Lake Erie Duck Hunt with Capt. Kenny Lewis

Ohio Duck Hunts On Lake Erie with Captain Kenny

Lake Erie duck hunting doesn't get much better than what Captain Kenny Lewis delivers. When you're looking for a top-rated waterfowl experience that combines comfort with serious bird action, this is your ticket. Kenny runs his operation out of specialized Duck Water boats ranging from 25 to 32 feet, giving you and up to five buddies plenty of room to work. The morning starts with breakfast to fuel up before heading out to target some of the Great Lakes' best duck species. You'll be hunting waters that see everything from diving ducks to puddle ducks, and Kenny knows exactly where they're working each day of the season.

Inside the Hunt

This isn't your typical marsh hunt – you're working open water on one of the Great Lakes, which means different tactics and bigger water mentality. Kenny's fleet includes 32, 28, and 25-foot Duck Water boats designed specifically for this type of hunting. These aren't bass boats trying to do double duty; they're purpose-built waterfowl platforms that handle Lake Erie's chop while giving you the stability you need when birds are working. The hunt targets multiple species that call these waters home during migration and winter months. You're looking at Redhead, Widgeon, Scaup, Canvasback, Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and both Common and Red-Breasted Merganser. Each species has different flight patterns and preferred areas, so Kenny adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what's moving. The boat setup allows for comfortable hunting even when weather gets nasty, which on Lake Erie can happen fast. Wind direction, wave action, and bird movement all factor into where you'll set up each morning.

Tracking Tips & Terrain

Lake Erie duck hunting is all about reading water conditions and understanding how weather affects bird movement. Kenny uses layout techniques adapted for big water, positioning the boat to take advantage of wind patterns that push birds toward your setup. The boats carry all necessary decoy spreads, but the real skill comes in reading how diving ducks use structure and depth changes. Unlike small water hunting where you might sit in a blind all day, this style keeps you mobile. If birds aren't working one area, Kenny can relocate quickly to find active feeding zones or flight paths. The 32-foot flagship boat handles rough conditions better, while the smaller boats work well on calmer days or in more protected areas. Each boat is equipped with proper concealment and safety gear required for Great Lakes hunting. Weather can change rapidly out there, so Kenny keeps close tabs on conditions and adjusts accordingly. The hunting technique involves a combination of traditional waterfowl calling and boat positioning that takes advantage of Lake Erie's unique geography. You'll learn how diving ducks behave differently than puddle ducks, especially in this open water environment.

Target Game Breakdown

Redhead ducks are one of the premier targets on Lake Erie, and for good reason. These diving ducks show up in good numbers during migration and stick around through winter if ice conditions allow. Redheads dive deep for aquatic vegetation and small mollusks, making them hearty table fare. They fly in tight flocks and commit well to decoy spreads when set up properly. Peak season runs from late October through December, with some of the best action happening during weather fronts.

Canvasback represent the gold standard of diving ducks, and Lake Erie sees decent runs during peak migration. These big, fast-flying ducks are incredibly wary but absolutely worth the effort. They prefer deeper water and often work in smaller groups than other divers. When Cans are moving, usually during November cold fronts, they provide some of the most challenging and rewarding hunting you'll find anywhere. Their size and speed make them impressive birds to work, and they're considered top-tier table fare by serious duck hunters.

Scaup, both Greater and Lesser, make up a huge portion of the diving duck action on Lake Erie. These birds move in large flocks and aren't as picky about decoy setups as some species. They dive constantly for food and create incredible action when flocks are working. Scaup season typically peaks in November and December, with some years producing phenomenal numbers. They're excellent for hunters new to diving duck hunting because they decoy well and provide consistent action.

Goldeneye bring a different dynamic to the hunt with their unique whistling wing beats and aggressive territorial behavior. These hardy ducks stay late into the season and provide action even when other species have moved south. Common Goldeneye are more numerous, but Barrow's occasionally show up to keep things interesting. They're medium-sized ducks that fly fast and low, often surprising hunters with their sudden appearances. Their late-season abundance makes them a customer favorite when other birds have moved on.

Bufflehead are the smallest diving ducks you'll encounter, but they make up for size with personality. These black and white speedsters fly in small groups and have an almost comical appearance on the water. They're surprisingly hardy for their size and stick around well into winter. Bufflehead provide great action for hunters who enjoy the challenge of hitting smaller, faster targets. They're also excellent table fare despite their size.

Both Common and Red-Breasted Merganser round out the species list with their fish-eating habits and distinctive appearance. These saw-billed ducks are built for speed both in flight and underwater pursuit of baitfish. While they're not traditional table fare due to their fish diet, they provide exciting hunting opportunities and are beautiful birds. Mergansers often show up when you're targeting other species, adding variety to the day's hunt.

Book Your Next Tag

Captain Kenny's Lake Erie duck hunts deliver exactly what serious waterfowl hunters want – consistent action, professional guidance, and access to some of Ohio's best duck hunting waters. The combination of specialized boats, diverse species opportunities, and Kenny's local knowledge creates a world-class hunting experience that keeps customers coming back season after season. Whether you're putting together a group hunt with friends or introducing family members to waterfowl