Lake Erie Walleye Two Ways – Jigging & Trolling Action! - April 26th, 2025 Lake Erie Fishing Report

This week brought a great mix of classic Lake Erie trolling and a fun shift into hands-on jigging- something we don't do often, but always love when the opportunity arises! While Captain Ben is known for his trolling tactics aboard Net Dreams Fishing Charters, sometimes Lake Erie's walleye remind us that mixing it up is the key to success. And that's exactly what we did.

Early Week Trolling Success

Early in the week, we were dialed in on the best trolling bite we could find near the dumping grounds. The shoreline waters were stained and the inshore marks looked lazy on the Lowrance, so we moved out to cleaner water in 22 feet and put the Bandits to work. We ran what we like to call the "A-Team"—white, chrome, and purple Bandits—and trolled them 40–50 feet back off the big boards. Speeds were a touch faster than usual, running between 1.8–2.2 mph to fire up the scattered fish. It wasn't fast and furious, but with some patience and persistence, we put some solid eaters in the box!

Switching to Jigging

Later in the week, with the trolling bite tapering off, Captain Ben made the call to switch gears- time to bust out the jigging rods! We set up just outside Bolles Harbor, tossed the drift socks, and handed out blade baits and hair jigs to a crew of mostly first-time jiggers. With chilly winds cutting across the deck, the crew bundled up, faced the breeze, and got to work learning the rhythm of the jigging game.

The Art of Jigging

There's a real art to jigging for Lake Erie walleye. It's all about tapping bottom, then snapping the blade bait just right to get that vibration in front of a fish's face and trigger a strike. The group caught on quickly, and soon enough, rods were bending and fish were coming over the rail! Hands-on fishing like this gives everyone a chance to truly feel the fight- and the smiles said it all.

Conclusion: Book A Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Charter With Net Dreams

From trolling the deep with our tried-and-true crankbaits to jigging up gold in the shallows, it was a week full of variety, learning, and great fishing. Whether you're a veteran angler or brand new to the game, Lake Erie keeps the adventure fresh every time we hit the water. Book a Lake Erie Fishing Charter today with Net Dreams Fishing!