General Information

Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes in volume (119 cubic miles). It measures 241 miles across and 57 miles from north to south, the lake’s surface is under 10,000 square miles of shoreline. The average depth is about 62 feet. Thus, it warms rapidly in the spring and summer and frequently freezes in the winter, (Great Lakes Atlas, 1995) making it a great location to catch the Spring and Fall Salmon and Trout Run and participate in ice fishing! Lake Erie is one of the provinces most talked about perch fishing spots. The lake's shallow depths, warmer temperatures and fertile soils make it extremely productive. Perch thrive throughout the lake, spawning near the shore during spring, moving out towards the middle during summer and back to the shallows in fall. Walleye, salmon and trout are also found thriving in Lake Erie, giving anglers a variety of options.

Photo Gallery

TripClip Audio File - Fishing in Fort Erie

Contributed by Gillian Greenall - December 2009

What you can expect to catch on the niagara river

Lake Erie – cool water species (Northern Niagara) – zone 19

Migratory Species- Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Lake Sturgeon

Resident species - Pan Fish, Yellow perch, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Carp, Muskellunge, Walleye, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Freshwater Drum
 
The lake's main fish species include walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, largemouth bass and carp.
 
Lake Erie opens up to the Niagara River. The Niagara River is well known for its trophy fish: Trout, Walleye and Bass! The Bass Season opens June and ends in November. This is a great time to bring the family and enjoy a weekend away!
 
Many sites along the Niagara River between the Peace Bridge and Legends of Niagara Golf Course provide shoreline access and good fishing. One location recommended by Master Angler Henry Waszczuk is the shoreline breakwater and parking lot just north of Nicholls Marine (further details below).

directions to Shoreline Breakwater North of Nicholl's MarinE

1) Merge onto QEW Niagara Bound
2) Take the Central Avenue/ County Rd-124 exit
3) Turn Left at Central Avenue
4) Take the 1st right onto Queen Street
5) Turn left at High Street
6) Turn right at Bertie Street
7) Turn left at Niagara Blvd
    Destination will be on the right.

Hours of Operation

Monday: Closed
Tuesday 9:00-5:30
Wednesday 9:00 - 5:30
Thursday: 9:00 - 5:30
Friday 9:00 - 5:30
Saturday: 8:30-4:00
Sunday: Closed

Restrictions

You and your guests must have a fishing license.

Fish - Cultural

Ecological

Lake Erie is the warmest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, and the walleye fishery is widely considered the best in the world. Every year tons of walleye are harvested from the lake, both from recreational angling and commercial fishing. The average walleye is a whopping 5-6lb with 10-12lb fish caught regularly. The walleye are caught trolling along drop offs and mid lake humps. Most productive lure is the famous erie deary, usually tipped with a whole worm or minnow. Deep diving crankbaits trolled in the same areas also produce well.
 

Recreational

Fish to Your Heart's Content
 
Lake Erie has a rich history in commercial and recreational fishing. Anglers come from around the world to discover the joy of fishing in Niagara. Lake Erie offers rainbow trout, walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass, chinook salmon, coho salmon, brown trout, and carp.

Master Angler Henry Waszczuk Suggests:

Niagara fishing summary

Summer     July-September    Bass fishing and steelhead fishing in the entire region

Adjacent Land Uses

Agricultural, residential, commercial. This part of the Niagara River is utilized by the Niagara Jet Boats.

Further Information