9/29/26 Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Report — Central Basin out of Lorain
September 29, 2026
Wind, wind, and more NE wind have been the story on the Central Basin of Lake Erie. Heavy northeast wind has kicked up big seas — 10 feet at times, with 3 to 5 feet being the norm over the last week. Those heavy seas have made the Central Basin dirty for the first 10 miles offshore, which means long runs and inactive fish close in. On the days we can get out, it's worth the ride.
Surface water temperature is down to 69.2 degrees, and it's 68.9 degrees 50 feet down in the water column. Skies have been mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with a few rain showers here and there. Air temperature has been in the high 60s to low 70s, making fishing very comfortable on the days we can get out — I even put on a sweatshirt for the first time!
The fishing program hasn't changed at all, same old, same old. Dipsy Divers around 50 feet down in the water column with the shallow-diving Junior Thundersticks — hot colors are Mojo and green speck. On the board lines, 300 feet of 12-lb American wire with big deep Thundersticks — hot colors gold and black, pink and chrome, and Maui. Downriggers running Big Moe's 2.5 square bills, with 54 feet of cable out 15 feet behind the ball, have also taken many fish. Speed at the lure has been 2.2 to 2.5 mph on the Fish Hawk system.
Once the dirty water clears up again, my prediction is the hypoxic water will have flushed out and the walleye will move much closer to shore. There are reports that Lake Erie walleye have already headed back west from Geneva and Ashtabula — meaning gear up, folks: the fall Lake Erie Central Basin bite out of Lorain is setting up to be a great one!
If you’re looking to come walleye fish Lake Erie with us, we have a few days left for the rest of the season, and we’re pre-booking for 2027.
Call (574) 253-8314 to book your Lake Erie walleye charter with Sir Walleye Charters.
Mustad Pro Tips:
- Travel in the direction the wind came from to find the cleanest water.
- On dark days and in dirty water, fish darker colors. Grab quality Mustad hooks and boat tools at the Mustad Fishing website and use code SIRWALLEYE20 at checkout for 20% off the entire site.
- Start looking for fish closer than you think they are — they’ll come closer!
Until Next Time,
Gotta Go, Fish ON 🎣 Get The Net‼️,
Captain Kris
Sir Walleye Charters