Lake Erie charter captains in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York & MichiganNo bookings · No commission · You call the captain
LakeErie.bizCharter captains · book direct
Menu
Find a captain

What are the Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch limits?

Summary only, last verified . The agency's own regulations control. Not legal advice.

Last verified

Short answer It depends on whose waters you fish, and several jurisdictions reset limits each spring. In Ohio, the walleye limit is 6 a day with a 15-inch minimum through February 28, 2027. Ohio's yellow perch limit varies by zone. See the table for every state.

What are the limits right now?

The live table, with each number's period and check date, is on Lake Erie walleye & yellow perch limits. It hides any number whose period has ended or that we haven't re-checked in 13 months.

How do Ohio's perch zones work?

Ohio splits its Lake Erie waters into three yellow perch zones: West (west of 82°30' W), Central (from 82°30' W to 81°20' W) and East (east of 81°20' W). West Zone: 30 a day. Central Zone: 10 a day. East Zone: 20 a day. No one may keep more than 30 perch or 6 walleye in a day, whatever zones they fish. ODNR's zone map

Why do the limits change each spring?

Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario share Lake Erie's walleye and yellow perch harvest. Each year the agencies collect data, biologists model the populations, and the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission sets a total allowable catch, announced in late March. Each state then sets daily limits and minimum sizes to keep its anglers within its share.

Ohio sets its limits in the spring, and new limits can take effect May 1. Pennsylvania sets its limits by April 15 each year; on April 21, 2026 it kept walleye at 6 a day and yellow perch at 30. Michigan updates its Lake Erie and Detroit River walleye limits each May 1.

What about seasons and size limits?

Pennsylvania's Lake Erie walleye season runs January 1 – March 14 and from the first Saturday in May to December 31, with a 15-inch minimum. New York's runs May 1 – March 15, with a 15-inch minimum. Michigan's Lake Erie walleye season is open all year, with a 15-inch minimum. Ontario's Zone 19 walleye season is open all year.

Who has to know the limit on a charter?

Everyone fishing. Captains are expected to follow the rules for the waters they fish, but each angler is responsible for their own catch. When in doubt, ask before you keep a fish.

Questions

What is Ohio's walleye limit on Lake Erie?

6 a day with a 15-inch minimum from May 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027.

What is the yellow perch limit in Ohio?

It depends on the zone. West 30, Central 10, East 20 a day.

Why did the limit change?

Limits follow each year's population assessment and the lake-wide total allowable catch set in late March.

Do Ohio's limits apply if I fished Michigan water?

Ohio's limits apply to anyone fishing Ohio waters or landing at an Ohio port.

Sources