Lake Conditions
Lake Erie can be beautiful. Its sunsets are considered some of the best in the world, with the sun setting over the lake in the western sky. Drifting for walleye
on a calm July evening as the sun sets over the lake is a memorable experience. Lake Erie has miles of sandy beaches, which is an attraction for many visiting families. Because it is so shallow, the lake can rapidly change from calm to stormy. Lake Erie is unlike any river or inland lake. Anyone who has seen the fury of waves slamming the shore will understand that the force of the lake must be respected. Lake Erie can also fog in very quickly and Sitting in a boat seven miles from shore when the fog suddenly rolls in will make you appreciate every dime you spent on a Loran or GPS system.

Waves are by far the greatest impediment to boaters. Waves at two feet or less, or even one to three feet, are usually not a problem for boats appropriate for Lake Erie. Two to four foot waves can be somewhat unpleasant for boats under 20 feet. Three to five foot waves will make many "landlubbers" seasick, and will make fishing conditions difficult. Waves regularly over four foot are generally too much for most fishing boats on Lake Erie. Likewise, smaller waves with regular whitecaps can also be unpleasant, and often signify deteriorating weather conditions.

Looking at the waves from shore is not necessarily a good indication of conditions off shore. If the wind is blowing from the south, often the lake will be nearly calm at shore. However, the wind is pushing the water and waves off shore. As you boat north, the waves will increase, sometimes significantly, and what started out as a pleasant trip turns into a battering through high waves. There are days when numerous boats leave early for the deep waters in what appears to be calm conditions, only to return a short time later battered by high waves off shore. If you see a number of fishing boats returning to port with pale looking occupants and the wind is blowing from the south, getting a good report on the offshore conditions may save you an unpleasant trip.

Information above from FishUSA.com web site