Top-Rated Lake Erie Ice Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Erie
$450 price range

Summary

Ready to try your hand at ice fishing on Lake Erie? Captain Johnny's got you covered with this 4-hour charter. It's perfect for both new and experienced anglers, and even great for kids. You'll be fishing for walleye, perch, and trout through the ice, surrounded by beautiful winter scenery. Don't worry about gear – everything you need is provided. Just make sure to bundle up warm. It's a laid-back day on the ice, giving you plenty of time to chat, joke around, and hopefully reel in some nice catches. With room for 3 guests, it's an ideal outing for a small group or family. Captain Johnny knows these waters well and can show you the ropes if you're new to ice fishing. Even if the fish aren't biting, the peaceful winter atmosphere and good company make for a memorable day out. So grab your warmest clothes and get ready for some old-fashioned winter fun on Lake Erie.

Frozen Lake Action Shots

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Angler with a big 24-inch fish in Marblehead

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Anglers with fishing equipment in Marblehead

Lake Erie Fishing 2021

Ice Fishing Adventure on Lake Erie

Ready to swap your summer rod for an ice auger? Captain Johnny's got you covered with a winter fishing trip that'll have you hooked. This 4-hour ice fishing charter on Lake Erie is perfect for anglers of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. You'll be drilling holes, dropping lines, and (hopefully) reeling in some impressive catches before you know it. Bundle up and get ready for a day of frosty fun on the hard water!

What to Expect on the Ice

Captain Johnny will meet you at the launch point, where you'll gear up and head out onto the frozen expanse of Lake Erie. Don't worry about lugging equipment – everything you need is provided, from ice augers to fishing rods and bait. Once you find a promising spot, it's time to drill some holes and drop your lines. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to ice fishing, or swap strategies if you're an experienced angler. As you wait for the fish to bite, soak in the serene winter landscape and the unique experience of fishing on a frozen lake. It's not just about the catch – it's about enjoying the crisp air, the camaraderie, and the thrill of the hunt beneath the ice.

Ice Fishing 101

If you've never been ice fishing before, don't sweat it – Captain Johnny will walk you through everything you need to know. You'll learn how to use an ice auger to drill holes through the thick ice (it's easier than it looks!). Then, you'll set up your fishing spot with portable shelters to keep you cozy. The captain will show you how to use tip-ups, which are special rigs that signal when a fish is on the line. You'll also try jigging, where you manually move the bait up and down to attract fish. It's a different ballgame from summer fishing, but just as fun – maybe even more so when you pull a big one through that little hole in the ice!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about ice fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful quiet of a snow-covered lake, broken only by the occasional whoop when someone lands a fish. Or perhaps it's the unique challenge of trying to outsmart fish in their cold-water environment. For many, it's the social aspect – huddling in ice shanties, sharing hot cocoa, and swapping stories. Whatever the reason, ice fishing on Lake Erie with Captain Johnny is an experience you'll want to repeat. It's a great way to beat the winter blues and make some memories that'll last long after the ice melts.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Erie is home to some fantastic fish species, and winter is prime time for several of them. Let's talk about what you might reel in on your ice fishing adventure:

American Yellow Perch: These tasty little fighters are a favorite among ice anglers. They might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and flavor. Yellow perch tend to school up in the winter, so when you find them, you can often catch a bunch. They love small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms. The best part? They're delicious, making for a great fish fry if you decide to keep your catch.

Walleye: The crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing, walleye are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These toothy predators can grow to impressive sizes, with trophy fish over 10 pounds not uncommon. Winter is an excellent time to target walleye through the ice. They're often most active during low-light periods, so early morning or late afternoon can be prime time. Jigging with minnows or using tip-ups with large shiners can be effective tactics. Landing a big walleye through the ice is an unforgettable experience!

Steelhead Trout: While not as common through the ice as perch or walleye, steelhead can provide an exciting surprise for ice anglers. These hard-fighting fish are actually a type of rainbow trout that spends part of its life in the Great Lakes before returning to rivers to spawn. Catching a steelhead through the ice is a real trophy – they're known for their acrobatic fights and can really get your heart pumping. Try using small jigs tipped with waxworms or salmon eggs near river mouths or along shoreline drop-offs.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ice fishing on Lake Erie with Johnny Boy Charters is more than just a fishing trip – it's a winter adventure you won't forget. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, try something new with friends, or just escape the winter doldrums, this 4-hour charter has you covered. Captain Johnny's knowledge of the lake and ice fishing techniques ensures you'll have the best shot at landing some impressive catches. Plus, with all gear provided, it's hassle-free – just show up ready for some icy action. Don't let winter keep you cooped up indoors. Get out on the ice, drop a line, and who knows? You might just land the catch of a lifetime. Spots fill up fast during ice fishing season, so don't wait – book your trip with Johnny Boy Charters today and get ready for some hard-water fun!

Learn more about the animals

American Yellow Perch

American Yellow Perch are a fun catch in Lake Erie, typically running 7-8 inches long. These golden-yellow fish with dark vertical bars love hanging out near structures like weeds and docks. You'll find schools of them in shallower waters, especially in spring. Perch are active year-round, but ice fishing season is prime time to target them. They're a blast to catch on light tackle, and their sweet, flaky white meat makes for excellent eating. Kids especially get a kick out of reeling these in - when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. To increase your odds, try using small jigs tipped with minnows or worms. Perch have small mouths, so keep your bait and hooks on the smaller side. Once you find a hungry school, you might land dozens in a single outing. Just remember to check local regulations on limits.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of the trout world. These sea-run rainbows spend a few years in Lake Erie before returning to tributaries to spawn. They average 5-8 pounds but can top 20. Look for them in faster currents and deeper pools of Erie's streams from fall through spring. Steelhead put up an incredible fight, often leaping clear out of the water. They're a favorite among fly anglers, but can be caught on spinning gear too. For the best action, try drifting egg sacs or swinging flies in colder water. These fish are wary, so light line and stealthy approaches are crucial. One local tip: focus on fishing during low-light periods or on overcast days for better success. While the meat is good eating, most anglers practice catch-and-release to keep the population healthy. Landing a chrome-bright steelhead is an unforgettable experience - they're truly one of Erie's most prized catches.

Walleye

Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These olive-gold predators average 2-3 pounds but can top 10 pounds. They've got sharp teeth and eyes that shine in low light, which is when they feed most actively. You'll find walleye hanging out near underwater structure and drop-offs, typically in 10-30 feet of water. Fall through spring is prime walleye season on Erie, with ice fishing being especially productive. Anglers love targeting walleye for their strong fights and exceptional table fare - there's a reason they're called "pike-perch." To up your chances, try slow-trolling with nightcrawler harnesses or jigging with minnows near the bottom. One local trick: on sunny days, look for walleye in slightly deeper water than usual. They'll often move to escape the bright light. Patience is key with walleye, but when you find them, the reward is well worth the wait.

About the Hewes Craft

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Evinrude

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for some wintertime fun on Lake Erie? Bundle up and join Captain Johnny for an awesome 4-hour ice fishing trip. You'll be dropping lines for walleye, perch, and trout while taking in the frosty beauty around you. This laid-back outing is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, including kids, so bring the whole crew along. No need to stress about gear - the captain's got you covered with all the equipment you'll need. Just focus on staying warm and having a blast out on the ice. Whether you're an old pro or trying ice fishing for the first time, you're in for a cool experience. It's a great way to embrace the winter season and make some fun memories with family and friends. So gather your warmest clothes, your sense of adventure, and get ready to reel in some fish on beautiful Lake Erie.

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