Cleveland, OH, is a fantastic destination to explore the very best that Lake Erie has to offer anglers. And with cold, clear streams nearby as well, there’s no excuse not to plan the freshwater adventure of a lifetime.
Walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, and trout are abundant in the area, as are ideal spots to catch them.
Take a look at the Top Cleveland Fishing Charters to guide you!
The area’s charter captains, often launching from Lorain or Vermilion, are experienced experts at locating and catching trophy-class walleye and perch on Lake Erie. And whether you have just a few hours to spend on the water or want the full-day experience, they’re happy to help.
Anglers who prefer to go it alone have legions of options, too.
Cleveland’s metro area is blessed by a fantastic network of parks, and among them, you’ll find two that really stand out for anglers: Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
The Lake St. Clair Metropark is immediately adjacent to Detroit, offering easy access to the lake’s abundant populations of muskie, walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. And despite what you might think given its proximity to major urban centers, Lake St. Clair’s water quality is high, making it a popular destination for anglers.
The Lake Erie Metropark is situated directly on the lake for which it is named, allowing access to the best fishing in the northern U.S and southern Canada. Famed for its walleye and perch, summer is the ideal time to give Lake Erie a try.
Just a short ride up river from Lake Erie, Rocky River Marina is one of Cleveland’s best locations for anglers.
While walleye and perch are the local specialties, Wallace Lake proves that you can never judge a book by its cover. Accessible from shore or via a public boat launch, the lake offers exceptional largemouth bass fishing in addition to panfish, pike, walleye, and catfish.
For anglers fishing from shore, Edgewater Park Beach offers access to Lake Erie’s prime fishing, and for the truly adventurous, it makes a great base camp for ice fishing!
There’s no need for a fishing license if you’re fishing aboard a licensed charter. If you want to venture out on your own, you’ll need to purchase a valid license. Regulations on bag and size limits apply, and your captain will keep you informed on these.
Please be aware that conditions on Lake Erie can deteriorate rapidly, and due to its shallow depth, high waves develop almost without warning.