%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F57394%2Fimages%2F1765884147648490003503_2099730720546251_5177084554059496025_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Steelhead Fishing Lake Charters Westfield NY
- Published Date: December 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Erie
- $450 - $650 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F51134ec5-489d-46b2-bc4a-9955ee92a27b%2Fratecard%2F490973886_1215058590619880_8211992453683338297_n-mj8eu8cq.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Steelhead Action Shots
Steelhead Fishing Westfield NY
If you're looking for some serious action on Lake Erie, this 6-hour steelhead fishing trip out of Westfield is exactly what you need. We're talking about a 6:00 AM departure that puts you right in the heart of some of the most consistent steelhead waters on the entire Great Lakes system. Captain and crew handle all the heavy lifting – rods, reels, tackle, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years of working these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip keeps everyone engaged with steady action and fish that'll test your gear. Best part? Everything you catch within regulations comes home with you for some of the freshest meals you'll ever have.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – six hours gives you real time to get into the rhythm of Lake Erie steelhead fishing. We launch early when the water's still calm and the fish are most active. The boat can handle up to 4 guests comfortably, so you're not fighting for rod space or dealing with crowded conditions. Your captain knows exactly where steelhead are staging throughout the June to September season, and we're constantly adjusting our approach based on water temperature, current conditions, and what's been producing. The morning hours are prime time for steelhead activity, and by getting out there at 6:00 AM, you're hitting that sweet spot when these fish are aggressive and feeding. Expect to cover some serious water as we work the most productive zones, and don't be surprised if you're hooked up before you've had your second cup of coffee.
Trolling Tactics That Work
Steelhead fishing on Lake Erie is all about trolling, and there's a real art to doing it right. We run multiple lines at different depths and speeds, using a combination of spoons, plugs, and other proven lures that steelhead can't resist. The captain sets up all the gear and shows you exactly how to work the rods – when to let line out, how to feel for that telltale tap, and most importantly, how to handle these fish once they're on. Steelhead are famous for their long runs and head-shaking fights that'll keep your arms burning and your drag screaming. We use quality tackle that can handle the punishment, but these fish still demand respect. The trolling setup lets us cover water efficiently while keeping baits in the strike zone where steelhead are cruising. Your job is to stay alert, follow the captain's guidance, and be ready when that rod tip starts bouncing.
Top Catches This Season
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Erie fishing, and during steelhead season, you'll often find both species in the same areas. These fish average 2-4 pounds but can push much larger, especially in deeper water. Walleye bite best in low light conditions, which makes those early morning hours perfect for filling the cooler. They're fantastic eating – mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for shore lunch or dinner back home. Rainbow Trout, which is what we call steelhead in their lake phase, are the stars of this show. These fish run anywhere from 5-15 pounds and fight like nothing else in freshwater. They make blistering runs, jump clear out of the water, and test every knot in your tackle. The best action typically happens from late June through August when water temperatures are optimal. American Yellow Perch might seem like small potatoes compared to steelhead, but don't underestimate these scrappy fighters. They school up tight and when you find them, you can fill a bucket fast. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake – sweet, firm meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Lake Trout are the deep-water bruisers that show up when we're working the thermocline. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and provide arm-burning fights in deep water. They prefer cooler temperatures, so early season and deeper trolling passes give you the best shot at connecting with a real monster.
Time to Book Your Spot
Six hours of guided steelhead fishing with all gear included and the chance to keep your catch – that's solid value for serious anglers. The season runs June 1st through September 16th, but the best action typically peaks in July and August when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. Morning trips consistently outproduce afternoon fishing, and that 6:00 AM start time puts you right in the prime window. With space for just 4 anglers, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish properly. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. But honestly, with Lake Erie's reputation for consistent steelhead action and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're looking at one of the most reliable fishing experiences on the Great Lakes. Don't wait until peak season to book – the best dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip that spoils you for everywhere else.
Learn more about the species
American Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are one of the most reliable species on Lake Erie, and they make some of the best eating you'll find. These golden fish with dark vertical bars typically run 6-10 inches, perfect pan-fry size. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you'll usually find dozens more. Spring and fall are prime times when they move into shallower water around weed beds, docks, and rocky areas. Summer finds them in 15-30 feet of water. What guests love is the consistent action - kids especially enjoy catching them since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. The meat is sweet and flaky, rivaling walleye for taste. Here's the key: once you locate a school, drop a small jig tipped with a minnow or worm right back down to the same spot. Keep it simple and you'll fill the cooler fast.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the giants of the deep water, often reaching 15-25 pounds in Lake Erie's coldest sections. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots prefer depths of 60-100 feet during summer, following the thermocline where water stays cold and oxygen-rich. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What makes them special is their size and strength - they're bulldogs that make long, powerful runs. The meat is rich and oily, great for smoking or grilling. Most guests are amazed by their sheer power once hooked. They're not fast, but they're incredibly strong. My go-to technique is vertical jigging with large spoons or jigs that mimic injured baitfish. Keep your bait moving in short, sharp jerks - lake trout can't resist that wounded action, especially in low-light conditions.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout in these waters typically range 12-16 inches and put up a solid scrap with plenty of jumps and runs. They prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water and you'll find them at varying depths depending on temperature - shallow in spring and fall, deeper during summer heat. The pink stripe along their silver sides makes them easy to identify, and they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Spring through early summer offers the most consistent action when they're actively feeding on insects and small baitfish. What anglers enjoy most is their willingness to hit lures and their acrobatic fights. Here's a local trick: when the water warms up, try trolling small spoons just above the thermocline where the water temperature drops - that's where they'll be staging and feeding most actively.
Walleye
Walleye are some of the tastiest fish in Lake Erie, with that sweet, flaky white meat that makes them a favorite at the dinner table. These golden-colored fish typically run 12-18 inches here, though we see plenty in the 2-4 pound range. They've got those distinctive glassy eyes that help them feed in low light, which is why early morning and evening trips produce the best action. You'll find them around rocky structures and drop-offs, usually in 15-25 feet of water during summer. What guests love is the steady bite and great eating - they're not flashy fighters, but they're reliable. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale "tick-tick" on your line, don't set the hook hard. Walleye have soft mouths, so a gentle lift is all you need to keep them pinned.
About the Westfield Charters, Inc.
%2F%2Fusers%2F51134ec5-489d-46b2-bc4a-9955ee92a27b%2Fvehicle_picture%2F487334040_1197795982346141_4628869764502916413_n-mj8dj2ix.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Chrysler
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 225
