The Mile Long Pier
The end of North Main Street, Lorain

While it might not actually measure out to a mile long, this pier is a great place for spring fishing, lake views and lighthouse photo ops. Try casting near the rocks if you’re trying to catch bass, suggests Sutton.

City of Lorain Public Boat Ramp
First Street at Oberlin Avenue, Lorain

Also known as Hot Waters by the locals, this boat-launching ramp has plenty of space for shore fishing. Get your supplies on-site at Hot Waters Bait and Tackle.

City of Lorain Public Fishing Pier
First Street at Hamilton Avenue, Lorain

This 25.5-acre pier offers fishing access to both Lake Erie and the Black River. If you’re fishing the river for steelhead, Ohio Sea Grant Specialist David Kelch recommends using spawn bags drifted underneath a bobber or jigs tipped with maggots, night crawlers or minnows. Fly-fishing is another popular method used to catch steelhead.

Mill Hollow Vermilion River Reservation
51211 N. Ridge Road, Vermilion

During spring, the Vermilion River not only abounds with steelhead returning from the lake to spawn, it’s also stocked with additional fish,” says Kelch. “The opportunity for someone to catch a trophy Lake Erie fish here exists in the spring months.”

Lake Erie/Chartered Fishing Trips

My Bonnie Fishing Charter, 440-242-1904, mybonniecharter@gmail.com, fishmybonnie.com

Take advantage of one of Lorain County’s chartered fishing tours. “With a charter boat all of your tackle is provided for you, and you have the knowledge of a captain who is in tune with the local fishing and what’s going on,” says Marc Bottone, captain and owner of My Bonnie Fishing Charter.

The prices range depending on the number of anglers, number of hours and the type of fish you’re fishing. An 8-hour (or fish limit), five-angler trip for perch would cost $300, for example.