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Lake Erie

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Ohio, United States

4.8·40013 catches

Top fish species at Lake Erie

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Check which species have trophy potential in Lake Erie

Lake Erie fishing reports

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Walleye

18 in · 2 lb

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Yellow perch

length · weight

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Walleye

length · weight

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Yellow perch

length · weight

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Yellow perch

length · weight

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length · weight

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General info

Lake Erie is a lake located in Lake County, Ohio, United States. It is also intersecting with Monroe County, Michigan, Chautauqua County, New York, and Ashtabula County, Ohio. It is most popular for fishing Walleye, Largemouth bass, and Freshwater drum.

Location

42°08′52.1″N 81°13′57.5″W
Directions

Official website

ohiodnr.gov

Amenities

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Lake Erie?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Lake Erie. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Lake Erie, OH

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Ohio can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Walleye

Walleye

Regulation boundaryOH Lake Erie
Bag limit6

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size15" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit6

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
This daily bag limit has been established for walleye, saugeye, and sauger anglers fishing in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie, or landing at Ohio ports. It shall be unlawful for any one person to take or possess more than six walleye, saugeye, and sauger (singly or in combination) in any one day regardless of zone combination.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Sander vitreus
Location regulation notes
Ohio Lake Erie A maximum of three lines are permitted in the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District as described above.
Location specific information
Ohio Lake Erie A maximum of three lines are permitted in the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District as described above.
Season open: year-round
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryOH Lake Erie
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size14" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass regulations for Lake Erie March 1 - April 30: bag limit = 5; min size = 14-inches May 1 - June 24: bag limit = 1; min size = 18-inches June 25 - April 30: bag limit = 5; min size = 14 inches
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Location regulation notes
Ohio Lake Erie A maximum of three lines are permitted in the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District as described above.
Location specific information
Ohio Lake Erie A maximum of three lines are permitted in the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District as described above.
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Local laws and licenses

Ohio fishing license

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Reviews of Lake Erie

4.8
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367 ratings

5
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

North Madison

23.9 miles away

Perry

26.9 miles away

Ashtabula

28.9 miles away

Painesville

29.3 miles away

Mentor

32.1 miles away

Austinburg

32.5 miles away

Kingsville

33.7 miles away

Eastlake

35.4 miles away

Willoughby

35.8 miles away

Jefferson

37.0 miles away

Conneaut

37.3 miles away

Willowick

37.5 miles away

Rock Creek

38.9 miles away

Wickliffe

39.3 miles away

Bass Lake

40.9 miles away

Euclid

41.2 miles away

Mayfield Heights

45.0 miles away

Lyndhurst

45.6 miles away

Orwell

46.4 miles away

Burton

47.0 miles away

Middlefield

48.2 miles away

South Russell

49.7 miles away

Andover

50.6 miles away

West Farmington

54.0 miles away

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FAQ about Lake Erie fishing

📍 Where is Lake Erie located?
Lake Erie is a lake located in Lake County, Ohio, United States. It is also intersecting with Monroe County, Michigan, Chautauqua County, New York, and Ashtabula County, Ohio. Its coordinates are:
42°08′52.1″N 81°13′57.5″W
.
🎣 Where on Lake Erie is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Lake Erie by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Lake Erie?
The most common species in Lake Erie are:
📢 What are the latest Lake Erie fishing reports?
The latest Lake Erie fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Erie?

Fishing in Ohio requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, available online or from licensed vendors.

In Ohio, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 66 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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