** The 15" walleye minimum size limit remains in effect for the entire
season. Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for trout and
salmon on Lake Erie and its tributaries is 2, beginning September 1
through May 15, 2005. The minimum size limit is 12 inches.** Surface temperatures range from 41 to 43 degrees. As water temperatures continue to drop fewer anglers are fishing the
main lake. Winds since Dec. 10 have severely limited main lake
opportunities. When conditions allow walleye can be caught in nearshore
areas by trolling or casting minnow-imitating stickbaits in water less
than 20 feet deep. Rock breakwalls and river mouths from Catawba to
Cleveland will continue to produce trophy walleye occasionally over 10
pounds. Although shore fishing has been spotty at best walleye continue
to be caught by shore anglers casting off breakwalls and piers. Yellow
perch can still be caught by using shiners on perch spreaders or crappie
rigs fished near the bottom within a few miles of most central basin
harbors. Steelhead (December 14, 2004) Most rivers and streams are in moderately poor shape with higher flows
and lower clarity with the last week's showers and now our heavy
snowfall. Most NE Ohio areas have received a foot or more of snow
which may make travel on back roads hazardous. This snow will add to
river flows slowly as it melts (unless we see a quick warm up or more
rain). Smaller tribs and rivers will clear first. Expect fresh fish in
the major rivers and smaller tribs. Active fish can be found from the
beaches to the upper stream reaches. Vermilion River: Fish from the river mouth up to Birmingham. Rocky River: Fish from the Emerald Necklace marina up to the Nature
Center. Cuyahoga River: Fish from the harbor area up past the Rt. 82 dam up to
Edison Dam. Chagrin River: Fish from the soccer fields to Daniels Park. Grand River: Fish from the Fairport pier up to Harpersfield Dam. Don't
neglect Paine and Big creeks. Mill Creek should see fish soon. Arcola Creek: Fish in the estuary pond area and beach. Ashtabula River: Fish from the Walnut Creek breakwall up through Indian
Trails Park. Conneaut Creek: Fish from the harbor up to the State line.
Source: ODNR
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