There are quite a few fish species in Lake Erie that recreational fisherfolks rarely see. When you're out on the water you never know what might be swimming under or near your boat.

Burbot are very good tasting, but I've never had any. Eelpout are a saltwater species but since they resemble burbot freshwater folks in some locations call burbot eelpout. It's not uncommon, as most fisherfolks know, the same fish species can have numerous local names. I've seen and heard arguments about it but usually just keep my mouth shut. We won't get into the pickerel vs. walleye debate... :-)

Cisco, whitefish, and a host of smaller fish are still found in Lake Erie. They used to be the dominate species. Usually you don't see or hear about them because they stay in the Central and Eastern Basins but they can wander into the Western Basin during the cold or cooler times of year. There are big gizzard shad in the Lake but since they are filter feeders you don't catch them. They also make spring spawning runs up the Maumee and Sandusky rivers alongside the walleye and white bass, but even the river fishfolks don't see them very often.

Lake Erie is a huge Lake with a variety of habitat, and as part of the Great Lakes it gets fish migrations in and out from the upper Lakes.

Also, don't forget about the sturgeon. They are also making a comeback in Lake Erie are in the Western Basin. I know a guy who probably hooked a big one two years ago off Kelleys Island. He hooked and fought a "big fish" for almost an hour, never saw it, he just couldn't get it close to the boat. Eventually he had to try and pull it in and the line broke. He was by himself so he had no help. He though it was probably a huge catfish or carp but the way he described the battle I think it was a large sturgeon.