World-Class Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie | CJB

Reel in Trophy Walleye on Lake Erie

Get ready to chase some of the biggest walleye in the Great Lakes on this private 5-hour fishing trip on Lake Erie. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides at CJB Outfitters will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. We'll use a mix of drifting, casting, and trolling to maximize your chances of landing that wall-hanger. Lake Erie's western basin is world-famous for its walleye fishing, and for good reason - these waters are teeming with trophy-sized fish just waiting to test your skills. Hop aboard our comfortable, well-equipped boat and let's make some lasting memories on Ohio's fishing paradise.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll get us to the prime fishing spots in no time. We'll start by checking the latest reports and conditions to figure out where the walleye are biting. Some days they're hugging the bottom in deeper water, other times they're cruising the shallows - that's part of the fun!

We'll likely start with some drift fishing, letting the wind and current move us over productive areas while we work our lures. When we find a hot spot, we might switch to trolling to cover more water. And if the fish are really fired up, we might even do some casting. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - our guides are great teachers and will have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Between catches, soak in the stunning views of Lake Erie's expansive waters. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Canada on the horizon. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too - we often spot bald eagles, herons, and even the occasional mink along the shoreline.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, we'll be using a variety of techniques to target walleye. Drift fishing is a go-to method, where we'll use bottom bouncers or inline weights to keep our bait in the strike zone. We'll often pair these with nightcrawler harnesses (also called "worm harnesses") - these simple but effective rigs are walleye candy.

When we're trolling, we might break out the planer boards. These nifty devices let us spread our lines out wider, covering more water and reducing tangles. We'll run a mix of crankbaits, spoons, and maybe even some crawler harnesses behind the boards.

If conditions are right for casting, we'll break out the jigging rods. Bouncing a jig tipped with a soft plastic along the bottom is a time-tested way to trigger bites from finicky walleye. It takes a bit of feel, but there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of detecting that subtle "tick" on your line and setting the hook.

All the gear you need is provided, from rods and reels to lures and bait. We use top-quality equipment from brands like Shimano, St. Croix, and Rapala - stuff that's reliable and sensitive enough to detect even the lightest bites. Of course, if you have a favorite rod or lure you want to bring along, feel free!

Species You'll Want to Hook

While walleye are the star of the show on Lake Erie, they're not the only game in town. Here's a rundown of what you might encounter on your trip:

Walleye: These golden-eyed predators are the main attraction, and for good reason. Lake Erie walleye can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon. They're known for their hard fights and even better eating quality. Spring and fall tend to be peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like feeling that telltale "head shake" when a big walleye hits your lure!

Yellow Perch: Often called "lake perch" around here, these tasty panfish are a bonus catch on many walleye trips. They might be smaller than walleye, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and flavor. If we hit a school, be ready for some fast action! Late summer and fall are prime time for perch.

Smallmouth Bass: While we're primarily targeting walleye, don't be surprised if a hard-fighting "bronzeback" crashes the party. Lake Erie is home to some of the biggest smallmouth bass in the country. These acrobatic fish love rocky areas and will often hit the same lures we're using for walleye. They're catch-and-release only in Lake Erie, but they're a blast to tangle with.

White Bass: These scrappy fighters often show up in big schools, especially in the spring and early summer. They're not as prized as walleye, but when you get into a feeding frenzy, it's non-stop action that's sure to put a smile on your face.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Ask any seasoned Lake Erie angler why they love fishing these waters, and you'll likely get a different answer every time. For some, it's the thrill of battling trophy walleye in what many consider the walleye capital of the world. Others love the variety - where else can you catch world-class walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass all in the same day?

Many of our repeat customers rave about the ever-changing nature of the lake. No two trips are ever the same, and there's always something new to learn. One day you might be drifting in 15 feet of water, the next you could be trolling the deep basin. It keeps you on your toes and makes every outing an adventure.

And let's not forget about the fish fries! There's something special about ending the day with a cooler full of fresh fillets, knowing you'll be enjoying some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around for dinner. Just remember to get your Ohio fishing license before the trip, and we'll take care of the rest.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a die-hard walleye chaser or just looking for a fun day on the water, this 5-hour private fishing trip on Lake Erie is hard to beat. With expert guidance, top-notch gear, and some of the best walleye fishing in the world right at your fingertips, you're in for a treat.

Remember, we keep our groups small (max 2 people) to ensure everyone gets plenty of personal attention and fishing time. While we don't provide meals, feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up - trust me, you'll want to be ready when that rod doubles over with a big walleye on the line!

So what are you waiting for? Lake Erie's legendary walleye are calling, and the fish aren't going to catch themselves. Book your trip with CJB Outfitters today and get ready for an awesome day of fishing on the Big Lake. Who knows, you might just land the new wallhanger for your living room!