Anglers Encouraged to Experience Some of the Best Fishing the Great Lakes Have to Offer
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today highlighted the record-breaking fishing season on New York’s Great Lakes. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario provide year-round excitement for anglers of all experience levels and contribute significantly to local economies.
“The New York State waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario provide world-famous recreational fisheries and fishing in 2024 has been exceptional,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Angler reports and DEC data indicate fishing for walleye in Lake Erie and Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario have been outstanding since the beginning of the season. In fact, we may have yet another record-breaking year of fishing on hand, so I encourage all anglers to get on the water and experience the excellent fishing these lakes have to offer.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "New York State is home to some of America's best fisheries, which welcome countless anglers from around the world every year, and Lakes Erie and Ontario are providing exceptionally strong opportunities this season. Any fishing trip can easily become an extended getaway when coupled with unique lodging, dynamic food and craft beverage experiences, and exciting outdoor recreation opportunities, making it so easy to love New York."
Walleye Tom Pritchard - Lake Erie - Photo courtesy of NYS DEC
Lake Erie
In recent years, Lake Erie’s remarkable walleye fishing has been driven by an unprecedented run of hatching success over the past decade. That trend continued into 2024, with June fishing setting a new record based on DEC’s 37-year angler survey.
In addition to record-setting walleye fishing, anglers are having success catching smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and tributary steelhead this year. New York stocks nearly 200,000 steelhead into the Lake Erie tributaries each year; the yellow perch and smallmouth bass fisheries are supported entirely by natural reproduction.
Captain Jim Skoczylas, Vice President of the Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, said, “Right now is some of the greatest opportunities on Lake Erie to catch walleye for the novice and expert angler. We have seen a tremendous number of fish being taken over the past several weeks across the lake due to our strong fishery. As of today, there are multiple year classes of fish being taken and the bite has been very consistent. Whether you are bottom bouncing in Buffalo, pulling boards or dipsey divers, or running riggers in open water, there are plenty of walleye to be had. If you are considering going out for walleye, right now is a great time to put quality time on the water.”
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