Skip to main content

A man casts a line from a fishing pole into Lake Erie.

Fishing in Erie, PA

Generations of anglers have made Erie County one of the nation's premier freshwater fishing destinations. Known as Steelhead Alley, Erie offers world-class steelhead fishing each fall and winter, outstanding bass fishing throughout the summer and productive ice fishing on Presque Isle Bay when winter arrives. No matter the season, there's always a reason to cast a line in Erie.

Tournament Fishing

Tournament Fishing: Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay provide an ideal setting for year-round fishing tournaments. The region is known for walleye, bass, perch, trout, and steelhead fishing, attracting anglers from across the country. Erie has hosted high-profile events such as the Major League Fishing General Tire Team Series B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup and the B.A.S.S. Nation Northeast Region Championship, as well as tournaments organized by PA BASS Nation, Kayak Anglers, Keystone Bass Buddies, Kings of BASS, and BASS Federation.
Steelhead Fishing

When the weather cools and the leaves turn, steelhead season begins in Lake Erie’s tributaries. Nearly one million juvenile steelhead are stocked annually in Erie (more than anywhere else in the state!), creating one of the best steelhead runs in the United States, peaking in both spring and fall.

Fishing Access Map
Pennsylvania Fish Licensing

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license with a Lake Erie stamp is required of persons age 16 and over to fish in Lake Erie or any of its tributaries. The license must be displayed and provided upon the request of an officer. Learn more about getting a Pennsylvania fishing license here.

Read More

Erie Fishing Report

FishUSA provides regular fishing reports, detailing water conditions and angler reports from Lake Erie, as well as angler maps, weather and wave conditions, and stream fishing information.

FishUSA Fishing Reports

Lake Erie

The warmest, and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, is consistently ranked among the top bass fishing destinations in the United States, and has played host to major national fishing tournaments, including Bassmaster and Major League Fishing. Lake Erie also offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye and perch.

Presque Isle Bay

One of the largest natural bays on the Great Lakes, Presque Isle Bay offers the outstanding bass fishing of Lake Erie in a waterway that's protected from the elements. Popular access points include the Chestnut Street Launch in the City of Erie and Presque Isle Marina in Presque Isle State Park.

Edinboro Lake

This glacial lake offers a public beach, boat launches, a fishing pier, and a diverse fish population. It’s part of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Brood Stock Lake program for musky production, and the trout stream below the dam is reserved for youth 12 and under and anglers with disabilities.

Walnut Creek

Located west of Erie, Walnut Creek is the second largest, and second most popular creek for Steelhead fishing in Pennsylvania. The Walnut Creek Access Area is located at the mouth of the stream, and includes a marina and large paved parking lot, as well as a weigh station and restrooms.

French Creek

One of the most biologically diverse waterways in the eastern U.S., French Creek is a paddler’s favorite and offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge.