Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Observations from 07/14/2025 – 07/20/2025
Here’s our latest Buffalo NY fishing report: I’m starting to sound like a scratched vinyl record—though I wonder how many folks still get that reference? For the past month, my Lake Erie fishing reports have echoed the same tune, and this week of July 14-20, 2025, is no exception. It was another stellar week chasing Lake Erie gold, with fish on the move but still abundant. From family adventures to first-time anglers and seasoned crews, every trip delivered unforgettable moments and plenty of fish for the grill, fryer, or oven. Getting “eye-jacked” from consuming large amounts of walleye meat is definitely a thing. In short – life is good folks.
Days on the water: 6
Who we fished with: friends/clients
Where we fished: Lake Erie
What we caught: walleye, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum
Tactics: bottom bouncing worm harnesses, trolling divers and planer boards with harnesses and spoons; casting finesse baits
Detailed Reporting/Daily Observations
07/14/2025 – A Quick Dose
Fished a half day trip on Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with Matt and his son, in town from IL. Both were excited about catching a family fish fry’s worth of walleye and dragging some crabs for big sheepies and smallmouth bass. We made it happen. Lots of smaller fish so not a lot of pics taken. 
07/15/2025 – Last Minute Luck
Fished Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with Katie, her son, Talon, and her daughter, Paige, in town from PA. I had a last minute cancellation while I was on the water the day prior. Luckily, right after I finished cleaning fish, I got a call. Katie’s family just got into town on a trip to see Niagara Falls and wanted to get some fishing in too. She and her kids were all about fishing and love a catch and cook opportunity. All got they’re limit in a few hours. Fun session. 
07/16/2025 – Back to the Promise Land
Fished Lake Erie for walleyes out of Hanover, NY with Chick, Dave, and Tanner. None of these guys had ever caught a walleye. The lake was dead calm, so I went to the area I fished this past Sunday. Thankfully, the fish were there. We kept it simple, and bottom bounced. The guys did well…we even managed to jig a couple. 
07/17/2025 – Weather Day
SW winds gusting into the 40s kept me off the water. Waves often exceeded 7’ out there. Cancelled my trip.
07/18/2025 – Drum with a Side of Bass
Fished a half day trip on Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with Dale Sr., Dale Jr., and Lennon. The water was heavily stained due to the storm we had the day prior. We tried for walleyes for a little bit but only came up with one. Not wanting to go way offshore to continue that hunt, we converted to drifting crawfish. The drum and an occasional bass were hungry. This picture says it all. 
07/19/2025 – Following the Fish
Fished out of Sturgeon Point for walleyes with new clients, John, Shannon, and Brooks. It was a roller coaster of a session – it started fast and furious, chilled out a bit, and got fast and furious again. We fished the bottom 30’ of the water column using bouncers, inlines, and planer boards – all got bit throughout the day. The team did very well – all taking home their limit. 
07/20/2025 – Waldo Emerson meets Sturgill Simpson
Fished out of Sturgeon Point for walleyes with Owen, Jim, and Jacob. It was a dicey start to the day as a few t-storm cells rolled through the area dumping rain and kicking up waves in their wake. We didn’t get hit directly, but we got a little wet going out. After they passed, the lake laid down nicely and the walleye went on the feed. It was another incredible day chasing Lake Erie gold. 
Seasonal Assessment/General Observations
I’m loving life right now – following walleyes around and staying dialed in on their daily patterns. It’s been immensely educational. In years past, I did far more bass/drum trips throughout the summer as tourists dominated the docket. In more recent years, especially this year, many of my regulars and some new walleye addicts lined up for Lake Erie gold.
There are pros and cons to this approach. The main pro is that I can stay very dialed in on the walleye pattern, thereby enabling high catch rates and little drama. The main con is that I lose sight of what’s going on with my other love, smallmouth bass. That con doesn’t pain me too much considering I spent more than a month and a half targeting them back in the spring AND I will spend another month and a half targeting them this fall. Bottom line – I’m loving how this season is unfolding.
To get tactical about the walleye pattern of late – the water is super-hot right now. Lake Erie’s record warmth made headlines a few times lately. Accordingly, I’m spending more time fishing out of Hanover or Sturgeon Point where getting to the deep/cooler water doesn’t require a 12-mile+ boat ride. Don’t get me wrong, you can still catch fish out of Buffalo, NY, in that mid 40’ depth range where the crowds have been thick for almost a month. However, you’ll have to deal with numerous freshwater drum in the process. If you do fish out of Buffalo and you want to get into a good walleye bite – go way off shore into 60’+ and you should find them…for now.
Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Forecast for 07/21/2025 – 07/27/2025
Forecast Commentary
The forecast for this upcoming week looks kinda dicey here and there. We might finally get some less oppressive temperatures, a little wind, and some rain – at last. Every day looks fishable, so long as you’re willing to brave wind, rain, and the occasional thunderstorm. I, for one, am looking forward to those conditions. These 90 degree days can quickly suck the life out of you.
Fall is Approaching Fast Folks! – My autumn calendar is already heavily booked, but I have a handful of dates available during prime time for trout and bass. If you haven’t booked yet, call ASAP.
Stay healthy my friends – mentally and physically,
Ryan