COLUMBUS, OH - Lake Erie anglers may enjoy an increased bag limit next year for walleye and yellow perch if a proposal by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is approved.
“Due to the success we’ve had in rebuilding Lake Erie’s walleye and yellow perch stocks, we are now able to increase the bag limits for these two popular sportfish,” said Gary Isbell, fish management administrator for the Division of Wildlife. “Over the past several seasons we have set bag limits carefully in order to rebuild populations, and we are now seeing the benefits of that strategy. We will remain cautious with this resource, but feel we can now provide anglers the chance to enjoy the increased fishing opportunities.”
WALLEYE
The division will propose an increase in the daily bag limit on walleye from three to four fish between March 1 and April 30. The existing 15-inch size limit would remain in effect, as would the six-fish limit in place for the remainder of the year. Additionally, a minor modification in the spring use of treble hooks in the Sandusky Bay area will be brought up for consideration.
YELLOW PERCH
Yellow perch anglers will benefit also. Perch numbers, which have been low since the mid-1990s, have rebounded to healthier levels since the bag limit was reduced in 1995. As such, the division will propose an increase from the current 30-fish daily bag limit to 40 fish.
The division will continue to monitor the walleye and perch populations and work with state and provincial partners to insure the continued vitality of the fishery. The proposed changes will be presented to the Ohio Wildlife Council in the fall.