Lake Erie Walleye: Where, When, and Why?
By Master Captain Steve Small
When the central basin of Lake Erie begins to warm and water temperatures reach the mid-50s to low-60s, Walleye begin to group up in widespread schools along the 50-60 foot depths. Normally, as water temperatures rise, trophy fish move to deeper, more comfortable water. Lake Erie is a prime example of this.
Easy access to colder water and high-protein baitfish like smelt and alewives make it simple to understand why trophy Walleye find their home in the waters off Erie, PA. Later, in mid-July and August, the fish move even deeper. We target Walleye on planer boards while Steelhead and Salmon are caught simultaneously with downriggers.
Through September, deep water still provides trophy Walleye, while fall Salmon and Trout school near the creek mouths. For those targeting 3-6 pound Smallmouth Bass, late September and October are prime, as big females feed heavily in preparation for the spawning period.