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Damn Good Lake Erie Fishing Guides

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Recently Booked Fishing Guides Near Lake Erie

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This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead

Lake Fishing Trip in Lakeside Marblehead

Lake Erie Smallies, Walleye, Perch

100% (1)
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Port Clinton

Lake Fishing Trip in Port Clinton

Lake Erie Catfish Special

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $330
Fishing in Westfield

Lake Fishing Trip in Westfield

Lake Erie Catch-Em-Up Trip

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Conneaut

Lake Fishing Trip in Conneaut

Lake Erie Steelhead Special

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $440
Fishing in Lorain

Lake Fishing Trip in Lorain

Walleye Trolling

NEW
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Cleveland

Lake Fishing Trip in Cleveland

Full Day Trophy Walleye & Steelhead

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $600

Most Popular Types of Trips in Lake Erie

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Lake Fishing Guides Near Lake Erie

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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Lorain

Lake Fishing Trip in Lorain

Lake Erie Walleye Catch

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Lewiston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Lewiston

Niagara River Fishing Charters

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $425
Fishing in Lorain

Lake Fishing Trip in Lorain

Lake Erie Walleye Roundup

100% (1)
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead

Lake Fishing Trip in Lakeside Marblehead

Lake Erie Perch Or Walleye Special

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Conneaut

Lake Fishing Trip in Conneaut

Lake Erie Walleye Drift

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
Fishing in Lorain

Lake Fishing Trip in Lorain

Lake Erie Walleye Run

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $450

River Fishing Guides Near Lake Erie

Fishing in Oak Harbor

River Fishing Trip in Oak Harbor

Honing In On Perch

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Lewiston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Lewiston

Niagara River Fishing Charters

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $425
Fishing in Cleveland

Lake, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Cleveland

Trophy Walleye Night Bite (Oct-Dec)

NEW
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
Fishing in Oak Harbor

River Fishing Trip in Oak Harbor

Honing In On Walleye

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Wyandotte

River Fishing Trip in Wyandotte

Lake Erie Walleye Hunt

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Buffalo

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Buffalo

Full Day Fishing Charter

NEW
19 ft 1 - 3 People From $575

Nearshore Fishing Guides Near Lake Erie

Fishing in Conneaut

Inshore, Lake, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Conneaut

Summer Walleye Troll

NEW
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Cleveland

Lake, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Cleveland

Trophy Walleye Night Bite (Oct-Dec)

NEW
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Lorain

Lake, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Lorain

Full Day Walleye Fishing

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Port Clinton

Lake, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Clinton

Walleye Trolling Morning (AM)

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100

More Fishing Guides Near Lake Erie

Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead
trip description for Epic Ohio Walleye Trip in Lakeside Marblehead

Go aboard with Captain Ryan and spend a day hooking Walleye on Lake Erie! Over the course of this trip, Captain Ryan will take you to his favorite fishing holes to target Walleye, the most popular gamefish species in Ohio and a top-notch eating fish! On this trip, you'll be using a variety of lures to draw bites. Depending on the time of year, there are a several different techniques to choose from. In the spring, you'll use deep-diving crank baits to find Walleye hanging out in the lower levels of the water column. Towards the middle of the summer, you'll focus on trolling. As the season progresses, you may switch to spoons or other lures depending on what's getting the bite. Captain Ryan will make sure to get you set up with the best tackle, no matter the season! His 20' Skeeter skiff can comfortably fit up to 3 guests, plus the captain himself. She's powered by a 250-HP Yamaha engine, so you'll be able to spend less time cruising and more time fishing. In addition, the skiff is equipped with a 9.9 Yamaha kicker motor and a MinnKota Terrova electric trolling motor for amazing maneuverability in shallow water! Everything you need for an amazing trip will be provided by Captain Ryan. He’ll bring all the equipment including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. All you need is sun protection, your Ohio fishing licenses, and appropriate clothing. Check the weather reports a couple days before your trip so you come prepared! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Lakeside Marblehead

