TOPIC:

Would like some thoughts on best times to try western basin Lake Erie, no farther than Port Clinton area.

We have been on a couple June charters, but want to try for ourselves now.

Prefer trolling, but would try jigging as well.

Small boat, so obviously weather is paramount, and know its a total crapshoot on what mother nature has in store at any moments notice. We are flexible, and can cancel last second or pick up and go on a moments notice a lot of times.

Would like to keep relatively close to a launch, not traveling more than a couple miles, as our gas capacity and area knowledge is limited.

So, as an overall average of past experiences, what months and areas might be our best chances for a productive walleye trip? 

Thanks guys for any input.

thegreatlakesfisherman.com/detroit-river-walleye/

I have fished Lake Erie over time. first time out there was 40years ago, maybe alittle longer. Limit was 10 back then. Started fishing out of turtle point area, and fished around the reefs on out to west sister which is 8 miles out.
If I was to go out there early I would have to go out of Huron which is just east of Port Clinton. Great Ramps. Fish are close now in that area and will be towards spring. Fish just outside of the river mouth and can fish close going to the west. You will find larger fish are in that area. Walleye in the 5-8lb range are common.
The cooler shot is a December trip and the other is a January picture. Got a surprise Steelhead first fish on that trip.

A buddy fishes Detroit River each year. So many stories about crowding and conditions, currents, etc. Idk. We are no strangers to river fishing and navigating, but Idk.

Really wanting to troll the big lake as that is what we are set up and hoping for. We are taking everything into consideration.

Appreciate the info guys.

I used to take an annual trip out to South Bass Island. Take the ferry boat out of Catawba. There is a lot of good fishing close to the islands, and they can help block wind. Blow days force you off the lake, but you can still catch smallies in Put In Bay. Lots of rentals and a state park with good camping facilities, and there used to be two free launch sites - one on each end of the island.

Go the 1st or 2nd week of May. Stay at Middle Bass or South Bass Island. The females are done and rested up. No mayflies. Use Ferry for truck and boat. Need to do reservation for lodging a year before. 

Bruce

If you want to get on the jig bite,  you have to go in April.  You can also troll for the big girls then too. But weather can be real troublesome at that time so be prepared to reschedule.  Great jigging is done right out from Turtle creek out to the reefs. You can troll the can line from there too. If you go a little east south of Kelly Island there can be fish there too to troll- launch at Mazuriks. 
I like trolling in mid May..... weather is getting nicer and the crawler harness bite starts.  You can run crawlers and Bandits and see what the fish like.  Last year I pulled limits running Bandits on one side and Flicker Minnows size 11 on the other.  Tons of different colors but Blue Chrome always produces. Good luck out there,  to me, it's paradise.