West Wind Walleyes In Lake Erie – April 14th, 2025

Lake Erie delivered another wild ride today, and we were right in the middle of the action! With satellite images obscured by heavy cloud cover, it was time to do things the old-school way—read the wind and trust our instincts. Folks always ask, “What weather app do you trust most?” Our answer? “All of them... and they’re still wrong!”

We launched out of Bolles Harbor just after 12:30 PM for an afternoon run. With a stiff south wind and mixed clarity, we pointed the Tiara north in search of prime stained water. That decision proved golden. We found our window and set up just in front of Fermi, pointing on a southward troll and matching our leads to the marks we spotted on the sonar.

Steady Action in Shifting Conditions

Fifteen minutes in—boom! First fish hit the deck, and from that moment on, it was steady action. Each pass brought 3 to 4 walleyes into the net, and we tracked them from 18 feet of water into the 20-foot range as the wind direction and wave dynamics shifted throughout the afternoon.

Trolling Breakdown: Depth, Baits, and Speed

• Depth: 18–22 FOW

• Baits: Bandits 30–50 feet back off big boards

• Speed: 0.9–1.5 mph into the wind, 2.2–2.4 with the wind

• Colors: Chrome (especially purple chrome) when the sun was out, and anything white when clouds rolled in

Weather Challenges and Persistence

Later in the day, the wind really started to rip. For the first time, the bimini top and enclosure began to rattle, a sure sign things were getting sporty! But our crew, made of seasoned vets, wasn’t about to pack it in. With only three fish left to fill our 3-man limit, we pointed the boat into the waves and let the Tiara do big boat things as we kept a sharp eye on the other boats around us, making sure everyone made it safely in.

As swells stacked from both the south and west, the lake got gnarly, but we stuck it out and landed our final fish, number 18 in 22-foot water.

Notable Catches: Trophy Walleyes Highlight the Day

Our biggest walleye of the day went 28.5 inches and tipped the scale at 7.5 pounds, a post-spawn beauty! Earlier this week, another group kicked off their day with a 10.5-pound giant, showing that the big girls are still hanging around and hungry.

Lake Erie’s Prime Season: Big Fish and Bigger Excitement

Lake Erie’s bite overall has been productive, and we’ve been hooking into some of those world-class walleye the lake is known for. Leading up to the 14th, we had a group land the first fish of the day, and it set the scale numbers to an impressive 10.5 lbs!

We’ve had some heavy boxes, and even if the fishing isn’t “lights-out limits in an hour”… or a “don’t have time to crack open a cold one” type of day, the bigger class and quality of fish certainly add excitement and that “WOW” factor to the trip! Now’s a great time to get on the water.

Book Your Lake Erie Fishing Charter Adventure: Experience Net Dreams with Captain Ben

Lake Erie fishing charters are in full swing, and there’s no better time to cast a line into these legendary waters. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleye, exploring the thrill of a big-water battle, or simply soaking in the camaraderie of a day on the lake, Captain Ben and the Net Dreams Fishing team deliver unforgettable experiences tailored to anglers of all levels.

With decades of combined expertise navigating Lake Erie’s dynamic conditions, we pride ourselves on putting you on fish—even when the weather throws curveballs. Our top-tier gear, custom-rigged setups, and relentless focus on safety ensure you’re equipped to tackle whatever the lake serves up.

Why wait? The walleye bite is hot, the big girls are biting, and prime dates are filling fast. Book today to secure your spot and join the ranks of anglers who’ve landed personal bests and created lifelong memories aboard the Tiara.

📞 Call Captain Ben at 734-730-1272 to reserve your Lake Erie fishing charter! Let’s chase trophies, fill the cooler, and make your Net Dreams adventure a reality. Spots are limited—book today and fish tomorrow! 🎣🔥