Epic Ohio Walleye Trip

NEW
20 ft 1 - 3 People From $325
Fishing in Erie
Fishing in Erie
Fishing in Erie
trip description for Lake Erie Walleye Trolling in Erie

If you've been searching for the Lake Erie Walleye trip of a lifetime, look no further. Captain Jim is a pro when it comes to fishing Lake Erie for these gamefish, and he'll make sure that you and yours have a great time and go home with a trophy, a full cooler, or both! In order to maximize your chances of success, Captain Jim follows the fish as they migrate around the lake. In the spring, you'll fish the western basin, then move east as the water begins to warm up. In the fall, the fish head back west and eat like crazy as they prepare for the long winter. If you're looking to catch a trophy, spring and fall are the times to do it! On this trip, you'll be using a variety of lures to draw bites. Depending on the time of year, there are a several different techniques to choose from. In the spring, you'll employ diving crank baits that can find Walleye down in the deep, cold water. Towards the middle of the summer, you'll focus on trolling higher in the water column. As the season progresses, you may switch to spoons or other lures depending on what's getting the bite. Captain Jim will make sure to get you set up with the best tackle, no matter the season! Although Walleye arent known as huge fighters, they're widely regarded as some of the best freshwater eating fish out there! When you're fishing with Captain Jim, he'll make sure you head home with a cooler full of dinner. You'll be fishing out there aboard his 22' Bayliner cuddy cabin, a fast boat that's ideal for trolling, with an enclosed cabin to keep you comfortable all day. She also runs a 230-HP Volvo inboard engine so you'll be out there in the blink of an eye! You'll be provided with everything you need for a blue-ribbon fishing trip; all you need to bring is proper clothing for the weather, your Ohio fishing licenses, and a good attitude! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Erie

Lake Erie Walleye Trolling

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Cleveland
Fishing in Cleveland
Fishing in Cleveland
trip description for Cleveland /Lorain Trophy Walleye in Cleveland

If you've been looking for the perfect half-day Walleye trip on the beautiful waters of Lake Erie, there's no better trip than one with Captain Moke! He's an expert guide who's great at putting his clients on "wallhanger" Walleye, and he'll show you a great time whether you're totally green or already an experienced angler. On this trip, you'll be trolling and drifting for lunker Walleye, throwing a variety of lures to draw bites. Walleye are some of the best-eating freshwater fish out there, and they're super fun for every level of angler! These fish migrate across Lake Erie every year, moving from colder, deeper waters to warmer areas and back. They can be caught reliably all year long. You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Moke's 21' WarriorHigh Performance Muli Species boat. 350-HP Suzuki engines, so you'll be absolutely flying off the dock and out to the hot fishing spots! Captain Moke will supply everything you need for a blue-ribbon day, including all rods, reels, bait and tackle! Just bring a cooler with some snacks and drinks, sunscreen, and proper clothing! Let’s go fishing! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Cleveland

Cleveland /Lorain Trophy Walleye

NEW
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $500
Fishing in Avon Lake
Fishing in Avon Lake
Fishing in Avon Lake
trip description for Half-Day Lake Erie Hook-Up in Avon Lake

If you're an angler looking to catch one of the Midwest's best sportfish species, look no further! On this adventure with Captain Ron—a Lake Erie Walleye-fishing master—you'll be hunting down prizewinning Walleye on the clear waters of America's fourth-largest lake. Captain Ron has been fishing here since he was just a kid, and he's caught thousands of fish in the places you'll be fishing. He's a true expert, and he'll guide you right to his best spots for lunker Walleye. Walleye aren't known as great fighting fish, but they're still extremely fun for anglers of all levels. In addition, they often hang out together, so getting multiple "tips down" at the same time isn't uncommon. Walleye love to hit lures right off the bottom, so you'll focus on slow trolling to draw bites. You'll be using a variety of lures, most of which will imitate small baitfish. Captain Ron will make sure you're ready to go with the best terminal tackle; so, whether you're an experienced angler or a newbie, Captain Ron will make sure you have the right tackle and all the tools necessary to whack some big ones. You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Ron's 23' Warrior tournament boat, an ideal vessel for fishing both close to shore and in deeper water. She's equipped with a 400-Hp Mercury engine, so you'll be on the fish in the blink of an eye. She also features a full suite of electronics, including GPS, fish finder, and a trolling motor. Captain Ron will bring everything you need for a legendary fishing trip. All you need to remember are you Ohio fishing licenses, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection. Get out there and hook 'em up! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Avon Lake

