Fishing in the Legendary Waters of Lake Erie

By Captain Johnny Dittrich

Let’s Explore the Walleye Capital of the World

I’ve been fortunate enough to call Lake Erie my home lake because it is my absolute favorite waterbody to fish. And not only do I get to brave the waters of the great lake whenever I want, but I also get the privilege of calling it my “office" for my fishing charter.

Just so you know, Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes of North America, along with Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario. It is the fourth largest, and at over 25,000 square kilometers, I should think there’s more than enough to discover in a lifetime. I think that’s why I never get tired of it, even in all my years fishing in the lake as a captain and guide. 

This Great Lake holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I discovered my love for fishing. When I was barely big enough to hold down a rod at four or five years old, I remember catching my first big fish, an Ohio walleye, while fishing the lake with my dad. My dad was also the one who encouraged me to get my captain’s license. I really feel that it’s thanks to him that I’ve enjoyed a 12-year career in one of the best fishing lakes in the world.

I’m always excited about my daily work involving targeting walleye in what many anglers consider the Walleye Capital of the World. Can you just imagine how amazing that is? That’s why I can’t get enough of sharing the thrill of Lake Erie walleye fishing with my fishing charter guests. Lake Erie is such an excellent waterbody. It has naturally rich soil that supports a diverse ecosystem, which includes hundreds of native fish species such as my favorite walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and steelhead. Sometimes I stop to look around and appreciate the fact that I get to live and breathe in such a legendary Midwest destination, a summer getaway with year-round scenic views and pristine beauty. Not a lot of people can say that about their hometown.

As I’ve said, anglers can find a range of fish species in the lake, but if you’re going to the lake to fish, know that Lake Erie is the Walleye Capital of the World for a reason. Let me tell you something about walleye fishing in this lake – it knows no season. You can come here no matter what time of the year and expect to catch this prized game fish. I’m telling you – these fish species are such a thrill to catch, and seeking them out in the Great Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you should not miss out on.

What I find the most exciting about walleye fishing in Lake Erie is that it keeps you on your toes. You can’t expect walleye just to be waiting for you in the same fishing spot all year round. You have to follow the fish around the lake depending on the season. 

On our trips, we usually look for the ideal water temperature for walleye under any given condition. For example, you’ll usually find them in the shallower parts of the lake from fall through spring. This also coincides with what I believe to be the peak trophy season in the lake, which runs from November to April. If you go fishing here in summer, you’ll expect to catch walleye in the deep where the waters run cooler. The secret to finding cool water in summer is heading east of the lake. The further out east you go, the more walleye you will find hiding in the deep. Trolling is the best technique to use on walleye during summer. You will also find success drift fishing if the water conditions are right. In winter, you’ll find the fish preparing for springtime spawning season as they stage up on the western end of the lake. After the spring spawning season, you can follow them to the east in search of colder water. 

Lake Erie is on the small side compared to the rest of the Great Lakes of North America, but it is still quite big and can be accessed from various states. Here in Ohio, where my fishing charter business, Johnny Boy Charters, is based, I will take you to the shores and islands around Lake Erie, particularly Port Clinton, Kelleys Island, Catawba Island, and Lakeside Marblehead – anywhere that holds fish. I’ll even share with you my personal favorite spots. I’ll let you in on a not-so-well-kept secret: one of our all-time faves in the area is Kelleys Island. Locals call it “An Island for All Seasons” because of its great year-long beauty – you simply have to see it to believe. My words can’t do justice. It’s just four miles north of our home base in Marblehead and is in the lake's Western Basin.

As a fishing charter captain and guide, I take great pride in showing my guests the best of what Lake Erie has to offer. That’s because I believe it is not just an excellent fishing lake - it is truly one of the most beautiful places you can sail on – and I’m not just speaking out of bias. If you book a trip with me, you have a choice to take my four-hour fishing trips and add on extra hours so you can explore the breadth and depth of this Great Lake. I love teaching kids to fish, and one of my kid-friendly and family-friendly programs includes a fun ice fishing excursion where I take you little tykes out for a day out in the frozen lake to catch some fish.

In all my 12 years as a professional fishing guide, I’ve met so many great people and made tons of unforgettable memories. I’m not kidding when I say I remember all of them with great fondness. I feel that every person I’ve met on my fishing trips has made me the man I am today. If I had to choose a favorite memory, I'd go with a recent trip that truly made a mark on me. I donated a fishing trip to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a non-profit organization that gives back to our veteran heroes. I took out three Air Force and Army members on my boat that day, and as we enjoyed our fishing, I heard their life stories. I remember laughing so much with them and feeling inspired by how they’ve lived in service. I enjoyed the trip so much that I suggested we hang out afterward. I’m not kidding when I tell you we came out of the experience as true lifelong friends. 

I make sure that anglers of all levels are welcome with Johnny Boy Charters. I love assisting expert anglers who are eager to beat their trophy fish records. I also particularly enjoy teaching novice anglers various fishing techniques to catch walleye and other Lake Erie species. I love hosting families – the more, the merrier, right? I guarantee that any family who steps on my boat falls in love not just with Lake Erie but with fishing in general. To make each fishing experience memorable, safe, and comfortable, I’ve equipped my 20 feet Hewescraft boat with the latest fishing amenities, including a GPS, fish finder, and a VHF radio to help us land our fish. I provide gear and bait, so all you need to do is bring some snacks and drinks on the go, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bucket hat, plus your eagerness to learn, explore, and have the time of your life.

Next time you find yourself in Ohio, hunkering for a good time on the lake, book a trip with us at Johnny Boy Charters. You can also check my Facebook page for schedule updates and information about our rates and trips.