Port Clinton, Oh. is centrally located in the western basin of Lake Erie. This area is also known as The Walleye capitol of The World for its incredible Walleye fishing. Some times this area is referred to as "The Islands "as well because of the many islands that are scattered throughout the region. The western basin is thought of as starting at Toledo, Oh. to the west and extending to Kelley's Island in the east off of Marblehead, Oh.

Many places around the U.S. claim to be the Walleye Capital of the World. For example, towns in Minnesota, Michigan, Oregon, and South Dakota all advertise themselves as the best place to catch walleye. However, for those who have experience chasing walleye, and especially those who live in the Midwest, there is no disputing that Lake Erie is the true Walleye Capital of the World. No other body of water can match the numbers and quality of fish that Lake Erie produces.

It is estimated that ninety percent of Lake Erie's Walleyes migrate to the western basin in particular in the spring time. These Walleyes seek out the shallower and warmer waters this time of year to spawn. The western basin is loaded with shallow reefs, shoals and rocky islands making this area ideal spawning habitat for these fish. There are also several major river systems including the Detroit, Maumee and Sandusky that help draw these fish to the region. The western basin is also rich with Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch. It is no wonder that the Port Clinton and the entire western basin area offers world class fishing opportunities !

The 2003 hatch has made for some fantastic Port Clinton walleye fishing over the past many years. Environmental conditions led to unprecedented hatching success in 2003. These annual occurrences add to the population of fish in the lake, but no hatch year was ever close to 2003. That is, until 2018. ODNR Division of Wildlife fisheries biologists reported that the 2018 walleye hatch was second-best on record, just behind the historic 2003 class. This comes after another exceptional hatch occurred in 2015. Walleye hatched in 2018 will reach harvestable size within the next few years, combining with 2015 to continue an amazing era of fishing on Lake Erie.

For those looking to get out and enjoy world-class walleye fishing, just head to the south shore of Lake Erie. Although all those other towns claim to be the Walleye Capital of the World, it is tough to beat Port Clinton, located in the western basin of Lake Erie. Port Clinton is home to a variety of charter boats and headboats that take people out fishing, and it’s clear that the people of this town love their walleye. Every year during the Memorial Day weekend, the town hosts a walleye festival complete with fishing, food, and concerts. On New Years’ Eve, the town comes together and lowers a 20-foot, 600-pound fiberglass walleye named Wylie to welcome the New Year. That’s a serious commitment to this fish!