Lake Erie Ice Fishing Is In FULL SWING

February 4, 2026 Lake Erie Ice Fishing

          2/4/26   Lake Erie ice has formed better than we have seen since 2015! Most places I have been there are 10 to 14 inches of solid ice. Ice conditions have allowed me to make it 11 miles off shore at the furthest. I am not recommending any unseasoned Erie ice angler try this far off shore.   Pressure ridges are closed tight with the prevailing north winds in the last week.  However make sure to spud the crossings and look for where the ice from the north has shoved under the south sheet. As the winds move to SW over the next few days I would expect cracks to start to open up.   Some pressure ridges have open water in places however I have been able to locate a bottom in all of them and safely cross to today's date 2/4/26

Now for the good stuff: fishing!  The Lake Erie region has been in a very high pressure system with cold temps and prevailing north winds.  The walleye seem to be scattered in very small groups and single marks making it hard to get on fish. Some anglers have been very lucky to get on a small pod of active fish and scratch out a limit.  While others are fishing all day for just a few.  The baits that have been producing the best for me are rapala jigging raps (Bluegill) and rattle spoons tipped with minnows color has not mattered at all for me. I have been targeting 21  FOW and deeper on the flats to get the bites.   Small twitches and light jigging action has been the trick to getting a few to bite.  The quality for walleyes being caught is overall great with most over 18 inches all the way up to 28 inches. 

If you are going out on the Lake Erie ice looking to try your luck at the worlds best walleye fishery be careful and going in groups is always recommended NEVER go alone safety is in numbers on the ice. My disclaimer is No ice is ever “safe”. I am in no way at all saying the ice is good to go. I’m saying that I am personally fishing with family and friends and reporting my findings and opinions. 

Until Next Time, 

Gotta Go, Fish ON 🎣 Get The Net‼️,

Captain Kris