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Top-Rated Lake Erie Private Fishing Charters

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Erie
  • $350 - $600 price range
  • Updated Date: November 21, 2025

Summary

Join Captain Matthew for a focused Lake Erie fishing trip, perfect for pairs looking for a quiet day on the water. You'll be after Walleye, Trout, and Yellow Perch using gear and bait provided by the captain. No need to worry about cleaning your catch - that's taken care of too. The trip is all about giving you a great fishing experience without any hassle. Lake Erie's natural beauty adds to the atmosphere, making for a relaxing yet productive day of angling. Whether you're an experienced fisher or just getting started, Captain Matthew's expertise ensures you'll have the best shot at landing some nice fish. It's a chance to enjoy Lake Erie's abundant fishing grounds with personalized guidance and all the equipment you need.

Top-Rated Lake Erie Private Fishing Charters

Lake Erie Catches

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Two people fishing in Pennsylvania

Awesome Lake Erie Walleye!

Scenic view of Erie, Pennsylvania

Fiery Lake Erie Sunrise!

Angler fishing alone in PA

Massive Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding 3 sauger fish caught in Erie

Stacked Lake Erie Walleye!

Seven anglers enjoying a day of fishing in Erie

Loaded Lake Erie Walleye!

Walleye fish caught while fishing in Erie

Proud Lake Erie Walleye!

Anglers fishing in Erie

Unforgettable Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding a large walleye fish in PA

Sunset Lake Erie Walleye!

Four large fish caught in Erie, Ohio during fishing trip

Epic Lake Erie Walleye Haul!

Two people fishing in Pennsylvania

Awesome Lake Erie Walleye!

Scenic view of Erie, Pennsylvania

Fiery Lake Erie Sunrise!

Angler fishing alone in PA

Massive Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding 3 sauger fish caught in Erie

Stacked Lake Erie Walleye!

Seven anglers enjoying a day of fishing in Erie

Loaded Lake Erie Walleye!

Walleye fish caught while fishing in Erie

Proud Lake Erie Walleye!

Anglers fishing in Erie

Unforgettable Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding a large walleye fish in PA

Sunset Lake Erie Walleye!

Four large fish caught in Erie, Ohio during fishing trip

Epic Lake Erie Walleye Haul!

Two people fishing in Pennsylvania

Awesome Lake Erie Walleye!

Scenic view of Erie, Pennsylvania

Fiery Lake Erie Sunrise!

Angler fishing alone in PA

Massive Lake Erie Walleye!

Angler holding 3 sauger fish caught in Erie

Stacked Lake Erie Walleye!

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Lake Erie's Hottest Fishing Trip: Perch, Trout & Walleye

Hey there, angler! Ready for some of the best fishing Lake Erie has to offer? Hop aboard with Dog's Life Sport Fishing for a day you won't soon forget. We're talking about reeling in monster walleye, battling lake trout, and filling your cooler with tasty yellow perch. Captain Matthew knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailored to give you the ultimate Lake Erie fishing experience.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out on Lake Erie's vast waters, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and there's a chill in the air that tells you the fish are biting. Captain Matthew's got all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and lures that the local fish can't resist. It's just you and your buddy (or your better half) on this private trip, so there's plenty of elbow room to cast and reel. And get this - when you're done hauling in the big ones, the captain will even clean your catch. Talk about service!

Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots

Now, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we might be trolling for walleye, jigging for perch, or working the deeper waters for lake trout. Captain Matthew's always got his finger on the pulse of where the fish are schooling. We might start the day drifting over some underwater structure, letting our lines dance just above the bottom where the perch are hiding. If the walleye are running, we'll break out the planer boards and troll with crankbaits or worm harnesses. And for those trophy lake trout? We'll drop some spoons or cut bait down deep and hold on tight. The captain's got all the tricks up his sleeve to make sure your reel's always singing.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Great trip! Captain Matt and Mate Billy were excellent guides. They knew exactly where to go and were able to keep us busy pulling in fish for both days. They were fun, helpful, and were outstanding at cleaning the fish afterwards. Don't miss a chance to go with these guys!" - Kirk

"My wife and I went on a two day evening trip with Captain Matt and Bill. What a great time!!! These guys put you directly on fish. They have been fishing these waters since they were kids. They were courteous and hilarious. If you're looking for a trip that's gonna produce fish, this is it. We will definitely be booking again in the near future." - Benjamin

"Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene on Lake Erie was an absolute blast! Captain Matt's knowledge of the lake and his dedication to making sure everyone had a great time made for an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day of fishing!" - Sarah

Top Catches This Season

Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, the yellow perch - these little fighters might not be the biggest, but they're some of the tastiest fish you'll ever pull from freshwater. They school up in big numbers, so when you find 'em, it's like hitting the jackpot. They average around 8-12 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into some jumbos pushing 14 inches or more. Perch fishing is hot from late summer through fall, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a cooler full of these golden beauties.

Next, we've got the walleye - the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These toothy predators are known for their fight and their flavor. You'll be targeting fish in the 20-30 inch range, with some real monsters lurking in the depths. Spring and fall are prime time for walleye, but Captain Matthew knows how to find them year-round. When you feel that telltale thump on your line and the rod doubles over, you'll know you're in for a battle.

