Fall Fishing Lake Erie: Tips for Catching Walleye

If you’re wondering about fall fishing on Lake Erie, you should know that it’s one of the best times of year to catch walleye on the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Walleye move in from the central basin toward drop-offs during the autumn months to gain easy access to shallower, warmer waters where they can prey on shad and other baitfish in preparation for winter.

Do you want to learn how to catch walleye this fall on Lake Erie? Check out these helpful tips for finding the best spots and deciding which lures or baits to use.

Lake Erie Fishing Spots for Walleye

Spots near weed beds, drop-offs, and ledges are preferred hang-outs for walleye, but it’s always a good idea to check a current Lake Erie fishing report to find out where the best bite is at any time during the fall season. Look for information on walleye fishing hot spots such as The Trenches, Ashtabula, and South Bass Island.

If you don’t have a boat and want to try Lake Erie walleye shore fishing or pier fishing, fall is one of the best times to do it. Spots such as Huron Pier, Lorain Pier, Edgewater Pier, Mazurik Access Area, and Catawba Pier can be very productive during the autumn and are easily accessible for anglers who would rather fish from a pier or shoreline. You can also check the Places to Fish & Boat Map to find other fishing spots on Lake Erie.

Fish During Low Light Conditions

Dawn and dusk are the best time periods to fish for walleye because they are a predatory species with outstanding night vision. When fall fishing Lake Erie, these low light conditions will provide your best opportunities to catch bigger fish and larger numbers of walleye. If you’re not comfortable fishing at night yet, note that the same boost in walleye activity also applies to cloudy days that reduce light penetration through the water.

Fall Walleye Baits or Lures to Use

Two of the best types of lures to use when trolling from a boat for walleye during the Lake Erie fall fishing season are spoons or crankbaits. As the water temperature drops down around 40 degrees later in the season, minnow-tipped jigs can be another effective bait to use in Lake Erie while drifting or casting from a pier or shoreline.

Slow Trolling Speed as Temperatures Drop

Trolling is one of the most efficient techniques to use, but you’ll need to pay close attention to your trolling speed when learning how to fish for walleye during the fall months. On early fall days when water temperatures are warmer, a trolling speed between 1.2 mph to 1.8 mph is generally best. Toward the end of fall, as water temperatures drop down into the low 40s, bring your trolling speeds down as low as 0.9 or 1.0 mph.

Don’t forget to buy your fishing license online before planning your Lake Erie fall fishing trip for walleye.