Top-Rated Lake Erie 5-Hour Fishing Adventure

Lake Erie's Walleye and Perch Paradise

Get ready for some serious fish action on Lake Erie with 'It's Called Fishin''. Whether you're after the prized walleye or the tasty yellow perch, this half-day trip on the Julia May is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Great Lakes has to offer. We're talking four solid hours of casting, jigging, or trolling for these sought-after species. And the best part? You pick the time that works for you – 7 AM for the early birds or 2 PM for those who like to sleep in. Either way, you're in for a treat on these fish-rich waters.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard the Julia May, you'll feel right at home. This isn't some cramped little skiff – we've got room for you and five of your buddies, plus space for your coolers and snacks. No need to worry about nature calling either; there's an enclosed head (that's boat-speak for toilet) on board. We'll cruise out to the hotspots where walleye and perch are biting. If you're after walleye, we'll set you up with casting or trolling gear. For perch, we'll get you jigging in no time. And here's a pro tip: in the western basin, you can keep up to 30 perch per person. That's a lot of fish fries!

Techniques and Gear

Fishing Lake Erie isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. We've got techniques dialed in for both walleye and perch. For walleye, we might be trolling with crankbaits or crawler harnesses, or if conditions are right, we'll cast weight-forward spinners or jigs tipped with nightcrawlers. Perch fishing is all about precision. We'll set you up with light tackle and show you how to jig just right to tempt those yellow-bellied beauties. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll walk you through every step, from baiting your hook to reeling in the big one.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These golden-eyed predators can grow up to 20 pounds or more, though a good keeper is usually in the 2-5 pound range. They're most active in low light conditions, which is why our early morning trips can be gold mines. Walleye put up a great fight and are absolutely delicious – there's a reason they're called "pike-perch" in some parts of the world.

Yellow perch might be smaller, but they more than make up for it in numbers and taste. These feisty little guys usually run 8-12 inches and are a blast to catch. They school up, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. The best part? Yellow perch are widely considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish out there. Nothing beats a perch shore lunch!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing Lake Erie. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big walleye as it tries to dive deep. Or perhaps it's the satisfaction of filling a cooler with perch for an epic fish fry back home. Whatever it is, folks keep coming back year after year. And it's not just about the fish – it's about making memories out on the water, swapping stories, and experiencing the beauty of the lake. Plus, with our fish cleaning service available, you can focus on the fun part and leave the messy work to us.

Top Catches This Season

This year has been hot for both walleye and perch. We've been seeing some monster walleye in the 8-10 pound range, with a few lucky anglers landing true trophies over 12 pounds. The perch fishing has been equally impressive, with many limits being hit before the four hours are up. Fall is shaping up to be prime time, with cooling waters bringing the big fish into shallower areas where they're easier to target.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to get out on Lake Erie and tangle with some walleye or fill the cooler with perch, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. And here's an insider tip: starting in 2026, we're rolling out our "Executive" upgrade. For an extra $350, you can pre-order food, drinks, and snacks (including up to two cases of beer), plus we'll clean your catch. It's like having your own private charter experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, pick your date, and let's get out there. The fish are biting, and Lake Erie is calling your name!