Michigan Silver Steel and Trolling for Gold - May 15th 2025, Lake Erie Fishing Report
- Ben Heinbokel
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
As we move into the second week of May, Lake Erie fishing conditions continue to improve steadily. Our recent Lake Erie fishing charters have been exceptionally productive, with walleye catches showing promising results across the board.
Current Walleye Size and Conditions
Most walleye catches have been ranging between:
3 to 5 pounds
24 to 27 inches in length
While we've encountered a few smaller males and females in the 2 to 3-pound range, the number of undersized fish remains minimal. The ever-changing weather has kept us on our toes, requiring constant evaluation and thoughtful adjustments to our walleye fishing techniques.
May Weather Challenges and Adaptation
May usually brings more stable weather patterns, but Mother Nature didn't get the memo this year! The conditions have been anything but typical. As your Charter Boat Captain, we're staying ahead of the wind and making the most of every trip with careful planning and adaptability.
Recent Trip Highlights
First-Timers Crushing It
One of this week's highlights involved a group of six who joined us for their first outing of the season—and they absolutely crushed it! From the moment we hit the water, they were:
Fully committed to the chase
Quick to leap into action at the slightest rod bend
Adapting to the surprise northeast wind with ease
The ladies on board were particularly impressive, asking great questions and quickly mastering our trolling techniques for Lake Erie walleye.
Record-Breaking Steelhead Surprise
Another memorable group joined us for their second trip of the season (and they're already planning to join us for Lake Michigan salmon fishing later this summer).
After securing a full 5-man limit—30 walleye in the cooler—we were just starting to break down when something extraordinary happened:
A rod doubled over like it had been hit by a freight train
Line screamed off the reel despite the tight drag
The fish stayed deep, barely showing itself
A flash of silver revealed this wasn't a walleye
Captain Ben jumped into action with the net, and when that fish finally hit the deck? The celebration was heard across the lake! It was a massive 14-pound steelhead—31.5 inches long with an 18-inch girth—a true trophy catch for Lake Erie's Michigan waters.
Current Fishing Conditions & Tactics (Mid-May 2025)
Location Details
Launch Location:Â Bolles Harbor
Depth (FOW): 17–24 feet (adjusting based on fish marks and water clarity)
Water Temperature: Ranging from 59° to 63°F (influenced by recent weather and wind)
What's Working Now
The bite has been steady this week out of Bolles Harbor. We're finding walleye consistently holding in the 17 to 24-foot range, with our spread constantly adjusted based on water clarity and sonar readings.
Effective Baits
We've been running Hangry brand spoons, with color selection making a significant difference:
Clear Water Success:Â Green/white and green/pink patterns have been top producers
Stained/Murky Water:Â Natural tones like orange and gold have been outperforming brighter patterns
Winning Lead Lengths
40–50' leads off the big boards
50–60' leads depending on where fish are showing on the graph
Adjusting lead lengths to match the depth and activity level has been key to staying on the bite. Keep an eye on the wind, adjusting location and presentation based on water clarity has made all the difference in our recent Lake Erie fishing success.
Book Your Lake Erie Fishing Adventure Today!
Want to experience the thrill of walleye fishing on Lake Erie yourself? Whether you're chasing walleye limits or hoping for that surprise trophy steelhead, our experienced team at Net Dreams Fishing is ready to make your fishing dreams come true.
Our spring and summer dates are filling fast! Secure your spot for the 2025 season and join us for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Check out our recent fishing reports to see what's been biting week by week.
Have questions before booking? Visit our FAQ page or contact us directly to learn more about why anglers choose Net Dreams Fishing for their Lake Erie adventures.
Tight lines!