Fishing Trophy Walleye

In the months from late March through late October thousands of fishermen come to the shores of Lake Erie. They return year after year. You might ask why they are so adamant about fishing Lake Erie. The answer is fishing trophy walleye.

Some of the biggest walleye ever caught have come out of Lake Erie so fishing trophy walleye is a big deal for those looking for a really big fish to mount . A trophy walleye from Lake erie is any fish over 10 pounds with the state record being 16 pounds three ounces. Many fishermen leave the lake frustrated while a few get lucky and catch a trophy walleye. However there are fishermen that catch trophy walleye year after year.

Why are these fishermen so successful? Knowledge of Lake Erie and preparation are the two biggest factors in catching a trophy walleye. Knowledge about trophy walleye means when and how to fish for them. Pre spawn in late March and April provide some big fish but the really big fish are caught in late August, September and October.

Now you know when to catch the big fish. Next you need to know how to catch them. Preparation is the key to catching trophy walleye. You will need to check the local fishing reports to see where the fish are and what baits/rigs they are being taken on. Both the where and the bait/rigs can and most likely will be a moving target. In late summer the walleye start their annual migration to the deep waters in the eastern basin of Lake Erie.

That being said the fish could be anywhere from the western basin islands to the area off Lorain to Cleveland. Casting and trolling will be effective in the western basin but as you move east to deeper waters trolling becomes the best method for catching the trophy walleye. Lures will be anything from artificial lures to worm harness’ trolled at the depth the fish are holding at.

If you are going to be part of this action you will need to do one of two things. Hire a charter to put you on the fish or spend the time to make the preparation necessary to do it from your own boat. Unless you are an experienced fisherman the charter is by far your best chance of landing a trophy walleye. It will most likely be the least expensive also.

Which ever method you choose your chances will be much better if you take the time to gain knowledge about the elusive trophy walleye and then make all the preparations necessary to insure a successful fishing trip