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Fishing Lake Erie, Presque Isle

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Lake Erie, PA

Popular Fish Species Lake Erie, PA


Lake Erie Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are one of the most sought-after species in Lake Erie, with fish over 4 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.


Lake Erie Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

The lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. It is extremely popular at restaurants and for private fish frys. Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Erie. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.


Lake Erie Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Lake Erie is home to a very hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, sauger, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, coho salmon, steelhead, bowfin, muskie and northern pike at Lake Erie in Pennsylvania.

Lake Erie Fishing Video

Presque Isle is the primary PA port for Lake Erie, is one of the Great Lakes. It is a 9,910 square-mile lake with fantastic fishing opportunities. Here we will focus only on the amenities accessible from the state of Pennsylvania. Several marinas and numerous boat launches are available for boating of all kinds.

The Lake Erie Presque Isle area in Pennsylvania is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of fish species and a thriving fishing culture. Lake Erie itself is known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, and the Presque Isle Bay area is particularly popular among anglers. The bay provides sheltered waters and abundant fish populations, making it an ideal location for both shore and boat fishing.

When it comes to fishing in the Lake Erie Presque Isle area, anglers have the opportunity to target a wide range of species. Smallmouth bass are a favorite among many, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, and muskellunge are also commonly sought after. Lake Erie is renowned for its trophy-sized fish, attracting seasoned anglers looking for a challenge and the chance to reel in a true trophy catch.

Boating is a popular activity in the Lake Erie Presque Isle area, providing anglers with access to prime fishing spots. Whether you have your own boat or prefer to rent one, the area offers various marinas and boat ramps for easy launch. Boaters can explore the expansive waters of Lake Erie and the Presque Isle Bay, seeking out their favorite fishing grounds or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise along the picturesque shoreline.

Camping opportunities abound in the Lake Erie Presque Isle area, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the region. Presque Isle State Park offers campsites suitable for tents and RVs, allowing you to stay close to the water and enjoy the scenic views. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and spend your evenings around a campfire sharing stories of your fishing adventures.

The Lake Erie Presque Isle area provides a remarkable experience for anglers, boating enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're casting your line from the shore, venturing out on a boat, or enjoying a camping trip by the lakeside, this area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting fishing opportunities. With its diverse fish species, excellent boating facilities, and convenient camping options, the Lake Erie Presque Isle area in Pennsylvania is a haven for those seeking a memorable and fulfilling fishing adventure.

Presque Isle State Park is the hub of activity and boat access out of the town of Erie, PA. The area is famous for Lake Erie perch, and is one of the premiere smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. It supports healthy populations of a wide variety of fish species as well. Bass, trout, salmon, walleye, crappie, sunfish, muskie and pike all reside here in both quantity and quality. While fishing opportunities are greatly enhanced from a boat, there is shoreline fishing available. In winter, try ice fishing for black crappie, bluegill and yellow perch.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Pennsylvania

Primary fish species residing in Lake Erie

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Walleye Sauger Rainbow trout Brown trout Lake trout Steelhead Bluegill Sunfish Pumpkinseed Rock Bass White Bass White Perch Yellow Perch Chinook Salmon Coho Salmon Pink Salmon Muskie Northern pike

Lake Erie Amenities, Presque Isle

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Presque Isle Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
814 838-3938

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

East Avenue Boat Ramp
Located at the Erie Land Lighthouse, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of parking.

Lampe Marina Boat Ramp
Located on the east side of Presque Isle, this is a nice, four-lane, concrete ramp with massive a parking area.

Presque Isle Marina Fuel Service Launch Ramp
Located on Presque Isle, in the west sector, this is a nice, four-lane, concrete ramp but has limited parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Erie

Lake Erie Pa Fishing Charters, Presque Isle Bay - bass, walleye, trout

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Pennsylvania Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Pine Lane Campground - 814 774-4808

Uncle John's Elk Creek Campground - 814 774-8672

Camp Sherwin Campground - 814 774-9416

Presque Isle Passage RV Park Campground - 814 833-3272

West Haven RV Park & Campground - 814 403-3243

Sara's Campground - 814 833-4560

Lampe Campground - 814 454-5830

Erie KOA Holiday Campground - 814 476-7706

Folly's End Campground - 814 474-5730

Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Campground - 814 922-3261

Lake Erie PA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Erie
Presque Isle State Park
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA 16505
814 833-7424

 

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