Skip to Main Content

Fishing

Fishing in Erie

Erie County is one of the country’s best destinations for fishing! Lake Erie was recently ranked #3 out of the Top 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade by Bassmaster Magazine. The wide variety of waterways offer diverse game fish species including steelhead, trout, walleye, pike, bluegill, small and largemouth bass, and perch. 

Fishing Charters

Walk to the foot of State Street in Erie’s Bayfront District, and you’ll find a line of fishing charters docked and waiting to take you to the best spots on Lake Erie to hook your next big catch! Charters are suitable for anglers of any level, and sail out onto Lake Erie for group or private excursions. For the best walleye, perch, steelhead, and lake trout fishing charters, GypsyLyn Fishing Charters or Tight Lines Sport Fishing LLC are highly recommended. Most charters operate through October. 

In order to participate in a charter fishing excursion, you must have a Pennsylvania fishing license with a Lake Erie stamp. To learn more, click here

Steelhead fishing

The long-term stocking of steelhead into the Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie tributaries by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has created an attraction for anglers not available elsewhere in the state. Visiting anglers target acrobatic steelhead in the streams during the annual spawning run between October and April, catching these hard-fighting game fish with flies, lures or live bait. For a detailed map of PFBC steelhead fishing stream access, click here.

Lake Erie Fishing Map   NWPA Fishing Report   FishErie.com 

FishingCharter7 9 2019 Gibbens v2

Popular Fishing Locations

  • Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie  (3840 acres) supports a wide variety of fish species. Shoreline access to the water may be obtained from anywhere on Presque Isle State Park. City-side angling access is available at specific public fishing piers and docks. There are three boat ramps at Presque Isle State Park. Check out Misery Bay and Horseshoe pond on Presque Isle State Park for early ice fishing locations.
  • Eaton Reservoir (246 acres) affords ample shoreline fishing opportunities for panfish and pike. Gas powered boats are not permitted.
  • Lake Pleasant (60 acres) is a fragile natural lake that supports stocked trout, plus panfish and bass in the shallows. Shoreline access is limited and only paddle craft are permitted. There is also a boardwalk and floating dock that features the region’s only handicapped accessible kayak launch. The launch is equipped with handrails, a sliding bench and rollers, and is located on the western shore of the lake.
  • Lake LeBoeuf (70 acres) is a natural lake ringed with wetlands resulting in minimal shoreline access for fishing. No horsepower limit; however, the entire lake is “No Wake.” PFBC ramp available for boat anglers seeking bass, musky and crappies.
  • Edinboro Lake (240 acres) hosts boats with unlimited horsepower motors. Species of interest are bass, musky and panfish.
  • French Creek is perfect for canoeing or kayaking, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge. The south branch of French Creek is stocked with trout each spring.
  • Stream Fishing becomes increasingly popular in Erie County with both the fall and spring steelhead runs. Cast a line in places like Elk Creek, Walnut Creek or Crooked Creek in west county, or Sixteen Mile and Twenty Mile Creeks in east county to catch a prize steelhead.

Pennsylvania Fishing License Information

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish. The license must be upon your person and provided upon the request of an officer. A license is also needed to take fish bait or baitfish. Casting and/or retrieving whether by rod, reel and line, or by handline, for oneself or another person, requires a current license unless specifically exempted by law.

Learn more about getting a Pennsylvania fishing license here

Fishing for more? 

Hear from Erie's fishing experts below!

Filter By
649EE52C FFEA 4AAD 93B1 E723014BAE5F

GypsyLyn Fishing Charters

724-316-2529
35 State Street
Erie , PA 16507

Add to Trip View Your Trip
hilltop hatcheries 1

Hilltop Hatcheries

814-664-8560
12150 Route 6
Corry, PA 16407

Add to Trip View Your Trip
Kite Beach June 2022 Gibbens WEB

Presque Isle State Park

814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505

Add to Trip View Your Trip
Tightlines sportfishing custom baits

Tight Lines Sport Fishing LLC

724-880-1283
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, Foot of Port Access Road
Erie, PA 16507

Add to Trip View Your Trip

Partner Spotlight

Farmhouse retreat Spotlight 400 x 300

Farmhouse Retreat

Your “Home Away from Home” short term rental sleeps 8 and is in a great location close to Erie Sports Center, Splash Lagoon, shopping and restaurants, as well as Steelhead Fishing. This restored 1881 Farmhouse is located on 10 private acres. Reminisce about bygone days when life was slower and simpler. With a long driveway and large yard, kick back by the firepit, watch wildlife or enjoy a beautiful Erie sunset from the back patio.

Learn More

Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

Learn More

u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

Learn More

Hamot Spotlight 400 x 300

UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

Learn More

erie events spotlight

Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

Learn More

ASCEND Spotlight 400 x 300 1

ASCEND Erie - Climbing | Fitness | Yoga

NOW OPEN! ASCEND fosters a community-centered climbing, fitness, and yoga experience by serving individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Located in Downtown Erie, ASCEND welcomes Erie visitors to stop in and give climbing a try!

Learn More

The Cork Partner Spotlight 400 x 300 1

The Cork 1794

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Get ready for an experience like no other. An atmosphere where uncommon style, comfort and service seamlessly meld. Where food and beverages are expertly crafted to be beautiful, satisfying and truly special. A place that makes every day feel like a reason to celebrate.

Learn More

Mall Image Spotlight v2

Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

Learn More

814 photo Spotlight 400 x 300

814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

Learn More

mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

Learn More

Poverty Knob for web and app 400 x 300 px

Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales

Stop by Port Farms to check out the newest addition, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales. We offer hand-crafted beers and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages!

Learn More

the cove from the cove site

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

Learn More

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.