Lake Erie Perch Fishing | It's Called Fishin'

Reel in Yellow Perch on Lake Erie

Ready for a day of non-stop perch action on Lake Erie? It's Called Fishin' has you covered with our full-day guided trip targeting American Yellow Perch. We'll hit the water at 7 AM sharp and spend 7 hours chasing these tasty little fighters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our experienced guides will make sure you're hauling in perch like a pro. We've got all the gear you need, plus room for your snacks and a few cold ones. It's time to load up the cooler and get after some Lake Erie gold!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Lake Erie is famous for its perch fishing, and we know exactly where to find them. We'll cruise out to the honey holes, drop anchor, and get those lines in the water. Our boat is set up for comfort with an onboard toilet and plenty of space to move around. You can bring your own drinks and snacks - a couple beers are fine, but leave the hard stuff and glass bottles at home. We'll be using a mix of spreaders, crappie rigs, and perch fly rigs to maximize your chances of landing fish. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - our guides will walk you through everything step-by-step.

Perch Fishing 101

Yellow perch fishing is all about finesse and feel. We'll be using light tackle and small baits to entice these feisty fish. The key is to detect those subtle bites and set the hook at just the right moment. We'll show you how to work your rig near the bottom where perch like to hang out. Sometimes they'll hit hard, other times it's just a little tap - that's when you need to be ready! We might switch up our tactics throughout the day, maybe doing some drifting or trolling if the fish are scattered. The beauty of perch fishing is that when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Before you know it, you'll be pulling up doubles and triples!

Species You'll Want to Hook

American Yellow Perch are the stars of the show on this trip. These feisty little fighters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They typically range from 8-12 inches, but Lake Erie is known for producing some real jumbos pushing 14 inches or more. Perch travel in schools, so when you find them, it's game on! They've got a beautiful golden-yellow color with dark vertical bars - a real looker when you pull them out of the water. Their meat is white, flaky, and incredibly tasty, making them a favorite for fish fries. Perch are active year-round, but fall is prime time when they're fattening up for winter. These fish might not be huge, but their aggressive strikes and delicious flavor make them a top target for Lake Erie anglers.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Erie's perch fishing has been on fire lately. We've been seeing good numbers of fish in the 9-11 inch range, with some real slabs mixed in. Just last week, one of our groups limited out before noon, with their biggest perch stretching the tape to 15 inches! That's a true Lake Erie jumbo. The key has been finding the right depth and structure - some days they're hugging the bottom in 30 feet of water, other days we're finding them suspended over deeper basins. Our guides stay on top of the patterns, so you'll always be fishing where the action is hottest.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about perch fishing on Lake Erie that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the fast action - when the bite is on, you can fill a cooler in no time. Or maybe it's the satisfaction of bringing home a mess of fish for a family fish fry. Our regulars tell us it's the whole package - a day on the water, good company, and the chance to tangle with one of the tastiest fish around. Plus, perch fishing is perfect for all skill levels. Kids love it because the action is quick, and seasoned anglers appreciate the finesse required to consistently boat big numbers. And let's be honest - who doesn't love the sound of the drag screaming when a big perch decides to make a run for it?

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Lake Erie and fill the cooler with some jumbo perch, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we provide all the gear you need - just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat. And if you really want to up your game, consider our "Executive" upgrade (available starting 2026) where you can customize your food and drink options. Whether you're planning a family outing, a day with buddies, or even a corporate team-building event, a day perch fishing on Lake Erie is hard to beat. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call at It's Called Fishin' and let's get you on the water. Those perch aren't going to catch themselves!