Ultimate Fishing Guide to Erie County & Sandusky
Erie County, Ohio, right on the edge of Lake Erie, is a fantastic place for anyone who loves to fish in freshwater. Whether you're an experienced fisher or just looking to relax and drop a line, this area has tons of great spots. And if you're staying at the South Shore Inn in Sandusky, you're in the perfect spot to check out some of the best fishing around.
Known as the "Walleye Capital of the World," Lake Erie offers amazing chances to catch Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and even Steelhead Trout in its smaller rivers. Here's your guide to having a great time fishing!
What Fish You Can Catch and When:
Lake Erie is home to a wonderful variety of fish, and the best time to catch them often depends on the season. Here's a quick guide to some of the most popular catches:
Walleye: These are the kings of Lake Erie!
When to Catch: You can find Walleye year-round, but spring and fall are often the best times. In spring (April), they are in shallower areas like the Sandusky River, Sandusky Bay, and rocky reefs, as they are getting ready to lay their eggs. In summer (July is often peak), they move to deeper, cooler waters, often found more in the eastern parts of the lake, but you can still find them. In fall, they move back to the western part of the lake.
Smallmouth Bass: Known for being strong fighters.
When to Catch: Smallmouth Bass fishing is excellent from May to mid-July, and then again in the fall. They start moving to shallower areas to lay their eggs in May and early June when the water warms up. In summer, they head to slightly deeper, rocky spots.
Yellow Perch: A delicious and fun fish to catch.
When to Catch: Yellow Perch can be caught throughout the warmer months. They lay their eggs from mid-April to early May. Fishing for them really picks up from summer through early fall, especially in nearshore areas.
Channel Catfish: Great for a relaxed evening of fishing.
When to Catch: Channel Catfish are active during the warmer months, especially from late spring through fall. They typically lay their eggs from mid to late June. After this, they become very hungry and active, especially from July through September. They often feed more at night or after a rainstorm.
Steelhead Trout: These are actually rainbow trout that live in Lake Erie and run into rivers to lay their eggs.
When to Catch: Steelhead are primarily caught in the Lake Erie tributary rivers (smaller streams that flow into the lake) from October through April. This is when they move from the big lake into these rivers. You can also catch them in Lake Erie itself from May through September.
Beyond the Shore: Boat Fishing & Charters
If you're looking to go further into Lake Erie, think about launching your own boat or booking a fishing trip with a captain.
Lake Erie (Western Basin): This part of the lake is known as one of the best places in North America to catch Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. The fish generally move from west to east as the summer goes on.
Fishing Charters: For a guided experience and a better chance at catching a lot of fish, consider booking a fishing trip out of Sandusky or nearby Lakeside Marblehead. Many skilled captains specialize in Walleye, Yellow Perch, Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass. Popular choices include Vitamin Sea Fishing Charters, Gun Mafia Charter Trips, and JignPig Guide Service (which focuses on catfish and bass in the harbors).
Important Fishing Information:
- Ohio Fishing License: Before you head out, make sure you have a valid Ohio fishing license. You can buy these online or at many local stores.
ODNR Resources: Keep up with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for the latest fishing rules, limits on how many fish you can keep, and any seasonal changes.
Cold Creek (Castalia State Fish Hatchery): The Castalia State Fish Hatchery raises Rainbow Trout and Steelhead. While it's usually hard to get public access to fish Cold Creek, they do offer fly fishing classes in late summer/early fall. It's worth checking their website for these special chances.
Shore Fishing Hotspots in Sandusky & Erie County:
For those who prefer to fish from solid ground, Erie County boasts numerous accessible and productive shore fishing locations. Many of these spots are conveniently close to the South Shore Inn.
Sandusky Bay: This rich bay is full of fish like Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Perch, and Smallmouth Bass. You'll find many spots to fish from the shore around the bay.
Battery Park (Sandusky): Located at the corner of Meigs and East Water streets, Battery Park has shady green areas, and its boat docks are surrounded by walls that offer great fishing. You can cast from the Meigs Street Pier which goes out into Sandusky Bay, or along the North and East walls of the docks.
Washington Street Pier (Sandusky): This easy-to-get-to, L-shaped walking pier at the east end of East Washington Street gives you great fishing access to Sandusky Bay and nice views of Cedar Point.
Shelby Street Public Boat Launch (Sandusky): While it's a place to launch boats, this spot at West Water and Shelby streets also lets you fish from shore and has a viewing deck overlooking Sandusky Bay.
Sandusky Bay Pavilion: Near Meigs Street Pier, you can fish along its northeast wall here.
Pipe Creek Wildlife Area: This is a man-made marsh with walled-off sections, and the outer walls here offer good places to fish.
Willow Point Wildlife Area (Margaretta Township): A big part of this wildlife area is along Sandusky Bay and can be reached from Wahl Road, giving you chances to fish in its open water and marsh areas.
Bay View Fishing Pier: Found in the village of Bay View, this long pier goes into Sandusky Bay and is a popular public fishing spot.
Nearby Bait and Tackle Shops:
Before you head out, you'll need to stock up on bait and gear! Here are a few reliable spots in and around Sandusky:
Bay View Center and Bait Shop (Bay View): Located at 803 E. Bayview Dr., this shop has all your needs: live bait, tackle, snacks, drinks, and they even sell Ohio Fishing Licenses. It's a convenient stop right in Bay View.
West Marine (Sandusky): At 207 E Water St, this larger store offers a broad inventory of fishing rods, reels, and other fishing equipment. While not a traditional "bait shop" with live bait, they're great for gear.
Hi-Way Bait and Tackle (Lakeside Marblehead): A bit of a drive at 7012 East Harbor Road, but this popular spot is known for being open long hours (1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, year-round) and offering a wide selection of bait and tackle.
Bays Edge Bait and Tackle Shop (Port Clinton): Located at 5359 E. Bayshore Rd in Port Clinton, this shop is known for its wide selection of live bait, trolling equipment, and more, plus fish cleaning services.
Always check their hours before you go, as they can sometimes change!
Your Home Base: South Shore Inn, Sandusky
After a long, fun day of fishing, you'll want a comfortable place to relax and unwind. The South Shore Inn in Sandusky is perfectly located right in the middle of all the action, making it your ideal home base for exploring Erie County's amazing fishing scene.
At South Shore Inn, we understand what makes a fishing trip complete. Not only are we just minutes away from top fishing spots, but we also offer amenities that cater to your needs. Best of all, we have a fantastic outdoor BBQ area where you can fire up the grill and cook all the delicious fish you caught that day! Imagine sharing fresh-caught Walleye or Perch with your family and friends under the evening sky.
Our friendly staff is always ready to help make your stay enjoyable, whether it's giving you directions to the nearest bait shop or simply ensuring you have a comfortable room to rest in before your next big catch. Come experience the convenience and comfort of South Shore Inn, your perfect partner for a memorable fishing adventure in Sandusky!
So grab your fishing gear, get ready for a relaxing day on the water, and prepare to enjoy the amazing fishing that Erie County and the Sandusky area have to offer. Good luck catching some!