**As of March 1, 2004 the bag limit for walleye on Ohio waters of Lake Erie
and its tributaries is 3 fish. On May 1 the bag limit will return to 6
walleye. A new 15" minimum size limit for walleye is in place for the
entire season. Single hook restrictions have also been extended to the
mouth of Maumee Bay and Sandusky Bay. See the 2004-2005 Ohio fishing
regulations brochure for a complete listing of all fishing regulations.
2004 licenses are required as of March 1.**Most western basin boat ramps are free of ice. Gale force winds over the
past weekend (3/6, 3/7) limited fishing opportunities. Spring walleye
fishing generally consists of two tactics; jigging shallow reef areas or
trolling open water near reef areas. Try jigging a lead-head jig tipped
with a minnow on the reef complex north of Camp Perry. Trollers usually
pull crankbaits in the upper half of the water column over flats north or
east of the reef complex to catch early season trophies over ten pounds. Rivers (report as of 3/10/2004)- Peak river fishing usually occurs during the last week of March and first
few weeks of April. Maumee River - 41°, water is high & muddy, but the level is dropping.
Anglers are still not able to cross over to Bluegrass Island. Anglers
should check for signs to see if it is safe to cross. Anglers are taking
male walleye (approx. 22") using floating jig heads on a 4' leader with 1/2
oz. weights with chartreuse twister tails. Some limits have been taken. The
best locations are Orleans Park and Buttonwood. Conditions should improve
later this week. Sandusky River - 40°, water is normal. A decent amount of 17"-20" male
walleye are being seen in the river. The catches are slow & steady with
numbers increasing. Most anglers have one or two. Anglers are using
floating jig heads with chartreuse & bright pink twister tails. Conditions
should improve later this week. Steelhead:
The past weekend (3/6, 3/7) produced excellent steelhead fishing in many of
the smaller tributaries. As the water clarity continues to improve fishing
should pick up in the main tributaries. Look for deeper pools to hold
newly arriving steelhead. Spawn sacs, jigs tipped with maggots, and flies
are popular deep pool presentations. In shallower areas with gravel
substrate and high current sucker spawn or brightly colored streamers work
best. Use caution in high current cold water situations.
Source: ODNR
|