Ready for a solid day of fishing on Lake Erie? This 5-hour trip takes you to the productive waters of the Eastern Basin, launching from Buffalo in June and Dunkirk from July to September. You'll be targeting some real heavy-hitters – trophy Walleye, chunky Smallmouth Bass, hard-fighting Steelhead, deep-dwelling Lake Trout, and tasty Perch. The crew at End of the Line Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand and they've got top-notch gear to help you land the big ones. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, they'll make sure you're in the right spots and using the right techniques. The Eastern Basin's got some of the best fishing in the region, so your chances of hooking into something impressive are pretty good. It's just you and the guide, but you can bring along up to five buddies for a small extra charge if you want to make it a group thing. Don't forget to snap some photos of your catch – you might just end up with a new profile pic!
Hey there, fellow angler! Ready for some serious action on Lake Erie? Strap in for a 5-hour fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from start to finish. We're talking about world-class walleye fishing, hard-fighting smallmouth bass, and the chance to battle steelhead and lake trout – all in one of the most productive fisheries this side of the Great Lakes. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Dave's got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how that'll put you on the fish.
We'll be launching out of Buffalo in June and then switching over to Dunkirk from July through September. That means you're getting prime-time access to Eastern Lake Erie's hot spots when the fishing's at its peak. Picture yourself cruising out as the sun's coming up, the lake like glass, and the fish are starting to feed. We'll hit some of my favorite honey holes where the big ones love to hang out. You'll be using top-of-the-line equipment – we're talking about rods, reels, and lures that are dialed in for Lake Erie's trophy fish. And don't worry if you're new to this; I'll show you the ropes and have you reeling 'em in like a pro in no time.
On Lake Erie, we play the game a little different depending on what we're after. For those trophy walleye, we'll be trolling with planer boards, letting those lures dance at just the right depth. It's a bit of an art form, adjusting our speed and depth until we find that sweet spot where the fish are chomping. If we're targeting smallmouth bass, we might switch it up and do some drift fishing over rocky structure, using drop shot rigs or tube jigs. For the steelhead and lake trout, we'll go deep with downriggers, using spoons and flies that these fighters can't resist. I'll let you in on all the local tricks – like when to use copper line for those deep-water monsters or how to read the sonar to spot schools of bait fish. It's all about adapting to what the lake's giving us that day.
"Another AWESOME fishing trip with Capt. Dave!!! 4 of us on the trip and all limited out with great size walleye!! If you want a FANTASTIC CHARTER EXPERIENCE, definitely book with Capt Dave!!!" - Debra "David is a great guide! Excellent experience!" - Karrie "We definitely recommend booking with this charter. Captain Dave was great. He worked his ass off to get us fish. He is very experienced and a genuine, nice guy even though he's a Buffalo Bills fan. Lol. We are going to book a spring trip to fish Lake Ontario with End of the Line charter." - Gary
Walleye: The crown jewel of Lake Erie, these golden-eyed predators are what bring anglers from all over. We're talking about fish that can push 10 pounds or more, with the average keeper running 3-5 pounds. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so our early morning start gives us the perfect shot at filling the cooler. The fight of a big walleye is something special – they'll dive deep and give your arms a workout. And let's not forget, they're some of the best-eating fish you'll ever taste.
Steelhead Trout: These acrobatic fighters are like freshwater missiles. When a steelhead hits your line, hold on tight because they're known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. We typically target them in the cooler months when they're cruising the lake, but you can hook into one any time of year. A 5-10 pound steelhead will test your skills and leave you with a fish story you'll be telling for years.
American Yellow Perch: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little guys are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. We often find them schooling up, which means when you get into them, it's non-stop action. They average about 8-12 inches, but Lake Erie is known for some jumbos that'll push a pound or more. It's light tackle fishing at its finest, and perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Lake Trout: These deep-water bruisers are the marathoners of the lake. When you hook into a laker, you're in for a long, powerful fight as they use their size to their advantage. We're talking about fish that can easily top 20 pounds in Lake Erie. They prefer the colder, deeper parts of the lake, so we'll use downriggers to get our lures down where these big boys lurk. The satisfaction of bringing up a monster lake trout from the depths is hard to beat.
Alright, folks, here's the deal – Lake Erie's Eastern Basin is calling, and the fish are waiting. Whether you're after that personal best walleye, want to tangle with a high-flying steelhead, or just want to fill the freezer with some of the best-eating fish around, this trip's got you covered. We're talking about a private charter where you'll get my full attention and all the local tricks I've picked up over years on these waters. Remember, we've got a 3-day cancellation policy, so you can book with confidence. And if you've got some buddies who want in on the action, bring 'em along for just $70 a head. Don't let this chance slip away – the bite's hot, and the spots are filling up fast. Let's get out there and make some memories on the water. Book now, and I'll see you at the dock!
October 4, 2024
David is a great guide! Excellent experience!
