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Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
May 13, 2002
Dom Asks:
Where would you look for native walleye around Erie at this time of year? Last year I got one while fishing the cribs and that area for smallmouth. Would you start here and go deeper? Or maybe try creek mouths?
Captain Dave's Response:
Hello Dom -
The Pennsylvania shoreline of Lake Erie is not known for early walleye. And with the walleye population being down, very few anglers even try for them. But here are couple early season walleye tactics from Capt. Dan Kelly of Buckets Fishing Charters and Barry Bioni of My Cyn Charters. The tactics discussed are from previous interviews for various magazines, but their tactics still apply.
If you don't have access to a boat, you could try night fishing for walleye. "May is the time walleye begin to prowl the tributaries of Lake Erie," says Capt. Dan Kelly. "And early May is prime time to wade the shoreline to catch large fish." These walleye are seeking an easy meal of steelhead smolts, which are leaving the creeks. The key to success is combining the right weather forecast and a top water plug. Once darkness overtakes Lake Erie and calm lake conditions prevail, start casting top water plugs such as the 5 1/2 inch Rapala Husky Jerk or 7 inch original Rapala. "Color selection is important - try rainbow trout or chartreuse," Capt. Dan says.
A good place to night fish for walleye is just to the east of Walnut Creek. When fishing for these night monsters leave all lights off - even a flashlight will spook the walleye. Wade out into the lake and use a slow retrieve (just fast for the lure to wiggle). In fact, most walleye are caught as the lure moves along the top of the lake; thus, creating a top water walleye fishing experience unlike any other.
Not only is the window of opportunity short to land one of these night prowlers, but another obstacle to overcome is the weather. Before driving up to the lake, check lake conditions by contacting one of the local bait and tackle stores such as Poor Richard's.
For boaters, some in-close trolling for walleye is available. Capt. Barry Bioni, who has 14 years of experience fishing the waters of Lake Erie from Walnut Creek says, "The walleye, which generally stay in the Pennsylvania waters year round, can be caught by using the Walnut Creek Marina and boating west approximately nine miles. You will be at a spot called Virginia Beach, which is between Raccoon Creek and Elk Creek. Set up the equipment and troll along the shoreline in water depths of 35 feet to 45 feet."
Capt. Barry prefers the spoon "Watsetusse," size number 200, which local lure maker Bill Steffy has been producing since 1962. When fishing with a downrigger, keep the ball close to the bottom and the spoon 10 feet off the cannonball. Later in the day, as the sun begins to rise higher, move the lead to 25 feet. For exciting releases from planer boards, try plugs such as "Bagley Killer Bee" with a 75 to 125 feet lead off the boards.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
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