and work deeper, while warmer conditions often mean faster trolling speeds and shallower presentations. The boat is rigged with all the electronics you need, including GPS, fish finders, and temperature gauges that help us stay on productive water. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. The beauty of trolling is that it works for all skill levels – beginners can learn the basics while experienced anglers can fine-tune techniques and try different lures.
Walleye are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These golden-sided beauties typically run 2 to 4 pounds in Lake Erie, though we regularly see fish pushing 6 to 8 pounds, especially during the spring and fall runs. Walleye are most active during low-light periods – early morning, late evening, and overcast days – which is why we start early. They're structure-oriented fish that relate to drop-offs, reefs, and bottom changes, making electronics crucial for consistent success. What makes walleye so popular isn't just their fighting ability (though they do put up a good scrap), it's that they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. The meat is white, flaky, and mild-flavored, perfect for fish fries or shore lunches. Spring and fall are peak times, when walleye school up heavily during their spawning and feeding migrations. Summer fishing can be excellent too, especially early morning and evening when they move shallow to feed. The daily limit is generous, so you'll have plenty of chances to fill your cooler while practicing catch-and-release on the smaller fish.
While walleye are our primary target, Lake Erie's diversity means you might hook into other species throughout the day. Yellow perch are common catches, especially during late summer and fall when they school up in massive numbers. These smaller fish are incredibly tasty and fun to catch, often providing non-stop action when you find a good school. Smallmouth bass also inhabit the rocky areas and reefs around Kelleys Island, and they're aggressive fighters that will test your tackle. During certain times of year, steelhead trout migrate through the area, offering an exciting bonus catch for lucky anglers. The lake also holds white perch, freshwater drum, and even the occasional muskie or northern pike for those seeking something different.
This combo trip offers something most fishing charters can't – the perfect balance of serious angling and family-friendly fun. Whether you're a hardcore walleye fanatic or someone who enjoys fishing but wants more variety in the day, this trip delivers on both fronts. The 4-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Kelleys Island adds that special element that turns a good fishing trip into a memorable day adventure. The island's restaurants, shops, and scenic spots provide the perfect mid-day break, especially for groups with varying interest levels in fishing. Book early during peak walleye season (April through June and September through November) as these combination trips fill up fast. The flexibility to fish hard in the morning and relax in the afternoon makes this one of our most requested charter options.
Lake Erie