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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.
July 30, 2001
Matt Asks:
Dave -
My father and I have been fishing Lake Erie for so time now, both with friends and other family members. We have always relied upon others for their knowledge and equipment. Recently my father and I purchased a boat, we have 2 downriggers and a fish finder etc..., the basic equipment (at least we think so). I'm writing you to see if you can tell me where I might be able to find some information that would be helpful to my father and I. I know that there is not a book titled "Fishing Lake Erie 101", anything you may be able to suggest would be greatly appreciated. I have already learned that nothing beats keeping your mouth shut and just listening to others.
I really enjoy reading your letters on "Ask the Captain". Hope to hear from you soon!
Thanks for your time.
Matt.
Captain Dave's Response:
Hi Matt,
Unfortunately, a book doesn't exist titled "Fishing Lake Erie 101." But there is a school, however you never graduate or proceed to the next grade. Because even when you think that you have made the grade, the test answers change.
You definitely have a good start. First, gather as much information as possible and ask as many questions as you can. Then, think about what presentation you will offer the fish; finally, practice.
The day before a charter I begin by checking the following items: water temperature (check out this site http://coastwatch.msu.edu/erie/e3.html), wind direction, barometer reading, moon phase, last years log book; and of course, what everyone else has to say about the last two days of fishing.
I then gather all these facts and work out a game plan. For walleye, I start with a simple plan every morning. If the lake temperature is cool (under 70 degrees) I'll work the upper 30 feet of the water column. One deep diver plug (125 to 180 back), dipsies (large #1) set at 3 1/2 with spoons (85 to 115 feet back), and worm harnesses on cookie size dipsy or jets off the boards. I'll also set the downriggers at 40 or 55 feet for both walleye and steelhead. I also use these setting during the first hour in the morning or the last hour of daylight on all trips.
If the lake is warm (above 70-degrees) and a good thermocline is developed, I'll work below 35 feet: #1 dipsy set at 3 1/2 and 150 feet back; Plugs off the boards set back 280 to 320 feet; Downriggers set between 65 to 85 feet. Also, I'll rarely run spoons (except for steelhead) during warm water periods - only harnesses.
Trolling speed is important. The basic rule is walleye like it slow (0.8 to 1.8 MPH) and steelhead prefer it fast (1.8 to 2.2 MPH), but mix it up all day. Vary speed and make turns if the lake conditions permit. By the way, I highly recommend the book "Precision Trolling". It's an invaluable tool to trolling, and will help you on Lake Erie.
Most important, walleye and steelhead can't read. Vary your presentation - only after giving it some time. Some days nothing works: And then, your will have days when anything works. Practice, watch, try new products and presentations, ask questions, and have fun.
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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