When the eastern basin finally freezes, anglers who access the lake from Sturgeon Point or Dunkirk know they’re stepping onto something special. This end of Lake Erie is deep, much deeper than the western basin, and that depth is exactly why safe ice is rare, treasured, and worth waiting for. The lake doesn’t lock up here every winter, but when it does, it delivers memorable fishing and an experience that’s hard to explain until you’ve lived it.

Safety is always a consideration on the eastern basin. Experienced anglers are patient and cautious, waiting for a solid stretch of cold weather and consistently thick, clear ice before venturing out. Five to seven inches of good ice is the bare minimum, and many anglers prefer more. A spud bar is as important as a fishing rod, and it’s used often, checking ice thickness every few steps, especially when moving away from shore. Many anglers wear float suits.

Most anglers fish with a partner, wear ice cleats for traction, and rely on flotation suits that provide warmth and an added layer of protection. Ice picks hang around necks, and everyone keeps a respectful distance from others on the ice. Pressure cracks, currents, and areas near points or old structures can change quickly, and local knowledge goes a long way. When something doesn’t feel right, the rule is simple: turn around. The lake will still be there tomorrow.

Once safely set up, the focus shifts from caution to comfort. Staying warm is less about toughness and more about preparation. Anglers dress in layers, starting with moisture-wicking base layers and finishing with wind-blocking outerwear. Insulated boots, wool socks, and pocket hand warmers to keep fingers and toes functional.

Photo courtesy of Xavier Santos Lake Erie gold, winter walleye are biting from 35 to 55 feet deep off Sturgeon Point — anglers need to locate the roving schools.

Gas-powered all-terrain vehicles are a godsend, as are portable shelters that are game-changers. Whether it’s a flip-over sled or a hub-style shanty, blocking the wind makes all the difference. Add a small propane heater with a built-in carbon monoxide detector, and suddenly a brutal winter day feels downright pleasant. Inside the shelter, gloves come off, coffee stays hot, and the lake feels a lot less intimidating.

Below the ice, the eastern basin delivers the real payoff. Yellow perch are the usual stars of the show, often caught using small jigging spoons tipped with emerald shiners or soft plastics. When a school moves through, the action can be steady and exciting, with thick, healthy perch coming topside.

Walleye are another prized catch, especially during low-light periods in the early morning or late afternoon. Jigging swim baits, blade baits, and live minnows set just off bottom are popular choices. Modern electronics help anglers track depth and mark fish moving beneath the ice, turning guessing into strategy.

Several groups of anglers have been going out from Sturgeon Point – the parking lots at the marina are full of trucks and ATV-trailers, most of them accessing the lake with some type of powered people-mover, with a sled of gear towed behind. Some anglers walk out, like Xavier Santos. Two days ago, he set out on quite the adventure. He added, “It’s not very often Lake Erie is ice fishable so you know I had to jump at the opportunity. I set out for my first-ever time on a frozen Lake Erie. Originally, I was supposed to fish with a couple buddies, but life happens and I set off well before sunrise, in the dark with my flashlight, by myself – walking. I walked nearly 3.5 miles to an area where some buddies did well in yesterday. It took about an hour and 45 minutes walking the trail through the jagged ice mountains. I drilled a few holes when I marked fish, and I set up the hut. The fish took some convincing at first, but once I dialed it in, I was able to put 3 walleyes on the ice, plus one jumbo perch. I had hooked 8 walleyes altogether. I believe I had 3 or 4 other perch on briefly as well. Speechless to say the least, what a first time on frozen Lake Erie!” Santos gives a huge shout out to Johnny Rosado and his buddy for the ride back, exclaiming, “You guys saved my legs.” Wow, what an experience. This could make a great movie! Santos adds, “I’d like to start a trail from Dunkirk, where you only need to go out one mile instead of 3-1/2 to find fish.”

Still, not everything is about the bite. There’s something special about standing on a frozen Lake Erie, watching the sun rise over a vast white horizon, hearing the distant pops and groans of shifting ice. Conversations drift between shelters. Someone laughs when a rod tip dances. Flags pop. Stories grow bigger as the day goes on.

That’s the part people miss when they scoff at ice fishing in zero-degree weather. It’s not about enduring the cold, it’s about embracing the moment. It’s quiet, social, and oddly peaceful, with the promise of fresh fish and unforgettable memories.

So yes, the wind howls and the temperature bites. But on the right day, when the eastern basin finally gives anglers safe access from Sturgeon Point or Dunkirk, there’s no place they’d rather be. Because sometimes the coldest adventures turn out to be the warmest ones of all. The sad news coming soon? It’s going to warm up.

Gotta Love the outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

Feb. 10: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12yrs old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Feb. 11: Lyme WNY, monthly meeting, 6-8 p.m., East Seneca Fire Hall, 100 Lein Rd., West Seneca, NY; visit https://www.lymewny.com.

Feb. 13-16: Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science event. Visit Merlin Bird ID online.

Feb. 14: WNY Walleye Fisherman’s Flea Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg; Info: Chris Kempf, 716-400-9258; Jim Plinzke, 716-861-8817.

Feb. 17: Erie County Fish Advisory Board, monthly meeting, Bison City Rod & Gun, 511 Ohio St., Buffalo, 7 p.m., Open to the public.

Feb. 19-22: Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, Niagara Falls. Over 200 seminars. Visit www.niagarafishingexpo.com.