Best places to fish in Erie

30 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Erie sits on the doorstep of two very different fisheries. Out on Lake Erie and inside Presque Isle Bay, captains troll for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass through the warmer months. But the city is best known for chrome: every fall and into winter, steelhead pour into the tributaries, and Elk Creek and Walnut Creek fill with anglers swinging flies and drifting egg patterns for fresh-run fish. It is one of the densest steelhead runs in the country, driven by hatchery returns and cold rain that pulls fish upstream. Lake charters launch from Erie and the Presque Isle area, while creek guides work the flows on foot or from the bank. Confirm whether you want a lake trip or a stream day, and what gear is provided. The guides and captains below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Erie

A half-day inshore charter in Erie typically runs $400-$700 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

See how Erie ranks nationally in the Fishing Charter Cost Index.

Browse by category

Fishing Charters (10) Public Fishing Spots (9) Fishing Piers (5) Bait & Tackle Shops (3) Fishing Guides (3) Marinas & Boat Ramps (15)

Top-rated fishing in Erie

FAQ

Fishing in Erie - common questions

How much does a fishing charter cost in Erie? +

Erie lake charters run about $400-$700 depending on trip length and party size; guided steelhead trips on the creeks are often priced per person. Confirm the details with the operator.

When is the steelhead run in Erie? +

Steelhead push into Elk Creek, Walnut Creek and other tributaries from fall through winter, with the best fishing following cold rains that raise and cool the flows.

Do I need a fishing license to fish in Erie? +

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a fishing license plus a Lake Erie permit or the combination stamp for the lake and its tributaries. Your guide can point you to where to buy one.

Best places to fish in Erie

Top-rated fishing in Erie

Poor Richard's Bait & Tackle

Walnut Creek Access Area

North East Marina

Small Program Charters - Erie, PA walleye fishing charters

Sun Life Marinas - Perry's Landing

Bass Online Fishing Guides - Erie

East Avenue Boat Ramp

Sun Life Marinas - Bay Harbor

Shades Beach Boat Ramp

Bomber Charters - Lake Erie, PA Walleye Fishing Charters

Lakeside Boat Launch

South Pier

Captain John E. Lampe Marina

The Edward John Fishing and Cruise Charter

Elk Creek Boat Ramp

Findley Lake Marine

Bayle Out Sportfishing

Chestnut Street Boat Ramp

Eaton Reservoir Western Boat Ramp

Rough House Charters - Lake Erie Pa Fishing Charters

12 Mile Charters

Buckets Fishing Shack | Presque Isle Marina Fuel Service

Elk Creek Access

Big Fat Bass Guide Service

XTR Fishing Charters

Lampe Marina Boat Ramp

East Pier

North Pier

West Pier

A&A Fishing Charters

Fishing in Erie - common questions