**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, the Maumee Bay area, and N of Kelleys
Island. Surface temperatures range from the lower 40's to near 50 degrees.
Over the past weekend (4/17) walleye were caught by jigging the reefs,
Maumee Bay and the Turtle Creek area, and larger females were caught
trolling near the reefs and N of Kelleys Island. Trollers did well in the
area around the "D" can of Camp Perry Firing Range. 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 good between the Marblehead ferry docks and
the lighthouse, between Marblehead and the SE corner of Kelleys Island, off
of the Vermilion River mouth, and within one mile of Lorain. Fish just off
the bottom using perch spreaders tipped with shiners.
Rivers (report as of 4/19/2004)-
Maumee River- 62°, water level is very low. Anglers are still taking good
numbers of walleye using Carolina rigs (floating jig heads with bright
colored twister tails). The best areas are Buttonwood on the Wood County
side and around Blue Grass Island on the Lucas County side. Some white bass
are also being caught. Sandusky River - 64° Anglers are taking only a few walleye using ¼ oz. jigs
with three-inch chartreuse twister tails. Some white bass are also being
caught. Steelhead: Most rivers and streams are coming down but still off-color from the
persistent showers. Active fish are concentrated in the middle to lower
reaches and in the small tributaries; a few last fresh fish are moving into
the lower sections of the rivers. Look for some fish to be in shallow water.
This year's steelhead stockings will commence during the last week of April
and end during the first week of May; please carefully release any smolts
you may catch.
Source: ODNR
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