PUT IN BAY FISHING

Put-in-Bay, Ohio, often referred to as the Walleye Capital of the World, is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts.  Located in the western basin of Lake Erie, it offers exceptional fishing opportunities, especially for species such as smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye.

For those looking to experience top-tier fishing, local Put-in-Bay fishing guides are available. Two highly recommended charters are:

  • Put-in-Bay Charter Fishing Service (Captain Bruce, 419-341-2805)
  • Freshwater Charters (Captain Cliff, 419-635-5631)

Both captains are Coast Guard certified, ensuring a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.  It’s important to book your reservations well in advance, as these services are highly popular and in high demand during the fishing season.

Put-in-Bay Fishing Lodging Choices

For anglers visiting Put-in-Bay, there are a variety of lodging options to suit different needs.

Island Club Home Rentals are a popular choice in April, especially for fishermen who need ample parking for their fishing boats after traveling long distances from places like South Dakota, Nebraska, or Wisconsin.

During the summer, Put-in-Bay offers many great lodging choices.  One standout option is the Commodore Resort, which is the only hotel on the island open during the winter.  This makes it a convenient choice for fishermen who want to stay close to the action year-round.

Whether visiting in the spring or summer, Put-in-Bay has accommodations that cater to fishing enthusiasts.

FISHING LICENSES

Put in Bay fishing

Licenses can be purchased on Put-in-Bay at the Wharfside downtown, the gas station, and at East Point Cottages. Licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Rates for persons age 16 through 65 who have resided in Ohio for the past 6 months:

Resident Fishing License (1 Day) ………………………………………..$14.00

Resident Fishing License (1 Year) ………………………………………..$25.00

Resident Senior Fishing License (1 Year)……………………………… $10.00

The One-Day Fishing License may be exchanged for credit, minus writing fee, towards the purchase of an annual fishing license.

Rates for Nonresidents of Ohio:

Annual Nonresident License …………………………………………. $50.96

1-Day Nonresident Tourist’s License ………………………………… $14.00

3-Day Nonresident Tourist’s License ………………………………… $25.00

A reissued license may be obtained from any license vendor for a fishing license that has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. The cost is $4.00.

FISHING LICENSES

Licenses can be purchased on Put-in-Bay at the Wharfside downtown, the gas station, and at East Point Cottages. Licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Public boat ramps are located downtown next to the Jet Express dock and at South Bass Island State Park.

HELPFUL SITES

For up-to-date fishing reports, lake maps, perch, walleye, trout, and steelhead information and much more visit:

MORE LAKE ERIE CHARTER BOAT CAPTAINS

INTERESTING FISHING LINKS

  • www.walleye.com – The premier walleye fishing resource for the avid fisherman.

GREAT FISHING SITES

If you’re planning a fishing trip to Put-in-Bay, these resources provide valuable information to help make your experience a success:

A comprehensive site for walleye enthusiasts, featuring articles, message boards, chat forums, and details on walleye fishing clubs. It also includes tips specific to Western Lake Erie, making it a must-visit resource for anglers.

  • Great Lakes Angler Magazine

A publication covering fishing throughout the Great Lakes region, including a fishing tournament calendar. Check it out at glangler.com.

  • Ohio Weekly Fishing Reports

Published by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, this site offers weekly fishing reports for Lake Erie and other Ohio waterways from April through September. Visit the page here.

A popular site offering extensive fishing information, including techniques and regional tips for the Ohio Great Lakes.

A dedicated site for serious walleye fishermen, with plenty of advice and resources to up your fishing game.

Perfect for bass anglers, this site is packed with tips and information specifically for fishing in the Great Lakes.

  • Ice Leaders

Focused on ice fishing, this site provides helpful articles, tips, and resources for enthusiasts. Visit iceleaders.com for more details.

Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this site includes fishing regulations, Lake Erie fishing reports, lake maps, and other fish-related resources.

An organization that brings together individuals and groups passionate about sport fishing in the Great Lakes region.

These resources will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make your fishing adventures in Put-in-Bay and the Great Lakes a memorable experience!

WEATHER AND OTHER RESOURCES

Staying informed about weather conditions is essential for a successful and safe fishing trip. Here are some reliable resources for weather updates and marine forecasts in the Put-in-Bay area:

This site provides real-time data on wind direction, wind speed, gusts, atmospheric pressure, air temperature, and continuous wind conditions from the Lake Erie buoy nearest to South Bass Island.

Access the Lake Erie nearshore marine forecast from the National Weather Service in Cleveland. This is a crucial resource for planning your day on the water.

Offering weather updates every 15 minutes, this radar is perfect for monitoring changing conditions near Put-in-Bay.

Using these tools, you can stay prepared and make the most of your fishing adventure on Lake Erie!

Put-in-Bay Ohio Fishing Information

Lake Erie is truly a sport fisherman’s dream. Fishermen from all over the United States test their skills in the fertile waters of Lake Erie. From ice fishing to trophy walleyes to buckets of perch, you’ll find it here in the waters of Put-in-Bay. Find a Put-in-Bay lodging early, as popular April weeks fill fast!

In the spring from early April to late May, schools of walleye are scattered along the reefs around the island. Perch, crappie, rock bass and smallmouth bass can be taken along the Island shoreline. In the summer, catfish are plentiful and the walleye can be found in the deeper waters surrounding the island. The fall finds fish moving back to the shallow waters around the Islands.

Year Round Fishing Information at Put-in-Bay

  • Spring (Early April to Late May): Schools of walleye scatter along the reefs around Put-in-Bay, making it a prime time for walleye fishing. Perch, crappie, rock bass, and smallmouth bass can also be caught along the island’s shoreline.
  • Summer: Catfish are plentiful during the warmer months, while walleye move to the deeper waters surrounding the island, providing great opportunities for anglers with boats.
  • Fall: As the water cools, fish return to the shallow areas around the islands, offering excellent chances to catch a variety of species.
  • Winter Fishing – Ice Fishing at Put-in-Bay

Fishing continues year-round, with the ice around Put-in-Bay transforming into a bustling village of hundreds of ice shanties. Local licensed guides are available to help anglers make the most of this unique experience, offering their expertise and safe navigation through the ice.

Be sure to secure your Put-in-Bay lodging early, especially during popular weeks in April when fishing activity peaks. Whether it’s spring, summer, or winter, Put-in-Bay offers a memorable fishing adventure for every season. 🙂