The Lake Erie Catch - Buckets Charters
Buckets Charters operates out of the resource-rich, eastern basin of Lake Erie, where guests go fishing for walleye, steelhead, smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
Lake Erie Walleye Fishing
Lake Erie is known as the 'Walleye Capital of the World.' Buckets Charters' walleye fishing season begins in May and runs through September. Lake Erie yields walleye of all sizes and year classes. Depending on the year class, walleye typically range from two pounds to more than 10 pounds. Pennsylvania's Lake Erie walleye limit is six walleye per person, 15-inch minimum length. Walleye are the biggest member of the perch family, with females usually bigger than males of the same age. Pennsylvania's state record walleye is more than 17 pounds. A walleye is often considered to have the best tasting meat of any freshwater fish, and consequently is fished recreationally and commercially. Most commercial fisheries for walleye are situated in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes, but there are other locations as well.Lake Erie Steelhead Fishing
Pennyslvania's steelhead (lake-run rainbow trout)There are three distinct seasons for steelhead fishing in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie. The first season is ice-out on Presque Isle Bay, usually the entire month of April. The second season is the latter half of July through September in the offshore deep water of Lake Erie. The third season is between the months of September through November at the tributary mouths as steelhead congregate for their annual spawning run. Steelhead average five to seven pounds, with fish weighing more than 10 pounds caught every year. Pennsylvania stocks an average of one-million steelhead annually, hence coining the title 'Steelhead Alley.' Steelhead are known for their vicious hits and aerial acrobatics when hooked.
Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Fishing
If you're coming from out of town, you might be surprised to learn that Lake Erie offers great smallmouth bass fishing. Buckets Charters offers bass fishing in May only. The limit is one fish that must measure 20 inches. Smallmouth bass average three to five pounds, with Buckets Charters' record being seven pounds, 13 ounces and 22-inches long.Smallmouth bass fishing is gaining popularity as anglers discover the excitement of pursuing these high-jumping, feisty fish. If you're looking for an action-packed fishing charter, this is it. Lake Erie smallies jump, twist and turn, making them the hardest fighting fish in the lake.