Skip to Main Content

Fishing

Fishing in Erie

Erie County is one of the country’s best destinations for fishing! Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay were both recently recognized by Bassmaster Magazine in the 2024 Best Bass Lakes 2024: Northeastern category. The wide variety of waterways offers 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

GypsyLyn Fishing Charters

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

Add to Trip View Your Trip

Hilltop Hatcheries

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

Add to Trip View Your Trip

Presque Isle State Park

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

Add to Trip View Your Trip

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

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

Two45 Web 400 x 300 px

Two45 Waterfront Grille Now Open!

Savor an exquisite waterfront dining experience at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, where culinary excellence meets panoramic views. This signature restaurant invites you to indulge in a delectable journey with a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and global inspirations while overlooking the serene waters of Lake Erie.

Learn More

five iron golf spotlight 400 x 300

Now Open in Downtown Erie

Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.

Learn More

eced partner listing 400 x 300

Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

Learn More

MCM Guest Rewards 400x300

Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

Learn More

the cove Partner listing 400 x 300

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Set sail for an inspiring dining experience! Enjoy a unique casual dining experience on Erie's Bayfront. The Cove's nautically inspired decor and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay will have you feeling the venturous spirit of those who live their lives on the sea.

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

Tia Book Cellar Spotlight 400 x 300

Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.

Learn More

MIAC spotlight 400 x 300

MIAC Live: Pink Martini

Erie’s favorite globe-trotting “little orchestra,” Pink Martini, brings its 30th anniversary tour to Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale and featuring the captivating vocals of China Forbes, Pink Martini boasts a multilingual repertoire and a sound that mixes classical, tango, samba, pop, swing, and jazz.

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

port farms spotlight ad photo 400 x 300

Fall Harvest at Port Farms

Happy Fall Y’all! Come enjoy the farm during Fall Harvest season September 14 – October 31. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a variety of fall themed activities for every age. With over 25 attractions, our guests create long-lasting memories worth repeating. General admission includes wagon rides, an 8-acre corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, corn box, Kid’s Village, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! Plan a birthday party with a campfire spot! PLUS, enjoy themed events and character visits!

Learn More

Just for fun!

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

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.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

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

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!

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.

Soak in the fun!

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