Lake Erie is one of the best fishing destinations in North America, offering anglers a chance to catch trophy walleye and perch. Along the Ohio shoreline, Geneva and Ashtabula stand out as premier fishing hotspots. Whether you’re fishing from the beaches, rivers, or venturing offshore into the open lake, you’ll find opportunities to catch fish from Lake Erie. Staying at MotorCoach Resort Lake Erie Shores puts you in the heart of great fishing on Lake Erie.
Lake Erie is a prime destination for anglers, mainly due to its walleye and perch populations. Smallmouth bass and steelhead are also targeted while fishing Lake Erie. It just depends on what time of year you visit the area.
Geneva and Ashtabula offer a mix of fishing opportunities close to MotorCoach Resort Lake Erie Shores. These areas are known for their:
Geneva and Ashtabula access to shorelines for beach fishing. Key spots include Geneva State Park Beach and Walnut Beach Park. These areas are ideal for targeting smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, catfish, steelhead, and even the occasional walleye.
The Ashtabula River, Grand River and Conneaut Creek are local streams for fishing. These rivers are particularly popular during steelhead trout migrations in the fall and early spring. They can be caught off the piers in the fall and up river in the winter and spring months. Exploring the river is not only about fishing, you can enjoy other lake activities like hiking near the shore.
Offshore fishing in Lake Erie's deeper waters near Geneva and Ashtabula is unmatched for walleye and yellow perch. you can bring your boat or hire a Lake Erie Guide. Lake Erie walleye Charters, such as those based out of Geneva Marina, are available for a guided experience. Listed below are some of the popular charters in Geneva Marina.
Best Practices for Offshore Fishing:
Trolling is effective for walleye; use crankbaits or spinner rigs. For perch, vertical jigging with live emerald shiners is a reliable method.
Spring Fishing on Lake Erie
Spring brings the much-anticipated walleye spawn, with many congregating in shallow waters. Smallmouth bass and early steelhead runs also make this a productive season. In Geneva and Ashtabula, look for walleye to be on the rocky shoreline spawning.
Summer Fishing: Warm-Weather Tactics
In summer, perch and walleye dominate the scene. Fishing becomes more challenging as fish move to deeper waters, but trolling or jigging with electronics can help locate schools.
Fall Fishing: A Prime Time for Anglers
Fall is steelhead trout season in the rivers, offering some of the most exciting fishing of the year. You can wade in the rivers or fish from a boat in the harbors. Cooler temperatures also bring walleye closer to shore.
Winter Fishing: Ice Fishing Opportunities
When the lake freezes, ice fishing becomes the go-to activity. Anglers target perch, crappie, and walleye near harbors and shallower lake sections. Always prioritize safety by checking ice thickness.
Best Times of Year to Visit Plan your trip according to the species you want to catch. Spring and fall are perfect for steelhead, while summer is prime for perch and walleye.
Local Resources and Amenities
Blog written by: Kevin from LakeErieFish.com
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OH 44041, United States
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