Erie Tributaries Closed to Fishing April 3, Regular Trout Season Opens April 4
The Erie tributary streams will close to all fishing on Friday, April 3 for stocking. They will reopen on the first day of trout season on Saturday, April 4. The limit for brown/brook trout will be 5 fish with a 9″ size minimum. The limit for steelhead remains at 3 fish with a 15″ limit.
For more information, please see the Regulations page.
PSA Monthly Membership Meeting is Wednesday, April 8
The PA Steelhead Association will be holding their monthly membership meeting Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the American Legion Post #773 4109 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505. This will be the last membership meeting until September 2026. The speaker this month will be Karl Weixlmann. He will be speaking on Fly Fishing in Presque Isle Bay.
This event is open to the public.
PA “Big Bass” Season opens on Lake Erie on April 11
“Big Bass” Season will begin on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay on April 11, 2026 and runs through June 12, 2026. Anglers can keep 1 fish of either bass species and the fish must be at least 20″.
For more information, please see the Regulations page.
The Linesville State Fish Hatchery Open House is Saturday, April 11
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be hosting an open house at the Lineville State Fish Hatchery, 13300 Hartstown Rd. Linesville, PA 16424 on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. Guests will have the chance to see into the process of raising millions of walleye and other species to be stocked all around the state. Take part in viewing the walleye life cycle with live spawning demonstrations, a fish fry, filleting tips, and a 10,000-gallon viewing tank. This is a great opportunity to learn about how PA stocks our local fisheries.
This event is open to the public.
NWPA Chapter of Trout Unlimited General Membership Meeting is Wednesday, April 15
The NWPA Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding their monthly general membership meeting Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Elks Lodge #67 2409 Peninsula Dr. Erie, PA 16506.
This meeting is open to the public.
2026 EPSFA Spring Trout Challenge will be on Sunday, April 19
The Erie, Pennsylvania Sport Fishing Association (EPSFA) is hosting the 2026 Spring Trout Challenge on Sunday, April 19, 2026. This is a one day, trolling fishing derby with a 6 fish limit. Entry fees are $250 with an additional $10 per team to enter the Big Fish competition. Anglers will also have the option to “double down” with an additional $250 to enter this Calcutta. The deadline to register and pay all necessary fees is Midnight on April 17, 2026.
O.C.B.S Monthly Membership Meeting is Thursday, April 23
The Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders monthly membership meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:30 pm at the Emerald Necklace Marina Cafe, 1500 Scenic Park Dr. Lakewood, OH 44107
The speaker this month will be Zak Slagle, a fisheries biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. He will be speaking on a multi‑year research effort to understand how smallmouth bass move in Lake Erie.
This meeting is open to the public.
S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Monthly Membership Meeting is Monday, April 27
The S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie will be holding their monthly membership meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Polish Falcons Club 431 E 3rd St, Erie, PA 16507.
This meeting is open to the public.
NWPA Trout Unlimited Bar Flies Gathering is Tuesday, April 28
The North Western PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be hosting their Bar Flies Gathering Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Six Pack House of Beer 847 Pittsburgh Ave, Erie, PA 16505.
Join the NWPA chapter of Trout Unlimited for an evening of fly tying, food, and drinks! Anglers of all skill levels are welcomed. Whether you’re there to tie flies, swap stories, or just enjoy a drink and some great company, this is a perfect way to connect with fellow NWPA TU members and welcome new faces into our community. Come out, learn something new, and be part of the fun!
This event is open to the public.
Lake Erie Regular Perch Season to open May 1
Perch Fishing is open until April 30, 2026 but anglers must obey a 7″ Minimum size limit and are able to keep up to 30 fish. Lake Erie’s Regular Perch Season opens on May 1 and runs through November 30, 2026. Anglers can still keep up to 30 fish but with no minimum size restrictions.
For more information, please see the Regulations page.
Walleye Season is Closed until May 2
Walleye season will be closed from March 14 – May 2. You may not harvest a walleye during this time. If one is caught it must be released. After May 2, anglers can then keep up to 6 fish measuring at least 15″.
For more information, please see the Regulations page.