Last but not least, the lake trout. These deep-water bruisers are the marathoners of the fish world. They'll test your stamina and your gear, often weighing in at 10-20 pounds with some true giants pushing 30+. Lake trout fishing is best in the cooler months, from fall through spring. When you hook into one of these silvery beasts, be prepared for a long, arm-burning fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, it's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. It's about the experience. Captain Matthew isn't just some guy with a boat; he's a local legend who's been fishing these waters since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. He's got the stories, the know-how, and the passion to make every trip memorable. Plus, with a max of 4 guests, you're getting a personalized experience that the big party boats just can't match. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to feel the rush of a big catch, this trip delivers.

And let's not forget about the scenery. Lake Erie might be known as one of the Great Lakes, but until you're out there on the water, watching the sun rise over the horizon or set in a blaze of colors, you don't really get it. It's the kind of natural beauty that makes even the toughest angler pause and take it all in. Throw in the chance of seeing some local wildlife - maybe an eagle soaring overhead or a curious seal popping up to say hello - and you've got yourself a day that's about more than just filling the cooler.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're still reading this, you know you want to get out there. Lake Erie's calling, and Captain Matthew's got a spot on his boat with your name on it. Whether you're looking to introduce your kid to the joys of fishing, impress a date with your angling skills, or just escape the grind for a day, this trip's got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and all that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your lucky hat, pack some snacks, and let's get out there and make some fishing memories. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it. Book now and get ready for a Lake Erie fishing adventure you'll be bragging about for years to come!

Customer Reviews

Fish Frenzy Fun

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Great trip! Captain Matt and Mate Billy were excellent guides. They knew exactly where to go and were able to keep us busy pulling in fish for both days. They were fun, helpful, and were outstanding at cleaning the fish afterwards. Don't miss a chance to go with these guys!

Read More
KW
Kirk Weber

June 9, 2025

Hooked on Hilarity

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My wife and I went on a two day evening trip with Captain Matt and Bill. What a great time!!! These guys put you directly on fish. They have been fishing these waters since they were kids. They were courteous and hilarious. If you’re looking for a trip that’s gonna produce fish, this is it. We will definitely be booking again in the near future.

Read More
BH
Benjamin Hager

August 9, 2025

Quick Catch Success

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Great trip limited out in 2 hours

JR
John rosa

July 19, 2025

Lake Erie Bonanza

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Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew Shopene on Lake Erie was an absolute blast! Captain Matt's knowledge of the lake and his dedication to making sure everyone had a great time made for an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day of fishing!

Read More
SK
Sarah K

April 13, 2023

Reel Excitement

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Highly recommend Dog's Life Sport Fishing with Captain Matthew at the helm! Matt's professionalism and enthusiasm for fishing are unmatched. We had an absolute blast and can't wait to book another trip with them!

GW
George W

August 16, 2023

Fishing Fantastic

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What an outstanding day of fishing with Dog's Life Sport Fishing and Captain Matthew! Matt's expertise and friendly demeanor created a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend booking with them for an unforgettable adventure!

MT
Mark T

June 15, 2023

Angling Adventure

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Captain Matthew and Dog's Life Sport Fishing provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Matt's professionalism and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!

Read More
MT
Matte T

March 16, 2023

Catch of a Lifetime

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An unforgettable day of fishing with Dog's Life Sport Fishing and Captain Matthew! Matt's knowledge of Lake Erie and his commitment to customer satisfaction ensured a memorable trip for everyone on board. Highly recommended!

WM
Wilson M

July 13, 2023

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are a favorite for many Lake Erie anglers. These smaller members of the perch family usually run 7-8 inches and a couple pounds, though the biggest can reach 20 inches. You'll find them in schools near shore, often around weeds, docks, or other structures. Spring is prime time as they move shallow to spawn. Perch are fun to catch on light tackle and taste great too. They're not picky eaters - live bait like minnows or worms work well. For artificial lures, small jigs and spinners do the trick. One local tip: if you find a school, stick with it. Where there's one perch, there's often dozens more. The fight isn't huge, but reeling in a stringer full of these tasty fish is always satisfying.

American Yellow Perch

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the giants of the char family, with 15-20 pounders common in Erie. These cold-water fish spend most of their time deep - we're talking 50-100 feet or more in summer. They prefer temps under 55°F, so spring and fall are best for shallower action. Lakers are slow-growing but long-lived, so a trophy catch could be 20+ years old. Jigging is the go-to tactic, using heavy spoons or soft plastics to reach the depths. The key is finding the right structure - look for underwater humps or drop-offs. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. Lake trout fight hard and use their size to their advantage. Anglers prize them for both the challenge and their rich, oily meat. Here's a local secret: right after ice-out, you can sometimes find lakers in less than 30 feet of water. It's a short window, but the fishing can be red hot.

Lake Trout

Walleye

Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Erie fishing. These sleek predators average 2-3 pounds but can top 10 pounds. Look for them along underwater structures like rock piles and weed edges, typically in 10-30 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk thanks to light-sensitive eyes that give them an edge in low visibility. Spring and fall are prime seasons as walleye move shallower. Anglers love walleye for their hard fights and excellent table fare. To boost your odds, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard - walleye have bony mouths. The real challenge is finding them, but once you do, the action can be non-stop. There's nothing like the thrill of battling a big 'eye in Erie's open waters.

Walleye
Dog's Life Sport Fishing

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Hook Big Fish on Lake Erie!

Experience the thrill of angling adventure with Dog's Life Sport Fishing, your premier choice for unforgettable fishing excursions on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. Led by Captain Matthew Shopene, Dog's Life Sport Fishing offers anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to reel in trophy catches while soaking in the scenic beauty of Lake Erie's pristine waters. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and a passion for angling, Dog's Life Sport Fishing promises an unforgettable day on the water filled with excitement, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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