** The 15" walleye minimum size limit remains in effect for the entire season. From March 1 through April 30 the walleye limit on Lake Erie and its tributaries is 3 fish per day. Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for trout and salmon on Lake Erie and its tributaries is 2 fish through May 15. The trout and salmon minimum size limit is 12 inches.** *2005 Ohio fishing licenses are now available.* With highs in the 10 day forecast all being in the 50's and 60's fishing should really improve in the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers and Lake Erie. Anglers are fishing the Camp Perry firing range reef complex, the Bass Islands area, and nearshore from Toledo to Marblehead (including Maumee Bay and Sandusky Bay). Gale force winds over the past weekend (4/2, 4/3) greatly reduced water clarity in the western basin. Look for transitions between dirty and clear water to find active walleye. During March and April walleye can be caught by jigging on the reefs or by trolling the open water flats around the reefs. Yellow perch have also been caught recently with the Marblehead lighthouse being the most popular spot. Use spreaders with shiners or small jigging spoons to catch big early season perch. Extreme caution is necessary with sub 40 degree surface temperatures. Boaters should dress appropriately and always wear life jackets. Recent surface temperatures have been from the upper 30's to the lower 40's. .Walleye fishing in the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers is improving as more migratory walleye move into the rivers to spawn. Most fish being caught in both rivers are 18 to 22" males with occasional trophy females up to and over 10 pounds. The most popular technique is to Carolina rig a floating jighead tipped with a soft plastic curly tail. The first two weeks of April have historically been the best time to catch walleye in the rivers.
Source: ODNR
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