Lake Erie's Canadian waters produce some of the best walleye and smallmouth bass fishing in North America — and it's the warmest and shallowest of the Great Lakes.
Lake Erie is a premier fishing destination in Ontario. Here's what you need to know: what to catch, when to go, and how to maximize your time on the water.
Walleye fishing peaks July–September (trolling is the go-to). Bass opens the fourth Saturday in June. Perch schools form late summer.
Charter a boat out of Port Stanley, Port Colborne, or Leamington for walleye — trolling worm harnesses and crankbaits is the standard. Bass around the rocky shoals and reefs. Long Point Bay is a perch and bass hotspot.
Erie's walleye population is at historic highs. The Canadian south shore sees less pressure than the US side.
Lake Erie falls under Ontario fishing regulations. Limits, seasons, and special rules may vary by zone — some waters have reduced limits, slot limits, or catch-and-release-only designations. Always confirm the exact rules for the zone you're fishing before you keep a fish.
👉 See the full Ontario fishing regulations guide — or carry every zone's rules offline in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Yes — anyone 18–64 needs a Ontario recreational fishing licence. See our full guide: Canadian fishing licences explained. The TrueNorthAngler app stores your licence digitally so you'll never be caught without it.
Regulations, forecasts, and maps for Lake Erie — offline and in your pocket. Free for the 2026 season.