Lake Erie Fishing Report: April 25, 2002 Western Basin: Lake Erie water temperature is 50* F off Toledo and 45* F off Cleveland. High winds are expected across Lake Erie the next few days, which may hamper fishing activity. However, fishing continues to be fabulous when wind and wave conditions are favorable. Anglers are catching walleyes in the 16- to 18-inch range with some larger fish and some limit catches reported. Some anglers are vertical jigging using leadhead jigs tipped with minnows and blade baits while others are using trolling methods. Trollers are taking the largest fish. The prime locations have been Maumee Bay, Sandusky Bay, off Davis Besse, near Middle Island, and Western Basin reefs. However, many female walleyes have now spawned and are moving away from reefs. The legal bag limit for walleyes for Lake Erie and its tributaries is four per angler per day during March and April. The spring perch action is also underway and is excellent. The hot spots are off the Marblehead Peninsula, especially off the Marblehead Lighthouse, with large perch in the in the 9- to 13-inch range being taken. The yellow perch bag limit remains at 30 perch per angler per day. Smallmouth bass anglers are also doing well in the islands areas. The legal limit for smallmouth bass is five fish per angler with a minimum length requirement of 12 inches. Western Basin Walleye Streams: The Maumee River is 56* F and the water level is normal and muddy. The timing is right for anglers to catch a mixed bag of both walleyes and white bass on the Maumee. Anglers are taking an occasional walleye in the 16- to 22-inch range using 1/8-1/4 ounce jigs in chartreuse, florescent orange, and pink. Best area is from Fort Meigs upstream through the 475 Bridge. Anglers are also taking good numbers of white bass using shiners below bobbers. The Sandusky River is 56* F and the water is high and muddy, but receding. The walleye fishery is waning but the number of white bass being caught is increasing. Further updates on both Maumee and Sandusky rivers walleye fishing can also be obtained by visiting the Division of Wildlife website at www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/fishing and click on Fishing Reports. Central Basin Steelhead Streams: Peak runs are winding down, but some big fish in the 10- to 15-pound range are being landed when stream conditions are right. Streams have come down from recent high flows and are generally moderate and stained. Streams like Mill, Arcola, and Paine creeks are relatively clear, but rain or snow may muddy conditions locally. Fish can be found throughout the main rivers and tributaries, but will be concentrated in the lower portions of the creeks as they get ready to migrate back out to the lake. Stream steelhead anglers use spawn bags, jigs & maggots, minnows, or flies such as woolly buggers, weighted nymphs, egg patterns and streamers that imitate shiners. Anglers should note the bag limit change to two steelhead trout and salmon in the aggregate on March 1st, that will become valid from September 1st through May 15. Anglers should note that landowner permission is required to fish on private property.
Source: ODNR
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