Half-Day Lake Erie Hook-Up

NEW
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Oak Harbor
Fishing in Oak Harbor
Fishing in Oak Harbor
trip description for Honing in on Walleye in Oak Harbor

Looking for an excellent Walleye fishing experience on Lake Erie? Captain Larry has got you covered. With years of experience fishing on Lake Erie, Captain Larry will guide you to the best Walleye fishing spots on the lake and help you fill your cooler. Walleye are one of the most popular freshwater sportfish in the US, and for good reason! These fish are fun to catch, and their flaky white fillets are known for their great taste. In the pan, on the grill, or in the oven, these fish are some of the best-eating around. This trip is great for families, and can accommodate up to six people. Whether you're new to fishing or an pro, Captain Larry will make sure to put you on the fish and show you a great time on the water. His 30' Baha fishing vessel is purpose-built for these trips, and comes kitted out with amenities to keep you fishing in comfort all day. Why wait? Get out there and start catching! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Oak Harbor

Honing In On Walleye

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed / operated by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Port Clinton
Fishing in Port Clinton
Fishing in Port Clinton
trip description for Walleye Trolling Morning (AM) in Port Clinton

Walleye are some of the most popular freshwater gamefish in America, and for good reason! Although these fish are not huge fighters, their flakey white meat is delicious and has a soft, buttery texture that anglers love. Lake Erie is a premier Walleye fishing destination, and there's no better way to bag a few for yourself than this trip with Captain Ken! Each year, Walleye migrate around the lake, moving from cold, deep water to warmer, shallower water and back. In order to maximize your chances of success, Captain Ken follows the fish as they move across the lake. In the spring, you'll fish the western basin, then move east as the water begins to warm up. In the fall, the fish head back west and eat like crazy as they prepare for the long winter. If you're looking to catch a trophy, spring and fall are the times to do it! On this trip, you'll be using a variety of lures to draw bites. Depending on the time of year, there are a several different techniques to choose from. In the spring, you'll employ diving crank baits that can find Walleye down in the deep, cold water. Towards the middle of the summer, you'll focus on trolling higher in the water column. As the season progresses, you may switch to spoons or other lures depending on what's getting the bite. Captain Ken will make sure to get you set up with the best tackle, no matter the season! Captain Ken's 37' Tiara Yacht is a beauty. She has comfortable seating for up to six, a full cabin to keep you out of the sun, and sports twin Caterpillar diesels with a combined 840 horsepower! This boat also has all the equipment you need to come home with a full cooler and great memories. A full service yacht with heat and AC, this boat is the king of Lake Erie! Captain Ken will provide all the rods, reels, and tackle, so all you need to bring is your Ohio fishing license, proper clothing for the weather, and sun protection! What are you waiting for? Read More

Lake, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Clinton

Walleye Trolling Morning (AM)

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
See All Trips in Lake Erie

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in Lake Erie

What are the best fishing trips in Lake Erie?

Why should I book a fishing trip in Lake Erie with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 41 trips in Lake Erie, and the most popular trips in the area are Lake Erie Smallies, Walleye, Perch guided by Robert, Lake Erie Catfish Special guided by Scott, and Walleye Trolling on Possessed IV guided by Keith.

Our guides in Lake Erie are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3300 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly guides / fishing lessons in Lake Erie? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Lake Erie.

What types of fishing trips are common in Lake Erie?

Lake fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Lake Erie as well as river fishing, nearshore fishing, and inshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Lake Erie are: 1. walleye, 2. perch, 3. steelhead, 4. channel catfish, and 5. smallmouth bass.

The most common fishing techniques in Lake Erie are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and trolling but drift fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much does a Lake Erie fishing trip cost?

