** 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.**Surface temperatures are in the mid to upper 60's. Western Basin Walleye The best walleye fishing has been near the Canada/US border south of Middle Sister Island, NW of West Sister Island, and near the Turnaround buoy of the Toledo shipping channel. Drifting mayfly rigs and trolling spoons produce the most fish. Walleye hatched in 2003 (ranging in size from 5 to 10 inches) are already being caught. Please handle these sub-legal fish as gently as possible and quickly return them to the water. Yellow Perch Yellow perch fishing has been best between the Marblehead lighthouse and Kelleys Island, on the Kelleys Island airport reef, and around Green Island. Fish just off the bottom using perch spreaders tipped with shiners. Smallmouth Bass The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around the Bass Islands, Kelleys Island and Sandusky Bay. Central Basin Walleye The best walleye fishing has been 4 to 5 miles W of Ashtabula in 50 to 60 feet of water, 8 to 9 miles N-NE of the Chagrin River in 48 to 60 feet of water, and 5 to 6 miles NW of Fairport Harbor in 50 to 60 feet of water. Trolling spoons using divers or downriggers has produced the best catches. Yellow Perch Yellow perch fishing has been best within one mile of Lorain, 3 to 4 miles N of Cleveland in 30 to 40 feet of water, 1 to 2 miles out from Ashtabula to Conneaut in 40 to 50 feet of water, and 2 to 4 miles NW of Fairport in 42 to 52 feet of water. A perch spreader tipped with shiners is the most popular set-up. Smallmouth Bass The best smallmouth bass fishing has been around Ruggles Reef and the shoreline and harbors in 15 to 30 feet of water from Fairport Harbor to Conneaut. Jigs tipped with shiners, tube jigs and crankbaits have been the most productive lures. Steelhead Steelhead have been caught occasionally by walleye anglers trolling spoons from Avon Point east. Target areas with schools of baitfish where walleye are also being caught.
Source: ODNR
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