Bolles Harbor Bandits Deliver – April 17, 2025 Lake Erie Fishing Report

There’s no place quite like Bolles Harbor when it comes to early-season walleye fishing on Lake Erie, and Net Dreams Fishing Charters is perfectly docked right in the heart of the action. Located in Monroe, Michigan, just south of the DTE power plant, Bolles Harbor offers a fantastic mix of protection from the elements and quick access to some of the lake’s most productive waters. Monroe walleye fishing out of Bolles Harbor is undeniably convenient and productive! Whether you're jigging in the calm of the bay or trolling just outside, this area consistently produces results—and April 17th was no exception!

Post-Storm Strategy: Targeting Suspended Fish

After a few days of strong winds turned the lake into what we call “chocolate milk,” we decided to fish straight out from the harbor in 14–16 feet of water. The fish finder lit up with suspended marks, and that was all we needed to see. We got our Bandits in the water—white and chrome with rattles—and not long after, we had our first strike. “FISH ON!” echoed across the deck, and just like that, the morning was off to a great start.

Early Success: 12 Walleye by 8:30 AM

The action stayed steady and we had 12 fish in the cooler by 8:30 AM. Most of the fish were solid males, hanging close to the spawning areas.

Moving Deeper

Looking to upgrade in size, we pushed out deeper into 16–18 feet of water where the bigger females were hanging out. The move paid off. The water cleared up a bit and we started seeing mud lines forming, which helped concentrate the fish and improve our presentation.

Speed Adjustments for Cold Water Bites

With water temperatures holding around 53°F, we had to adjust our speed for the lethargic bites. We trolled at a steady 1.2–1.3 mph into the wind and 1.7–1.8 mph with the wind to keep our lures in the zone.

Final Tally: 18 Walleye by 9:30 AM

The white and chrome Bandits were the clear winners of the day, and by 9:30 AM, we had 18 beautiful walleye in the box.

Post-April 17th Conditions & Adaptations

The pattern held strong for a few more days with consistent catches and fair conditions. However, later in the week we saw a sharp rise in water temps—jumping from 53°F to nearly 61°F overnight. As always, we adjusted the program accordingly, but April 17th reminded us why this time of year on Lake Erie is truly special. Tight lines!

The weather, water conditions, location and program stayed the same for the next couple of days. The water temperature took a spike and went from 53 degrees to almost 61 degrees overnight during the week and we adjusted our program a bit a few days after the 17th.

Book Your Lake Erie Fishing Charter Adventure with Net Dreams!

Lake Erie fishing charters are heating up and the April walleye bite at Bolles Harbor is ON FIRE. Whether you’re chasing trophy females, perfecting your Bandit lure tactics, or simply craving a day of non-stop action, Captain Ben and the Net Dreams Fishing team are here to turn your angling dreams into reality.

With years of expertise navigating Lake Erie’s ever-changing conditions, we specialize in adapting to temperature swings, mud lines, and post-storm chaos to keep you on fish. Our top-of-the-line gear, custom-tuned setups, and relentless focus on safety ensure you’re ready for whatever the lake delivers.

Why wait? The walleye are stacked, prime dates are booking fast, and Bolles Harbor’s spring magic won’t last forever. Secure your spot today and join the anglers who’ve experienced the thrill of 18-walleye mornings aboard the Tiara—Monroe’s go-to charter for Lake Erie success.

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