**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.**Walleye
Anglers are fishing for walleye on the reef complex north of Camp Perry, the
Bass Islands area, around Marblehead and in the Maumee Bay/Turtle Island
area. Water temperatures are in the upper 30's to lower 40's and water
clarities range from less than one foot around Catawba to over three feet in
some areas around the reef complex. Over the past weekend (4/3) limits of
male walleye were caught by jigging the reefs and larger females were caught
trolling near the reefs. ODNR walleye sampling on the reefs last week
produced many male walleye and a few females. As the water warms expect
more walleye to move into the reef complex area. Popular spring techniques
include jigging shallow reef areas with shiner-tipped jigs or trolling
crankbaits in open water surrounding the reefs. When fishing the reef
complex be aware that ODNR sampling will be taking place throughout the
spring. Nets are clearly marked with yellow flags and floats. Please stay
clear of areas with nets. Yellow Perch
Yellow perch fishing has been very good near the Marblehead lighthouse and
near Vermilion. Fish just off the bottom using perch spreaders tipped with
shiners for best results. Rivers (report as of 4/5/2004)- Maumee River- 44°, water is clear, level is low. Anglers are taking fair to
good numbers of mostly male walleye (approx. 17"-22"). Anglers are using
floating jig heads jigs with chartreuse, fluorescent or white twister tails.
The best area is from Ft. Meigs through Buttonwood on the Wood County side.
Outlook should improve with warmer temperatures. Sandusky River - 44°, water is cloudy, level is normal. Anglers are taking
fair numbers of mostly male walleye (16"-20"). Anglers are using jig heads
with bright colored twister tails. The best area is between State Street
and Hayes Avenue. Outlook should improve with warmer temperatures. Steelhead: This is peak time to fish the Lake Erie tributaries for steelhead. As of
4/5/04 the main tributaries were still high with above average flows, but
are quickly improving. 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. Rocky River:
Fish from the Emerald Necklace marina up past the Nature Center.
Cuyahoga River: Fish from the Rt. 82 dam up through the CVNRA.
Chagrin River: Fish from the soccer fields to North Chagrin Reservation
and also Eastlake CEI.
Grand River: Fish from the Fairport pier up to Harpersfield Dam.
Also try Big, Kellogg, and Paine creeks.
Arcola Creek: Fish in the estuary pond area. Also try Cowles and
Wheeler creeks.
Ashtabula River: Fish the harbor up through Indian Trails Park.
Conneaut Creek: Fish the harbor up through the PA line.
Vermilion River: Fish from the boat ramp up past the Rt. 2 bridge to
Kipton and Wakeman dams.
Source: ODNR
|