June 18, 2025
David is a great guide! Excellent experience!
June 18, 2025
We definitely recommend booking with this charter. Captain Dave was great. He worked his ass off to get us fish. He is very experienced and a genuine, nice guy even though he's a Buffalo Bills fan. Lol. We are going to book a spring trip to fish Lake Ontario with End of the Line charter.
July 24, 2023
Captain was great... Awesome time and will definitely do this again!!! Thanks Captain Dave
June 29, 2025
Excellent fishing day with Captain Dave!!! Took us right where we needed to be for Walleye, Steelhead and a couple of Whopper Lake Trout. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We booked our Spring Salmon trip, during our trip today!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!
September 10, 2023
Great trip, Great captain , he worked hard changing up lures, depth and speed until we got on the fish!
September 16, 2023
Great experience. Friendly captain. Excited about what we caught.
July 14, 2024
Awesome captain really put in 100% effort! Was beyond expectations
September 10, 2024
What an AWESOME Charter!! Thank you, Capt Dave!! All 4 of us limited out!! 5 Walleye each, and 1 Steelhead!! Capt Dave is the BEST!! If you want a GREAT EXPERIENCE, Highly Recommended!!
September 21, 2024
Yellow perch might be small, but they're a fan favorite on Lake Erie. These tasty little fighters usually run 7-12 inches, with anything over a pound considered a good catch. You'll find them schooling near the bottom, often around weed beds or drop-offs. Perch fishing is hot in late summer and fall, but you can catch them year-round. They're not known for big fights, but the action can be fast and furious when you find a hungry school. Kids love catching perch because they're easy to handle and fun to reel in. The best part? They're absolutely delicious. For the best results, I like to use small jigs tipped with minnows or worms. Here's a pro tip: if you catch one perch, drop your line right back down. Where there's one, there's usually a whole bunch more. It's not uncommon to fill a cooler with these golden beauties on a good day.
Lake trout are the behemoths of the cold water, often hitting 15-40 pounds with some real monsters out there. They like it deep and chilly, so we usually find them suspended in Lake Erie's coldest layers. These fish are slow growers, maturing late in life, which makes landing a big one extra special. Lake trout put up a stubborn fight, using their size to their advantage in the depths. They're most active in low light or on overcast days, making early mornings or evenings prime time. When jigging for lakers, I swear by lures that mimic wounded baitfish. Here's a local trick: use long, slow lifts of your rod, then let the lure flutter down. Many strikes come on the fall, so stay alert. The fight and the taste make lake trout a prized catch – just remember to release the big breeders to keep the population strong.
Steelhead are the sea-run cousins of rainbow trout, typically 24-30 inches long and packing a serious punch. These silvery fighters spend most of their life in Lake Erie before heading up tributaries to spawn. We catch them in the lake from summer through fall, often in the top 30 feet of water where they chase baitfish. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs – hooking one is like tying into a rocket. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, pink flesh. The best time to target them is usually early morning or late evening when they're most active. I always tell folks to keep their drag set light and be ready to chase these fish around the boat. A local trick: try trolling with flashy spoons or small plugs that mimic the smelt and alewives they feed on. When you hook up, it's an all-out battle you won't soon forget.
Walleye are a prized catch on Lake Erie, known for their tasty white meat and challenging fight. These golden-eyed predators typically range from 2-5 pounds but can reach over 10. You'll find them hanging around rocky areas and drop-offs, often 15-30 feet deep. Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk, making our evening trips ideal. In summer, they move deeper to cooler water. Trolling with crankbaits or nightcrawler harnesses is effective, but jigging can be deadly too. These fish have excellent low-light vision, so don't be afraid to fish after dark. Walleye put up a good scrap when hooked and are considered one of the best-eating freshwater fish around. Local tip: Try using brightly colored lures on cloudy days or in stained water. The extra flash can trigger more strikes when visibility is low.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 375
Ready for an awesome morning on the water? Join us for a 5-hour fishing trip on Eastern Lake Erie, launching from Buffalo in June or Dunkirk from July to September. We'll be targeting some seriously impressive fish - we're talking trophy Walleye, hefty Smallmouth Bass, acrobatic Steelhead, deep-dwelling Lake Trout, and tasty Perch. This part of Lake Erie is known for being one of the most productive fishing spots in the area, so your chances of landing a big one are pretty darn good. We've got all the top-notch gear you'll need, and our expert guides know just where to find the fish. It's a great way to spend a morning, whether you're an experienced angler or trying it out for the first time. You can bring along some friends too - each extra person is just $70. If plans change, no worries - you can cancel up to 3 days before for a full refund. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the lake for some serious fishing action!
Another AWESOME fishing trip with Capt. Dave!!! 4 of us on the trip and all limited out with great size walleye!! If you want a FANTASTIC CHARTER EXPERIENCE, definitely book with Capt Dave!!!