**As of May 1 the walleye bag limit returned to 6 fish per angler and the
treble hook restrictions in the bays expired. The 15" walleye minimum size
limit remains in effect for the entire season. From May 1 to June 26
smallmouth bass possession is illegal. Anglers may catch and release
smallmouth, but possession is not permitted.**Walleye
Anglers are fishing for walleye on the reef complex north of Camp Perry, the
Bass Islands area, the Maumee Bay area, and between N. Bass Island and
Kelleys Island south of the Ontario/Ohio border. Surface temperatures are
in the lower 50's. Over the past weekend (5/1) walleye were caught by
jigging the reefs, Maumee Bay and the Turtle Creek area; larger females were
caught trolling near the reefs, N of Kelleys Island and along the border
between Middle Island and Middle Bass Island. 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 5/3/2004)- Maumee River- 52° Anglers are still taking some walleye using floating jig
heads with bright colored twister tails. The best area is from Buttonwood
up to Jerome Road. Anglers are also taking good numbers of white bass. Sandusky River - 54°, water is high & muddy, effort is low. Anglers are
taking a few white bass on minnows under a bobber. Steelhead: Most rivers and streams are high and muddy after rains over the weekend.
Active fish are concentrated in the middle to lower reaches and in the small
tribs; 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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