SANDUSKY, OH -- Spring walleye fishing on Ohio's big lake is off and running, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Lake Erie charter captains and private boat anglers have been reporting many limit catches when wind and wave conditions are right.
Pro anglers competing in a Port Clinton tournament earlier this month proved that big walleye are still the lake's principle attraction. The winning anglers turned in five walleye totaling 40 pounds, 12 ounces -- a whopping 8.024-pound average per fish. The overall average weight per fish for the three-day event was 7 pounds.
"Lake Erie is one of the top Great Lakes fisheries and undoubtedly the best walleye fishery in the nation," said Sonny Reynolds of Operation Walleye and tournament director.
"We want to dispel any rumors that Lake Erie's walleye population is depleted," said Mike Costello, ODNR's fish management and research supervisor for Lake Erie programs. "The success of this recent tournament and that of other anglers this spring, shows how good the fishing can be on Lake Erie."
"We know that numbers are down from high levels in the late 1980s," Costello added. "That's why Ontario and states bordering Lake Erie are committed to increasing the walleye population through conservative management tactics ensuring it remains the best walleye lake in the country."
Anglers should see a boost in the walleye catch this year as walleyes from an excellent hatch in 1999 (now 14 to 16 inches in length) enter the fishery. These young fish should come off the winter season with large appetites and be feeding heavily from mid- to late May through June.
Anglers will also see plenty of fish from an excellent hatch in 1996, now in the 18- to 22-inch range, as well as many older, trophy-size walleye that remain in the population.
The current state record walleye was caught off Cleveland in November 1999 and weighed 16.19 pounds.
Lake Erie fishing success is tied to clean water in between periods of high winds, which are common across the lake this time of year. Anglers are currently trolling crankbaits, vertically jigging with jigs tipped with minnows, and working worm harnesses tipped with night crawlers. Most walleye catches are in the 18-24-inch range. Most recent catches have been reported on Maumee Bay, from Maumee Bay to the Davis Besse Power Plant, the reef complex off Port Clinton, and between Kelleys Island and Middle Island. Electronic devices are especially helpful in locating fish.
Fishing should continue to improve as temperatures increase. The upcoming weekend forecast calls for temperatures in the 70s with sunny skies and moderate winds.
Anglers should note changes in the walleye bag limit effective this year as part of management efforts to increase the walleye population. The daily bag limit for walleye on Lake Erie and its tributaries is four from March 1 through April 30 and six the reminder of the year.
Despite the low water level trend on Lake Erie, All state fishing access facilities across the lakeshore are open and fully operational. Anglers should follow navigational charts closely. Anglers are reminded to wear a life jacket, use extra caution, and guard against hypothermia during early season fishing.
Anglers can obtain the ODNR Division of Wildlife's Lake Erie fishing report by calling toll-free 1-888-HOOK FISH (1-888-466-5347). The report can be obtained online by visiting www.dnr.state.oh.us
For a free Lake Erie Fishing Guide, call 1-800-WILDLIFE.