Prices in Lake Erie can range anywhere from about $450 to $1,050, but the average price for a half day trip in Lake Erie is $609. The average price for a full day trip in Lake Erie is $825.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Lake Erie?

The most popular season for fishing in Lake Erie is summer, and most anglers book their trips 117 days in advance.

Do I need a Lake Erie fishing license and what are the bag limits in Lake Erie?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Lake Erie, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Lake Erie. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Lake Erie.

Lake Erie Fishing Overview

With an average of 1.5 million fish caught in Lake Erie every year, you won't go home empty-handed. While the lake is known for steelhead, many other gamefish live in its waters and provide a variety of phenomenal fishing opportunities.

Lake Erie Steelhead Fishing

For most of the anglers on Lake Erie, fishing means steelhead, steelhead, steelhead. The lake and its tributaries are one of the best steelhead fisheries in the world and the fish is the signature of the area. The best steelhead fishing will often be found in a part of the lake called the mountain, where the lake is deepest and the cold-water fish will congregate as the water warms elsewhere.

Lake Trout Fishing on Lake Erie

Catching lake trout can require a bit of extra tackle but these fish are well worth it. Fishing the depths of “the mountain” is a great place to find these fish and with a typical weight of 8 to 12 pounds these fish will wear you out. Trolling with a diving disk that will take your spoons or lures down to the right depths will ensure you are within striking distance. Although the popularity of these fish has waned in recent years, lake trout are still an exciting and delicious gamefish perfect for any group.

Other Lake Erie Game Fish Species

While trout and steelhead are the most popular fish for this lake, Lake Erie is also home to other popular species including bass, walleye, perch, crappie, and bluegill. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are well-known game fish across the country but in a lake like this they grow slow but that doesn't mean small.

Bluegill can be found almost anywhere and their high action on minimal tackle makes them some of the most fun fish to catch. Crappie prefer brush and shallower water and are basically the next step up from bluegill. That being said do not discount this voracious fish because they are a blast to catch and a delicious meal. The only other fish that may beat crappie for the best white meat fish is the walleye. Other than their spectacular food qualities walleye are known for their trolling rigs and funky fighting style. There are plenty of game fish to catch on Lake Erie and is a great place for anglers to try something new.

Lake Erie Weather

When heading out on Lake Erie always be careful and consider your safety. When in doubt, contact a guide to take you out and ensure the conditions are good. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the great lakes and is prone to more severe weather including fast shifts from calm rollers to large waves as well as significant fog. When you're ready to take a trip, head out of Cleveland, Buffalo, Detroit, or Toledo as your major jumping-off points to get out on the water.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I and 4 other friends had a blast on our full day excursion with Capt. Alex Zelinko. He was a wonderful Captain, kind courteous, informative and fun. I would highly recommend Captain Alex Zelinko and Captain Experiences to anyone looking for an enjoyable day of fishing. Thank you Alex. Dave Vachon.

    David R. with Tom U. of Lorain, Ohio

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip

    Kyle W. with Robert H. of Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

  • ★★★★★
    Larry was a great guide - put us on top of lots of Walleye. We got our 30 fish limit in 4 hours. The boat - Walleye Magnet - was awesome and perfectly set up to catch tons of keepers.

    Brandon M. with Tom U. of Lorain, Ohio

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Joe was the best! And he knows how to get on them BIGS!!!

    Jaxon H. with Joseph S. of Lewiston, New York

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing experience. Capt Sean was very knowledgeable of the area and knew where the fish were. We are looking forward to our next trip already.

    Adam H. with Sean S. of Lorain, Ohio

  • ★★★★★
    Sean was a fantastic guide. He's very personable and we had great conversation in addition to catching a lot of fish! His boat was clean and spacious, I'll definitely be booking him again.

    Josh H. with Sean S. of Lorain, Ohio

  • ★★★★★
    Our captian was great. Very knowledgeable and explained what was going on since it was our first time on a charter. Really came in the clutch to get us near our limit at the end. I would recommend these guys and I will be booking again.

    Eldon L. with Alex Z. of Lorain, Ohio

Top Types of Fishing in Lake Erie

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See All Trips in Lake Erie